The Chrysalids

There are plenty of themes present in the novel Chrysalids, but the one major theme being the prejudice against deviation. The author is saying that when we don't fit in, terrible consequences will arise. Most are judged by appearance, but when David and the others abilities are discovered, they must still hide and appear to fit in. The purity and definition of man is arguably all the Waknuk people care about to be sure there are no deviations present. Sophie, her companions, and any imperfect new borns are perfect examples in stating this. Sophie is not the only one that suffers from her deformity, as her family is in a constant struggle to keep her extra toe a secret from the Waknuk people. “Oh, My poor darling!” she said holding and kissing her. (page 10) Then she added: “He's seen it?” (page 10). This quote entails how careful people in Waknuk are about others discovering secrets about their loved ones. In essence, Sophie's mother was of course concerned for her but also had a strong concern whether or not David found out about her extra toe. “Well, that is the secret, David. Nobody else must know about that. You are the only person who does, except her father and me. Nobody else must know. Nobody at all—not ever.” (page 12) In this quote Sophie's mother can not stress enough how important it is to make sure none of the others find out due to their 'laws' of Waknuk. In the eyes of all the 'normal' people, deviations are abominations and are the creation of the devil. The definition of man and importance of purity are both stressed from a young age, being drilled into their heads not to accept anyone but the people they see as normal. There are various laws in Waknuk to be sure no deviants are present, one of them being that all Frank 2 children are inspected at birth to prove they are in God's image. “If a child doesn't come within it then it isn't human and that means it doesn't have a soul.” (page 65) This quote is explaining how quick