Analysis Of The Chrysalids By John Wyndham

The Chrysalids, by John Wyndham is a science fiction novel. The novel takes place in a post-apocalyptic world, where the previous generation of people brought upon their own destruction. The new generation of people must deal with the deviations that the destruction of the last generation has created. David, the protagonist discovers that he and many of his friends have ESP, which allows them to communicate with each other through their thoughts. Their ESP is a deviation and in their society deviations go against the norm, so anyone with a deviation is severely punished. Throughout David’s struggle to stay alive, he seeks the guidance of his uncle, Axel rather than his biological father, Joseph. Axel’s approach towards taking care of David completely differs from Joseph’s approach, which is abusive and controlling in

An example of Joseph punishing David is when David wishes for a third hand. David accidentally says that if he had a third hand, simple tasks could be more efficient and Joseph, who is completely against anything that goes against the norm, hears this and enters into a fit of rage. Joseph then verbally abuses David by saying “Now go to your room, and pray. Pray, you wretched boy for a forgiveness you do not deserve” (Wyndham 27) and afterwards whips him. Joseph’s abusive behavior towards David creates a tense relationship between the two. In contrast to Joseph’s abusive behavior, Axel supports David. When Axel hears David speaking out loud to himself, he makes David promise to never do it again in order to protect him, because in their society, even talking out loud to one’s self seems different. Axel’s acceptance and support creates a safe and trusting relationship between David and himself. Under the influence of Joseph, David will be doomed to make the same parenting mistakes as his father, however, under the influence of Axel, David will become accepting and