T HE C HRYSALIDS J OHN W YNDHAM Themes, Conflict, Setting, Style

T HEMES Nature of Evil: Unpleasant events are caused by evil; humans try to link this intangible concept to a tangible form (Devil). The Devil exists among them but can never prove where or when. Paranoia sets in as people suspect possible manifestations of the Devil (ie. Genetic deviations). Vain effort to locate, contain and combat evil. Ironically, it is this attempt to combat evil that creates evil. Religious devotion allows people to get away with murder, cruelty and discrimination.

T HEMES (C ONT ’ D ) Co-existence of Science & Religion Religion = ultimate deliberate design of the universe. Science = deals with tangible evidence. In the novel, the religion of the characters is in direct contrast with the scientific knowledge of the reader. Loss of scientific knowledge of the people of Waknuk make them oblivious to facts that the reader accepts. This theme suggests: Our own world may be primitive Our religions may be immature If there is a grand design to the universe related to God, we, like Joseph Strorm may have little idea to its true nature.

T HEMES (C ONT ’ D ) Darwinian Evolution as the Essence to the Pattern of Life Life is based on change through evolution; always changing, hopefully improving, leaving behind those who cannot/will not adapt. The “normal” humans in Waknuk cling to their idea that they are the final, perfect form in humanity. The telepaths are superior in their ability to communicate and cooperate. Sealand woman echoes Darwin’s theory when she explains that the normal humans will simply be lost as another step in an ever-changing evolution of humanity and life. Evolution cannot be denied and the chrysalid cannot be stopped in its development to the next stage.

S HORTCOMINGS OF S OCIETY Many critical ideas in the novel are pointed directly at the shortcomings of David’s society and indirectly at ours. People of Waknuk purge anything that is not “normal.” Humanity today has “purged” through genocide, (WWII – 6million Jews exterminated; the divide between India and Pakistan; genocide in 1970 Cambodia and 1994 Rwanda) “freak” shows, “special” hospitals, etc. Hypocrisy – shown to be a universal human condition and the people of Waknuk are no different. Change must take place or disaster is imminent (the Badlands, age of barbarism, the horror of Tribulation, all point to the inherent dangers of nuclear war and the finality of such a war).

C ONFLICT Internal (Man vs. Himself) David vs. Himself Rosalind vs. Herself Emily Strorm vs. Herself The Inspector vs. Himself Anne vs. Herself Uncle Axle vs. Himself

C ONFLICT External (Man vs. Man) David vs. Father David vs. Alan David vs. The Spider Man Joseph Strorm vs. Harriet Joseph Strorm vs. The Inspector Rosalind vs. Sophie The Sealand Woman vs. The Normal Army Man vs. Circumstances/Environment David vs. Society The telepaths vs. Society Harriet vs. Society Joseph Strorm vs. Society Sophie vs. Society Uncle Axle vs. Society Anne vs. Society

C ONFLICT Man vs. The Unknown David vs. God (Christianity) Joseph Strorm vs. God Joseph Strorm vs. Satan Uncle Axle vs. God Sealand Woman vs. Unknown Future

S ETTING Resembles early 18 th century – emphasis on agriculture, little industry. Lives are controlled by rigid morality and religious beliefs – justified by Tribulation. “Old People” = readers of the novel; refers to inventions of our time. Strangely, Old People are held up as ‘normal’ when they were the ones ‘punished’ by Tribulation. Paradoxically, then, Waknuk is a society of the future with a setting in the past. Sealand – escaped Tribulation, advanced beyond our time in both setting and outlook.

S TYLE Novel of plot and theme. Concerned with sociological and psychological issues in a society faced with the effects of post-nucular war. Only the character of David is truly revealed. Most characters fall into groups: Waknuk is held together by its religion. Fringes people are held together by their deviations. David’s group are held together by their telepathic ability. First-person narrative Wins the reader to his side, air of truth to his character, reader is taken into confidence by revealing his deviation. Background of his society is explained through childhood experiences and Uncle Axle’s broad-minded, less prejudiced opinions.