The Chrysalids

1. The Chrysalids A John Wyndham Novel Presented by: Taryn, Alex, Jonathan

2. Synopsis • From the previous chapter: David, Petra Rosalind held captive in Spider Man’s tent until David was chased out, beaten and lost conscious • Dragged into the forest by Sophie Wender • Learns that she has been living in the Fringes and is in love with the Spider Man. • Due to the banishment, she is infertile and cannot reproduce with the Spider Man • Sophie is jealous of Rosalind due to this and hears about Spider Man’s intention to breed with Rosalind • Sophie decides to help David on his quest and takes him to her home • David contacts Petra and Michael, Michael updates them on the Waknuk troops’ progress • Sophie rescues Petra and Rosalind from the Spider Man’s tent • Chapter concludes with Sophie washing blood off her arms

3. Sophie • Sun-burnt, dark skin, stained clothing • Sharp, acute, meticulous with details • Braver, rebellious, calm, judicious and in control of the situation • Lonely • Defensive and affirmative

4. David and Sophie’s friendship • Aloof and distant • Intimate • Sophie’s first and only true friendship • Treasured friendship but love may hold a bigger weight • The token of friendship was gone

6. Motivation for Helping David • Returning a favor/ sheer friendship • Wants Spider Man to herself

7. Themes I Friendship • May not be pure as there could be other motives • Full of potential, but if not made used of, it will result in pieces • Friendship changes as people change and time takes its toll • Similarities bring friendships together while differences set them apart

8. Themes II Changes • Time and environment are major factors to internal and external changes • Important, keystone, and life-altering events change people’s perception, attitude and habits • People are dynamic and unpredictable

9. Three Character Classic 人之初性本善性相近习相远 Men at birth are naturally good. Their natures are much the same, their habits become widely different. 苟不教性乃迁教之道贵已专 If there is no teaching, the nature will deteriorate. The right way of teaching is to attach the utmost importance in thoroughness.

10. Criticism Irony • The aspect that brings Rosalind and David together is different than Sophie and Gordon—verbal irony • Sophie is seen as absent due to the telepathic conversations that takes place • The Spider Man in the leader of a community of abnormal people, yet he wants Rosalind, who is normal in the sense that she is fertile, instead of Sophie

11. Criticism Point of View • Third person omniscient narrative. Personal opinions and thoughts are explored through telepathy and non-telepathic character opinions/thoughts brought through dialogue Dialogue • Sophie excluded from major dialogues and simple short exchanges are with David • Brain activities in great detail and elaboration • David goes off on a tangent about Rosalind

12. Criticism Conflict • Internal conflict: David, Sophie, Petra • Character vs Character: David and Gordon, Sophie and Gordon, Rosalind and Petra and the guards Climax • Reaches climax at Sophie leaving to help Rosalind Symbolism • The lock of hair

13. Criticism Setting • Hostile environment • Safeguarded yet dangerous • Tense/suspenseful • Sadness, disappointment

14. Critical Thinking • Examine the following poem. What do you think the main theme the poet is trying to convey? How is this relevant to the themes presented in ‘Chrysalids’? Sonnet 29 Edna St. Vincent Millay Pity me not because the light of day At close of day no longer walks the sky; Pity me for beauties passed away From field to thicket as the year goes by; Pity me not the waning of the moon, Nor that the ebbing tide goes out to sea, Nor that a man's desire is hushed so soon, And you no longer look with love on me. This have I known always: Love is no more Than the wide blossom which the wind assails, Than the great tide that treads the shifting shore, Strewing fresh wreckage gathered in the gales: Pity me that the heart is slow to learn When the swift mind beholds at every turn.