Our Personality from Decisions
The product of condition does not determine our behaviour; the reaction to a circumstance induces it. This statement is evident on Stephen Covey’s quote, “I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.” John Wyndham The Chrysalids characters, Joseph Strorm and Uncle Axel’s contrasting viewpoints show each of their receptions on their surroundings. Their perceptions differ, and their actions and their attitudes too. Individuals’ decision-making is motivated by their surroundings, shaping true personalities and values. By looking at both men, they are complete opposites when it comes to attitudes. David describes his father as a “careful and pious man” (19). Joseph loathes deviants
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Young David has learned a lot and respected his uncle and his father. Uncle Axel had a “gravity the impressed [him] greatly” (31) and was influenced by his nature, making him keep the promise he and the telepath group now share. The image of Uncle Axel in David’s mind is kind, as he described him as “sturdy, and with a seasoned look to him” (29). The nature he shows to David is admirable and influenced David to be open-minded about everything around him. His open-mindedness showed his kindness and understanding. On the contrary, Joseph has indeed been an influence, although he taught David how to fear and how to be just like him. David saw to it that his Father was “demanding” and required immediate information at once. He showed David on how to react whenever encountering deviants, and reporting them. His actions have been greatly influenced by his father, Elias Strorm, a “dominating man, and a man fierce for rectitude” (16). Elias’ belief of the true image was “constantly in his heart” (16), which inspired Joseph to do the same. Between Joseph and Axel, both of them have the same similarity. They both are human, and they are imperfect. They both do not know what are beyond the boundaries of Waknuk, and the boundaries of their minds. They are resistant to change and currently depended on what they believe in. Both have similar insecurities about their world. They both show who they truly are by responding