The Chrysalids

The Chrysalids Introduction to the Author John Wyndham was born in England, on July 10, 1903. When he was growing up, he went to a series of boarding schools because his parents were separated. He then attended an advanced co- educational school until he reached the age of eighteen. After he left school, Wyndham studied farming for a while, then "crammed" to write the examinations for Oxford University. Finally, in 1929, Wyndham picked up a copy of an American magazine called Amazing Stories, and became very interested in science fiction. Not long after that a series of stories under the name of John Beynon began to appear in Amazing Stories, and in another publication called Wonder Stories. He wrote English science fiction stories under the names "John Beynon Harris," "John Beynon," and "Lucas Parkes," as well as John Wyndham. By 1937, he was being called the best living British science fiction writer. Wyndham's work in science fiction is interesting in its emphasis. He does not generally concentrate on amusing the reader with strange inventions of technology from a bewildering future. The settings he employs for the future are logical, identifiable extensions of the world of today. His consuming interest lies in speculation about human nature and human behaviour. This would account for his attention to customs and moral codes displayed in the different societies in his books. Thus, time and again he points out the hypocrisy, bigotry and ignorance which are so often a part of our social life, and he stresses that changing conditions demand new ways, new customs and new codes of conduct. Wyndham died in 1969 but left a speculative fiction legacy. His novels include: The Day of the Triffids (1959); The Kraken Wakes (1953); The Chrysalids (1955); and The Midwich Cuckoos (1957). Several of these were turned into successful movies including the excellent “Village of the Damned” (1960). --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The novel “The Chrysalids” is part of what is commonly named “dystopian fiction”. What does “dystopian” mean? Know of dystopian novels or movies? List five or more: What is a chrysalid? Definition: Draw a chrysalid here Draw what a chrysalid becomes here The Chrysalids - Background, plot, themes, and science fiction Science fiction demands a certain suspension of disbelief on the part of the reader. For example, light-year speed is explained away by the term "space warp" or "warp speed", and the reader accepts this. (Cowboy stories don't explain how to run a ranch either!) But generally, science fiction has a healthy respect for fact. The Chrysalids maintains this respect. It is not at all "way-out" science fiction. There are only two assumptions: (1) that a nuclear holocaust took place that destroyed civilization as we know it (called the “Tribulation” in the novel), and (2) that certain members of Waknuk can communicate through telepathy. Both these factors are at least scientific possibilities. The threat of Tribulation, although we don't call it that, needs no explanation for today's reader. As far as the group's ability to communicate telepathically is concerned, consider the possibility of a not-too distant future where humans have blue-tooth wi-fi chips implanted in their brains… The Chrysalids is a story of the distant future. Most stories of this type fall into one of three categories: 1. total destruction of a civilization 2. total redemption 3. a combination of both ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Nuggets” in Literature and Poetry (AKA “The fruit of the passage picker”) What is a “nugget”? These nuggets are not of gold, but are words. A “nugget” is a valuable phrase, line, or quotation that stands out in a piece of writing. There can be many reasons for the value of these words and phrases. Perhaps it is a revelation about a character or theme. It may be foreshadowing or reveal a twist on past events. It might even be valuable only to you on a personal level because of the beauty of the construction and word choice. For example, the lines, “The best lack all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity,” hold value to me because in my daily interactions I see the truth of these words by W.B. Yeats. I understand them to mean that those who “lack all conviction” are people with a high degree of skill often sell themselves short yet humbly recognize they have much to learn. On the other hand, people “full of passionate intensity” tend to think too highly of their minimal skills. I know plenty of musicians who fall into either category. Your task – In selected chapters of “The Chrysalids”, you will… (A) Find a “nugget”. It can be a few words or a sentence but no more than two whole sentences. Part of the skill here is to take only what is valuable and toss away what is unnecessary to making your point. Include the chapter, the full quotation, and the page number. (B) Briefly explain the situation. No analysis yet! Only minimal facts! (C) Explain your reasons for choosing the nugget. Why does it stand out to you? I am not interesting in what an internet search tells you about a word or phrase. You must give your own reasons for the selections. Example of finding and explaining a “nugget” in “The Chrysalids” by John Wyndham. Follow this format exactly. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 1: “For almost the first time in my life I found myself in charge of a situation which needed a decision. I made it.” (9) Situation: David is playing with Sophie and her foot is trapped. Why I choose this nugget: David is only ten years old and finds himself in a position where he cannot turn to an adult to solve a problem. These lines are significant because they mark a turning point in David’s life where he must take on the responsibilities of an adult. He is maturing from a child to a young man and this thought is a signpost in his life. In fact, it directly relates to the novel’s title as a ‘chrysalid ‘or ‘chrysalis’ indicates transformation. .

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