The Chrysalids
Beryl Clarke, Contributor

Today, we return to our discussion of The Chrysalids. I hope that you have found time to read the book. Do remember that each text should be read at least three times. Each time you reread a text, your knowledge and understanding of it will grow.

In our previous lesson on this work, we considered some of the difficulties faced by the telepaths. Now we have another factor to think about - the constant danger posed by Anne's marriage to Alan.

Have you noticed how the writer prepares us for the trouble with Alan? It is he who sees David with his friend Sophie and discovers that she is different - having an extra toe on each foot. He, unlike David, categorises her at once - as a mutant - and reports her to the inspector. One can, therefore, expect a problem to develop if he ever finds out that Anne is a mutant and that there are others like her.

As feared, Alan and Anne do not enjoy a happy marriage, despite Anne's efforts to cut all ties with her fellow telepaths and pretend to be 'normal'. What is definitely worse is that Alan learns not only about his wife, but also the identities of others who possess similar ability. Before he could use his knowledge (no doubt for evil), however, he is killed.

Justification of actions

As you know, Uncle Axel continues to be the only adult in Waknuk who is broadminded enough to sympathise with and assist David and his group. It is he who removes the burden of providing a solution to the problem that Alan poses. At this point, we, as readers, come face to face with a dilemma, as we are to do later when the woman arrives from Zeeland. The question that faces us is whether Uncle Axel's action can be justified. All life is precious so, while we understand why Uncle Axel acts the way he does, we must wonder if another way could not have been found to protect David and his friends. Later, we will deal with the deaths of the people in the Fringes. The immediate effect of Alan's death is the suspicion that falls on the telepaths. Mark you, it is only Anne who believes that they are involved and so, when she commits suicide, and her sister destroys the incriminating letter she leaves behind, all seems to be well. However, things will soon begin to spiral out of control. More on that in a while!

There has been increasing trouble in Waknuk from those who are seen as non-humans. We learn that they exist under extremely difficult circumstances and often raid the settled areas of the country. The 'norms' have organised themselves to protect their lives and possessions, and sometimes capture members of the invading party. The writer is, thereby, able to engineer a meeting of David and his mutant uncle. The occasion underscores the divisiveness that the beliefs of the norms cause.

Bond of hatred

Here are two brothers whose only bond is hatred, hatred that has led to bitterness. David probably saw his uncle Gordon just as any other abnormal person until he learnt of their relationship. Do you think that he would have been very surprised at his father's reaction to the sight of his brother? What are some of the thoughts that you think he had concerning this situation? Why do you think that David is introduced to his uncle before he, himself, escapes to the Fringes?

Now, we have a number of developments that must be considered as they take us swiftly to the climax.

1. Petra's power of communication is recognised as superior to that of the other telepaths. Her brother begins to teach her how to control it. This sets the stage for their eventual rescue, because she can make contact with others of their kind who live very, very far away.

2. Sally and Katherine are suddenly arrested. Even in their time of distress, their concern is for their fellow telepaths. This demonstrates a great difference between them and the norms who seem so very quick to condemn and punish.

This is where we will stop for today. Please pray for peace and try to be considerate of others. God bless!

Tashana Atkinson (fourth left), head girl at Balaclava High, and Rosemarie Morgan (third left), coach of the school's essay team, hold the 2008 Rotary Club of Santa Cruz Trophy, after winning the club's essay competition for the third year in a row. Looking on (from left) are: Vivienne Honeygan, guidance counsellor, Adriana Walker, deputy head girl, Dwight Brooks, head boy, and Delkie Perriel, principal. - Contributed

Beryl Clarke teaches at Glenmuir High School.