Examples Of Conformism In The Chrysalids By John Wyndham

Ken Liu once said, “In every revolution, there are winners and losers. Every dystopia is a utopia for somebody else. It just depends where you are. Are you in the class that benefits, or are you in the class that’s not?” As stated, utopia and dystopia are subjective ideas, depending on whom it may concern — in “The Chrysalids”, deviation from the norm/true image is deemed as blasphemy and all creatures that differ from these characteristics are alienated, or killed by Waknuk’s townsfolk. However, this concept is not only valid in the novel, but can be applied in real life as well; minority communities who do not conform to the societal norms are outcasted and discriminated, even oppressed. In the novel, the author uses writing techniques such

Thus, in “The Chrysalids”, John Wyndham demonstrates the reality and logic behind extreme conformism, leading to discrimination and persecution through the use of characterization, literary devices as well as emotionally-evocative from the audience.

Throughout the novel, it is clear that Wyndham desires to voice his opinions on conformism through the characterization of various deviant characters such as David, Sophie, Mary, and more. Thus, to convey his message more effectively, this is made clear when analyzing their characters. For example, when Mary had advised David not to tell anyone, nor think about his abnormal dream about the city he had imagined before God had sent Tribulations; where a magnificent city is bordered by the ocean, although he has never seen the sea – it was uncommon for others to imagine such things in their wake or sleep (pg.5). Other examples of protecting other deviations instead of conforming to the societal norms of turning them in would be when David

Therefore, to portray his message more effectively, throughout the storyline, hints of this are presented. Examples of symbolism in “The Chrysalids” include religious symbolism, in Waknuk to represent religious beliefs (i.e. God’s image — pg. 10-16-19). The. As Waknuk’s inhabitants follow a strict, unmerciful doctrine that governs the town, all deviations from this ideology are persecuted without second thoughts. Other examples of literary devices used to convey the author's message are metaphors, which is the concept of the chrysalis itself; as they represent transformations, this can be applied to the character’s journeys in discovering themselves and their deviations, as well as others (either characters or societies outside Waknuk). Irony in The Chrysalids is an important element to consider as well, as he grew up in an extremist conformist household, despite his character contradicting his family’s beliefs. These can all relate to the concept of religious fanaticism/extremism, stemmed by a lack of individuality in society, which would restrict heresy amongst the population. The theme of individuality can be seen through these literary devices as although the irony and metaphorical elements comply with the contradictory theme (unquestioning obedience to societal norms) as