1. What casual remark does David make in his home that alarms his family? What is their reaction, and why is it so extreme? As David was trying to aid his wound from a splinter, he casually remarked saying that if he had another hand, he would do it himself. Since his family was very religious, this remark offended them. The author is suggesting that when one becomes too extreme about their religious, any saying and be misinterpreted in the wrong way.
2. What is the terrible, but prophetic, dream that David has the night after his remark? Explain the symbolism and meaning of the dream. Also, explain how this dream is foreshadowing.
David dreams that his father will slaughter Sophie because she is a mutant. He sees Sophie begging for help but nobody helps her. The ironic thing is that it in the Christian faith is said that god loves all creatures and everyone is unique in their own way, but yet, these people are the opposite even though they cherish god so much. He dreams that his father slaughters cuts Sophie’s throat. This symbolizes Sophie being an innocent lamb being sacrificed. David’s father may think he is doing the right thing by killing a mutant but he is actually being evil and is going against the moral that everyone is different. This dream is foreshadowing because the gives the reader an indication that Sophie is actually in danger.
Chapter 4 Questions: The Chrysalids
1. In chapter 4, a series of successive crises temporarily relieve David of his concern for Sophie. List these crises.
- David’s gift
- The meeting of the leaders of the fringes
- Teaching Sophie about the world
- The inspector’s views
2. Why does Uncle Axel warn David about his gift?
Uncle Axel warns David because he knows that David’s father would not approve of this gift and may end up killing him.
3. David never asks his father about the Spider Man from the Fringes. Who do you guess he is?