The Chrysalids By John Wyndam

In “The Chrysalids” by John Wyndam, religion plays an important role in the lives of people living in Waknuk, although it is abused and distorted for non-religious purposes. The township of Waknuk has its roots deeply buried in a strict religious system that affects a lot of those who live within it. Compassion and acceptance, which are claimed by some people in this society, do not stop discrimination against individuals because they fail to follow certain patterns as prescribed in religious teachings. This essay will discuss religious interpretation in Waknuk and how much damage it does to people and society. From the perspective of the harmful use of faith like this to undermine individuality, destroy families and communities, and breed

isn’t she? Wyndham 70. This explains how religion functions to keep control and push away nonconformist groups. Indeed, despite claiming faithfulness to their beliefs, the Waknukians discriminate on certain aspects of the religion that prop up their control while ignoring acceptance. Therefore, religion has been depicted as a brutal instrument imposing uniformity upon dissenting individuals within Waknuk, causing judgment and fear among them. In “The Chrysalids," misreading religious teachings not only absolves the mistreatment of minor communities but also leads to violence and disturbances because some people use their faith as a weapon to intimidate others, breeding an atmosphere of fear and hostility. To begin, religion helps people feel good about themselves as they bully those with deviations. Characters rationalize their discrimination against others by resorting to religious beliefs. In one occurrence, Aunt Harriet approaches her sister Emily for help, and Emily says, “In all my life, I have never heard... I think you must be mad, Harriet.” (Wyndham 71). This indicates how religion is distorted by justifying cruelty rather than encouraging compassion and acceptance, which further deepens divisions in