The climax of The Chrysalids
Beryl Clarke, Contributor

The last time we discussed The Chrysalids, we were considering the developments that lead to the story's climax. We have looked at eight points so far and now we will continue.

9. As David's party moves deeper into wild country, they recognise just how much the vegetation has deviated from that which is seen as 'normal' in Waknuk. Petra speaks regularly with her new friend, who is on her way to rescue them because of Petra herself. This lady from Sealand recognises how powerful Petra's telepathic ability is and places great value on it. Do you see the contrast that this creates between the two societies? In one, Petra is unwelcome, taken as a threat. In another, she would, no doubt, be a celebrity as the lady categorises her as 'special'. Michael had earlier said that Petra was to be protected at all cost. He feared that if she is captured, she would reveal the names of all the telepaths. This is not because he thinks that she is disloyal but, seeing that she is very young, the adults who are opposed to them would have little difficulty finding out all they want to know from her.

10. The people who live in the Fringes do so under very poor conditions. This we learn when David and the girls are caught and taken there. David's uncle is the leader there. Through him, as well as the man who took them to the village of the Fringe people, the writer shows us just how cruel Storm and his kind are. We must not, however, lose sight of the fact that some of the mutants are evil, too, driven by hatred and the desire for revenge.

11. David's uncle, Gordon, resolves to keep Petra, his niece, and Rosalind, who is to become his woman. He has David thrown out of the village and threatens him with death if he dares to return. Naturally, David tries, is beaten up and thrown out again. It is at this point that Sophie (remember her?) re-surfaces. When her parents had fled with her from Waknuk, they had been caught. She had been sterilised, in other words, rendered incapable of bearing children and found refuge in the Fringes. She now rescues David.

12. Sophie commits murder in order to take Petra and Rosalind to safety while the men of the village are away fighting. Her grief and rage at the unfairness of life come out when she looks at Rosalind and thinks of the differences between them.

• Rosalind is wearing 'good' clothes; she has on rags.
• Rosalind can bear children; having been mutilated, she cannot.
• Rosalind is loved by David; no one really loves her - she cares for Gordon, but he desires a relationship with one who can bear him children.

13. Michael, like David, Rosalind and Petra are saved. Michael, showing tremendous courage, responsibility and determination, goes back to Waknuk to rescue Rachel while the others are taken to Sealand. It is his intention to join them in Sealand.

Let us pause for a bit here. I believe that you must have been saying to yourselves that those who would welcome the telepaths are good people. So, how does the murder and destruction wreaked by the Sealander strike you? What is the writer telling us? That all human beings are alike? Please discuss this incident thoroughly in your study groups.

14. There is great joy among the telepaths from Waknuk when they arrive in Sealand. It is likely that they had anticipated what life would be like in their new home, but the reality, even before they landed, was overwhelming. Petra's outburst did not only affect her companions, but the population of the city. This clearly informs everyone there that she is special.

You do agree with me, I hope, that this is a very exciting text. It is one from which there is much to be learnt about life and about how we ought to treat each other, despite our differences. We will continue our exploration in the coming weeks. Until our next 'class', God bless and may we all work to build a world in which all will find acceptance!

Sergeant Dameon Johnson from the Fire Prevention Division places a mock fire hydrant on a Waterford High School student's head during a tour at his booth at the ODPEM's annual Earthquake Awareness Week Open day held at Fort Charles, Port Royal recently. - Norman Grindley /Deputy Chief Photographer

Beryl Clarke teaches at Glenmuir High School.