Topic > The Consequences of Discrimination in The Chrysalids

The story clearly depicts the dangers of people believing they are of a superior race or group as it often leads to war. John Wyndham's novel, The Chrysalids, reinforces this idea as it illustrates the danger of people believing that only one race or group is correct. In the novel there are three types of communities that divide people based on their differences. As a result, The Chrysalids is a relevant postmodern text that warns society about the importance of treating others non-discriminatorily by exploring the three divisions of society: Waknuk, Fringes, and Sealand. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay First, it is important to know that the people of Waknuk believe they were created in the “image of God.” People in this community are likely to discriminate against and physically harm those who deviate from this expectation. This is because they have all the necessary things in life and much more thanks to the power they have in society. David was raised in his community to think that everyone should be created in the “image of God” or be banished to the margins to fend for themselves. This is seen when David thinks about the definition of Man in the following way: “'...every leg should have one foot, and every foot five toes, and every toe will end in a flat nail...and every creature that looks like a human being, but he is not formed therefore he is not human. She is neither man nor woman. It is blasphemy against the true Image of God and hateful in the eyes of God.'” It is sad to think that this is what David is taught as it reinforces the idea that anyone even slightly different would be considered abnormal. David's father really cultivates this idea as he is a community leader. In fact, one day, while David was wrapping a bandage around his hand, he absentmindedly wishes for a third hand, which makes his father furious. David senses that the atmosphere changes as the narration says, “silence fell over the whole room like applause”. Hearing his son say this causes David's father to attack him verbally. This illustrates the strong opinions Waknuk have regarding what a human being should look and be, thus creating many concerns for those who do not fit the expected image. In addition to the Waknuk community, it is also important to understand who the Fringes are in the novel as they are the deviations who are hunted down and tormented because they are "different". They are all different due to their genetic mutations. However, they are still people who want the freedom to be themselves. The Fringes are all rejects of Waknuk but feel that there is nothing wrong with them and, therefore, have a strong hatred towards the people of Waknuk as they suffer physical abuse from them. David also feels this way as he thinks back to Sophie, “yet there was nothing wrong with Sophie. She was a normal little girl, although much more sensible and courageous than the others." As David grew up, he was taught that Fringes are scary people and look like monsters. He soon realizes that this is not true, because when he meets Sophie, she looks just like him, but with an extra finger. The people of Fringes are forced to steal from Waknuk because they don't have the necessary items to live. This leads to many conflicts, including some battles. In the story there is a battle and David awaits information to make sure everyone is safe: "...two of the leaders of the Fringes caught in their midst... tales of the had left one expecting creatures with two heads, or fur all over , or half a dozen arms and legs. Instead, at first glance they looked like ordinary men..." This shows that, even if they looked like ordinary men, they were.