Chrysalids+Activities

**The Chrysalids Chapter Questions and Activities**

**Chapter 1** **Questions** 1. Compared to our society, the one David lives in seems to be both familiar and yet unusual. Indicate aspects of this strangeness with reference to: 2. Compare David’s impression of Sophie’s home life to his own. 3. At the bottom of page 13, the //Sunday precepts// click into place for David. Explain what exactly //clicks// into place, and how it all relates to the //Definition of Man//? 4. What is David's society obsessed with, it seems? Are there any similarities with societies existing today? Explain. 5. Go back to the opening couple of pages. After reading the entire chapter, why do you think David says that he had lived a normal life up to the point of meeting Sophie? **Writing Activity**: At the end of Chapter One, David is in a serious dilemma. On the one hand, he believes in the religious teachings he has received, while on the other hand, he cannot accept that having six toes on your feet can be a serious offence. How would you feel if you found yourself in a situation where your beliefs clashed with what you really wanted to do? Would you discard your beliefs? If you feel this has already happened in your life, describe the situation. Your response should be one paragraph.
 * the style of speech and commonly used terms
 * the climate and geography of the immediate area
 * religious references
 * daily life

**Chapter 2** **Questions** 1. In your own words describe how and why grandfather Strorm came to Waknuk. <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">2. Joseph Strorm was a man of local consequence. What does he do, besides farming, that makes him so important? <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">3. There are all kinds of religious slogans on the walls of the rooms in David's house. What do they all deal with? Why is Joseph Strorm so preoccupied with Offences and Deviations. Why is he so afraid of them? Why is he so angry when his neighbours are less strict? What do you think is the cause of all the Offences and Deviations? Why doesn't the author tell you? <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">4.How does the landscape change when one moves south to south-west from Waknuk? What happens to a person who moves all the way into the Badlands? Why would that be so? What is the cause of all this, you think? Why doesn't author tell you? <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">5. Who live in the "Fringes"? Why do they have become a problem lately? What is the government doing about it? <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">6. At the end of this chapter, the author leaves us with several areas of suspense, what are they?

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">**Writing Activity**: **Exaggerations**: For purposes of a good story, writers will often take a certain person's character trait and focus on it, even to the point of exaggeration. In the story, father Strorm is made excessively stern. You are asked to think of someone who has a strong personality trait or eccentricity and write a character sketch of that person. Consider the following: Use a first-person point of view. Explain your relationship to the character. Describe the person you are portraying, explain the person's character trait, and give several examples, exaggerating a little more with each example. Show other people's reactions to it. Use dialogue to dramatize these reactions. Then put the character in a situation that highlights the trait and further exaggerates it. End by telling what finally happens to the character, and whether or not the person changes. Your finished product should be 1-3 short paragraphs.

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.07in; text-align: left;">**Chapter 3** <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">**Questions** <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">1. What other clues do we have about the Old People? <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">2. Why is it particularly troublesome to Mr. Wender (Sophie’s father) that David has seen Sophie’s foot? <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">3. Why does David feel that Mrs. Wender had saved him? <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">4.What evidences does the author give that reveal Joseph Strorm is a man to be feared. Is he "crazy"? Explain your answer. <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">5.It is during the "splinter incident" that the author first begins to satirize David's society in general, and his father in particular. Explain the literary term **satire** and also explain how the "splinter incident" is used for satire. <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">6. Explain David’s Nightmare. Why do you think he has it? Why does he think Sophie’s parents would be happy if they knew his reaction to the nightmare?

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">**Writing Activity: Setting**: The setting of a story is simply the time and place in which its events happen. An author uses the settings of his story to tell something about his characters and their feelings. The author will have to use good **descriptive words** if the reader is to get a clear picture of the settings. In 2-3 paragraphs describe a setting you are familiar with, such as your house, yard, town. Perhaps even this classroom. Include brief portraits of a few of the people who inhabit your setting.

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">**Chapter 4** <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">**Questions** <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.07in; text-align: left;">1. Who is “the group”? <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.07in; text-align: left;">2. What does the fact that Uncle Axel tells David to keep his “gift” a secret say about his character? <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.07in; text-align: left;">3. David never asks his father about the Spider Man from the Fringes. What do you guess he was? Does it explain in some way Mr. Strorm's efforts to rid the region of deviations? <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.07in; text-align: left;">4. What is different about the government approved horses? What does David’s father want to do about them? Why would the government tolerate such deviations? What does this say about the government? <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">5. In what ways has the climate of Labrador changed since Tribulation? Why doesn't the author give you this information in a straight forward manner, and instead lets in come out, during David's talk with Sophie? <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">6. How do the Waknuk people hope to “regain grace”? <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">7. Why doesn’t David classify Sophie as a Deviation? <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">**Writing Activity**: Secrets: One of the larger motifs throughout the novel so far has been the keeping of secrets: David about Sophie, David about his ESP and Roxanne and the group, Uncle Axel about David. While David finds a sympathetic soul in Uncle Axel when he slips up, the consequence of letting the secret fall into the wrong hands is clearly evident. In a few short paragraphs, write about a time when you had to keep a secret and describe your success (or lack thereof) in keeping this secret. You do not have to reveal the exact details of the secret (maybe it is still a secret!), but be sure to establish the importance of it.

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">**Chapter 5** <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">**Questions**: <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">1. In this chapter, David's character is described more completely. He is now at the crucial stage of boy-man, having characteristics of both stages. Give some examples of David's behaviour that show each stage. <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">2. There is something ironic in the fact that Sophie is discovered in a "good" season. What might have happened if the crops and newborn animals had been deviant? <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"> 3. Give a short character description of the Inspector. Will he do his job if David is ever found out? Who is the greater threat to David, the Inspector or his father? Why? <span style="display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.07in; text-align: left;"> 4.On page 46, Mrs Wender says: //"Oh, Johnny dear. Why are you so sweet to me, when all I've brought you is - ?"// What does she mean with that? What does it say about the position of women in Waknuk society? <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.07in; text-align: left;"> 5. At the end of the chapter, David is full of bitterness, self-contempt, and abasement. Why is that so? Is he correct in feeling that way? Explain your answer carefully.

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">**Writing Activity: The Fall Guy**: In this chapter we see David take the fall for Sophie’s deviation in a number of ways: the fight with Alan Ervin, spending the night alone at their cottage, lying to the inspector (concealment), and the brutal beating he receives from his father. Consider why David does all of this and write a few paragraphs concerning whether or not you would have the strength to stand up for another person in the way that David does.

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">**Chapter 6** <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">**Questions**

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">1. According to the Inspector, of what crime is David guilty? <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">2. What consequences resulted from a child’s failure to come within the “Definition of Man”? What does such a child lack? What then is the fate of the Wender family? <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">3. Uncle Axel is used in this chapter as a mouthpiece for the author's own commentary on the beliefs and behaviour of the people of Waknuk. What is the most important part of his account? What is the author **satirizing**? What is the major sin committed by the people of Waknuk according to uncle Axel? <span style="display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"> 4. Let's do some geography: On page 58 uncle Axel says: //"If you make north and keep along the coast, and still keep along when it turns west and then south, you reach the other side of Labrador."// Where would you be according to a present-day map? Still on page 58, he says: //"After that you bear south-east awhile and then south, and pick up the mainland coast again to starboard."// Where would you be according to a present-day map? On page 59, he says: //"Soon you're following round a big bay, and you get where there are no gaps: it's all Badlands."// What is the name of the big bay today? Where are the "Badlands" situated according to a present- day map? <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"> 5. What truth did the explorer Marther discover? What was the result when he published his findings? Explain why that happened. > 7. The character of the Inspector is in strong contrast to that of David's father. He is kind, and tries to be understanding with David. However, he has a serious weakness. Explain what it is, and also tell why it makes David's father's position so strong. > 8. When David's father comes in to announce the capture of the Wender's, he shows unreasonable fury. How does that short passage increase the tension in the novel?
 * 1) <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Why does Uncle Axel’s knowledge of the world lead him to doubt the theory concerning the “true image of man”? Outline Uncle Axel’s speech about what the true image really is.

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">**Chapter 7** <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">**Questions**:

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">1. This chapter provides the ultimate comment on the society in which David lives. <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"> a. What happens in the Strorm household when a baby is born? <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"> b. What would have happened if the inspector had not issued a certificate? <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"> c. It is Harriet's parting statement that reveals what this world really is. What does she say? <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"> 2. The chapter also gives more information about David's father and mother, as well as about the Inspector. What does the chapter tell you about each? <span style="display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"> 3. On page 68, the sentence //Nobody could blame the inspector for that; she did appear to be as normal as a new-born baby ever looks....// Why does that sentence ends with four dots? <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.07in; text-align: left;">4. In what ways do David's mother's feelings for her sister Harriet changes during this chapter? Why do her feelings change? What are her feelings based on? What are her feelings at the end of the chapter? What does this tell about her character? <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.07in; text-align: left;">5. How would you describe Aunt Harriet's feelings? How does she "solve" her problems? <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">**Writing Activity**: Feelings: Feelings have different degrees or strengths. For example, you may be hurt, or sorrowful, or suffering great grief. This can be the same feeling but with different degrees of strength. Answer the following questions in a few short paragraphs:
 * <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">What are your feelings about the whole situation described in this chapter?
 * <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">In what ways is the author shaping your feelings?
 * <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">How do you usually handle your strong feeling? Do you express them through action or do you tend to "internalize" them, that is to say you push your feelings back inside yourself? Describe a situation which created strong feelings in you and tell how you handled those feelings? Example: Someone falsely accused you of something!

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-before: always; text-align: left;">**Chapter 8** <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">**Questions**: <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">1. Once again uncle Axel is used as a mouthpiece to explain the author's view and to prepare the reader for future possibilities. How does he explain the Waknuk people's religious beliefs? What does he have to say about David's "deviation"? <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"> 2. What does the fact that Michael's parents send him to a school in Kentak tell you about Waknuk society? <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"> 3. Explain uncle Axel's metaphor of the "rusted mirror". <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">4. By what has happened in the previous chapter, David is very worried about the whole question of mutants - //"Accursed is the Mutant!"// He, Rosalind and the others are different. Uncle Axel tries to put him at ease. What arguments does he use?

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.07in; text-align: left;">**Chapter 9** <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.07in; text-align: left;">**Questions**: <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.07in; text-align: left;">1. Petra's membership to the group adds several new dimensions to the story. Which two are mentioned in this chapter? <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.07in; text-align: left;">2. Why does David think the group should be careful this season? <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.07in; text-align: left;">3. Explain Michael's statement that the stupidest "norm" is happier than the members of the group are. How does it show him becoming the leader of the group? <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.07in; text-align: left;"> 4. Old Jacob represents the extreme "right wing" of Waknuk religion. Explain the term “right wing”. In a few words tell what he believes in. <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">5. The author uses in this chapter again a device of style called juxtaposition, contrasting two incidents in such a way that make each other seem worse simply because they occur together. In the previous chapter, the joy of Petra's birth offered strong contrast to the sorrow of Harriet and her baby. What is the "juxtaposition" in this chapter?

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">**Writing Activity**: **Insight**: David gains valuable insights from older members of his society in this chapter through his discussion with Old Jacob and in previous chapters from Uncle Axel. Through these insights he is able to make up his own mind. Consider your own influences. How have people older than you provided you with guidance not just to influence your way of thinking, but allow you to come to your own conclusions. When have you been guidance that you did not exactly believe in? When has guidance from an elder seemed invaluable? Have you ever regretted not following the guidance of those older than you? Consider these questions in a couple of brief paragraphs.

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">**Chapter 10** <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"> **Questions:** <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">1. The marriage of Anne to a "norm" is the central action of this chapter. What arguments to the members of the group use to try and stop Anne from marrying Alan? Do you think they are valid? Why or why not? <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">2. What does uncle Axel suggest as a solution to the problem of Anne and Alan? Why can't David go along with it? <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"> 3. What problems do David and Rosalind face? <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"> 4. Why do you think did Anne denounce the group, beside of thinking that they had plotted Alan's murder? <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"> 5. Who do you think killed Alan?

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">**Activity**: Character Connector: Hand out given in class (remind Mr. Hamelin of this!)

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">**Chapter 11** <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.07in; text-align: left;">**Questions**: <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.07in; text-align: left;">1. The group is unquestionably in trouble now, and their detection is imminent. How does the author maintain suspense, considering that the reader knows that the group’s cover will be blown? <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">2. The punishment of deviates is clearly revealed for the first time in this chapter.What is it? Why is it done? How do the people of the Fringes react to this? <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"> 3. Who was Jerome Skminner and what problem did he pose for the group? <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">4. Why was the group concerned about Joe Durley? <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">5. Why and how did Uncle Axel murder Alan?

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">**Activity: Conflict**: Conflict, or a clash of opposing forces, is a vital part of most novels. Five types of conflict are defined below. <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.07in; text-align: left;">**character vs. character:** the character faces a problem with one or more other characters in the story. <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.07in; text-align: left;">**character vs. self:** the character faces a physical or emotional problem or struggle <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.07in; text-align: left;">**character vs. society:** the character faces a problem with a part, or in this case, the whole of society (government, school, traditions, rules, laws) <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.07in; text-align: left;">**character vs. nature:** the character faces a problem with some force of nature (cold, storm, radiation) <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.07in; text-align: left;">**character vs. fate:** the character faces a problem with a force such as fate, God, or luck (good or bad)

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"> In this chapter the Group has to deal with possible betrayal and blackmail. It is becoming clear that the Group will be in conflict with the Waknuk society soon. <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">Growing up means meeting a number of challenges and the Group, with the exception perhaps of Michael, has some very fast growing up to do as **conflict** has become unavoidable.

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.07in; text-align: left;">**Directions** <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.07in; text-align: left;">List one conflict that arises in each of the following situations. Some of them may have more than one type of conflict, but you need list only one. <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.07in; text-align: left;"> After you list the conflict, explain who or what is involved. See the example below. <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.07in; text-align: left;">//**Example**// <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.07in; text-align: left;">//David discovers that Sophie Wender has six toes on each foot.// <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.07in; text-align: left;">//a. Conflict: Character vs. Self// <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.07in; text-align: left;">//b. David believes that having six toes is such a little thing, but he is very much aware of the teachings he has received, "Beware thou of the Mutant!"//

<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"> **Situations** :

<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">1. David jokingly wishes he had a third hand and his father and mother overhear him. <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">2. Uncle Axel tells David to keep quiet about his picture-talking with Rosalind. <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">3. Sophie Wenders has six toes on each foot. <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">4. Aunt Harriet kills herself and her baby. <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">5. Anne announces that she going to get married. <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">6. Members of the Group meet Jerome Skinner.

<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">**Chapter 12**

<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"> **Questions** : <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"> 1. David's group is finally in open conflict with the district of Waknuk. As a matter of fact, as Michael puts it //, they are at war.// Why does Michael say that? Give some proof by which the reality of war is demonstrated.

<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"> 2. The group presents a threat that goes beyond the problem of the True Image. What is the threat David's group presents to the society of Waknuk?

<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"> 3. Mrs. Morton has assisted in the escape of her daughter. What does that tell about Waknuk society?

<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"> 4. Rosalind makes an excellent partner for David. What are the qualities of each? How do they compliment each other?

<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"> 5. Petra receives a message from far off. What is the message? How does she explain it? What is the connection with David's childhood dream?

<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">**A World of Differences** <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"> **The Chrysalids** is told from David's viewpoint. But the various conversations he has with other characters in the story give the reader different views on the same subject. <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">The inclusion of these different views serves two important purposes. First, it allows the reader to get a clearer picture of the other characters and perspectives. Second, the views serve as a force of change. Being exposed to other thoughts help David mature from a naive small boy into a mature young man. <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">**Directions** <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">Determine what the characters listed feel about each of the following topics. You may use quotes, passages, or inferences (logical conclusions) in your responses. > > <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">a. David > > <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">b. Uncle Axel > > <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">c. Joseph Strorm > > <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">d. Old Jacob <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">2. the Group
 * 1)  <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">the religion of Waknuk

<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">a. David

<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">b. Michael

<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">c. Anne

<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">d. Joseph Strorm

<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">3. the marriage of Anne

<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">a. David

<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">b. Michael

<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">c. Rachel

<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">d. Uncle Axel

<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">4. the Fringes

<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">a. David

<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">b. Sophie

<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">c. Uncle Axel

<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">d. Joseph Strorm

> > <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">a. Uncle Axel > > <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">b. Old Jacob > > <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">c. the Sealand lady
 * 1)  <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">the people of Waknuk

<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">**Chapter 13** <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"> **Questions** : <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">1. How did the group know they were in the Wild County? <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">2. What is David's opinion about Sealand's intention to rescue them? Why? <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">3. What opinion did the woman from Sealand have about Waknuk? <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">4. In what ways does the author not only comment on Waknuk society, but also on our own world?

<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">**Writing Activity: Back to the Future**: The woman from Sealand makes a number of arguably valid observations about Waknuk society. She is seeing the society as an advanced outsider. Assuming a nuclear holocaust is not eminent, how do you think a person form the distant future might view modern North American society? Put yourself 200 years in the future where society has progressed primarily for the good. Be creative here, because you must first consider what the society you imagine in 2211 is like. How has life changed in those 200 years? In a few paragraphs, describe what a history book might say about life in 2011.

<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">**Chapter 14** <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"> **Questions** : <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">1. This a chapter of crisis. What predicament are David, Rosalind, and Petra in? <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">2. In your own words retell the Sealand woman's explanation of her country. In what ways is the novel made more believable as a result? <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">3. According to the Sealand woman, what led to the destruction of the Old People’s world? <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">4. In what way does the Spider-Man's story explain Joseph Strorm's behaviour? <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">5. What are the Spider-Man’s intentions with Rosalind and what does this say about Waknuk society?

<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">**Contrasts**: In this novel, Wyndham uses contrasts extensively. Waknuk society is contrasted with the way of life in The Fringes and Sealand. Characters have contrasting ideas, such as Uncle Axel, Joseph Strorm, and Old Jacob. Consider how in Chapter Fourteen, Rosalind is used to illustrate a contrast concepts of one of the most enduring themes in literature: a person’s need to be loved. Wyndham achieves this by contrasting moods from the chapter’s wistful opening to its violent ending. Discuss your response in a few short paragraphs.

<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">**Chapter 15** <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"> **Questions** :

<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">1. Discuss the symbolic significance that Sophie does not have the cross sewn to her clothing. <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">2. Describe the nature of the relationship between Sophie and Spider-Man. <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"> 3. In this chapter the author uses Sophie to make some of his most devastating comments about the effects of Waknuk religion by pointing out the ways in which Sophie has changed. What are these changes?

<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"> **Cause and Effect** : For each of the following effects, come up with a direct cause:

<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">1. David is beaten and left for dead: <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">2. Spider Man becomes leader of the fringe people: <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">3. Spider Man kidnaps Rosalind: <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">4. Sophie has feelings for Spider Man: <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">5. Michael finally believes the Sealand people are on their way: <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">6. Rosalind and Petra are safely rescued:

<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">**Chapter 16** <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"> **Questions** : <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">1. Explain the short conflict between Sophie and Rosalind. In it the author hints at what might have been if Sophie had not been chased out of Waknuk. What does Sophie stand for in the novel? How is the issue solved? Why in that manner? <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">2. What alarming information did Michael let slip through his thought-shapes? How did David react to this information? <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">3. Why was Joseph Strorm’s death both necessary and symbolic? <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">4. Explain the Sealand woman’s comment on the extreme badlands? <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">5. What does the Sealand woman mean when she says “We have a new world to conquer: they have only a lost cause to lose.”? <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">6. Analyze the properties of the sticky adhesive which ultimatlely dooms all who are caught by it, except of course those with the ability to send thought-shapes. What might the sticky adhesive represent on a symbolic level?

<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"> **Symbols Anyone?** In this chapter many of the motifs of the novel come together as David, Rosalind, and Petra are being rescued. Examine the following motifs and discuss their symbolic properties:


 * <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">Sophie’s six toes
 * <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">The cross worn on the dresses of Waknuk women
 * <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">David’s father
 * <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">Spider-man
 * <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">The flying vehicle the Sealand woman uses
 * <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">David’s dreams of a city of lights and motion

<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">**Chapter 17** <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"> **Questions** : <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">1. This final chapter is designed to close the plot of the story, and leave the reader with things to think about. Initially, this is done by destroying the Fringes people and the Waknuk posse. How does the Sealand woman justify this? Do you agree with her explanation? Why or why not? Be careful to look at both sides of the issue. <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">2. In the description of the relationships between David and Rosalind, and between Rachel and Michael, the author points towards the most redeeming quality of the human race. What is it? <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">3. At the end of the story, David recognize the great city in Sealand as the city of his dream. Why does the novel begin and end with that vision? <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"> 4. //“The essential quality of life is living; the essential quality of living is change; change is evolution: and we are part of it.// “<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">//The static, the enemy of change, is the enemy of life, and therefore our implacable enemy.”// Explain how the preceding quote from the Sealand woman relates directly to the major theme of the novel.

<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"> **Is That It? Evaluate the ending of the novel** : In a few paragraphs, explain your feelings about the way the novel ends. Do you believe it is a happy ending for all? Which character do you think will have the most difficult time in the period immediately following the main action at the end of the novel.