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Intolerance In The Chrysalids

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**DO NOT CHANGE "STRORM" TO "STORM"**

Intolerance; the theme of intolerance is a major theme that literary authors often focus on when attempting to highlight the disdain that people associate with those who differ from them. With that being said, the theme of intolerance, moreover, xenophobia, which basically refers to "the unwillingness to accept the views and beliefs of others that may differ from one’s own views," is a prominent motif that appears repeatedly throughout John Wyndham’s novel, The Chrysalids.

This theme of bigotry/intolerance is practiced generally by different communities towards other members from distant associations that are separated from their personal convictions, or in like manner, their so-called “claimed faith.” …show more content…
The Sealand woman is viewed by the telepaths in Waknuk as a savior and role model for young girls such as Petra; as she is open minded and recognizes that "life is change" (182). She abhors the lifestyle of the citizens of Waknuk and has intolerance demeanors that have made their society static. While the Sealand woman can be seen as democratic based on how she rules her society, which does not practice any source of prejudice, she, herself, is intolerant towards the non-telepaths. This also reveals the hypocrisy in her; in the light of Emily Storm. She calls out the Waknuk society and criticizes them for living "very dull, stupid lives" (146). The extremity in her actions, that include mass murder of the non-telepaths, reveals how dangerous she is to people whose views are not in tandem with hers. She is potential hungry and only protects the telepaths because of the benefits that these people might bring to her in future. This can be seen when she protects Petra and argues that she must be protected at all costs so that when she grows up "she must have babies who can make strong think-pictures" (145). Thus, therefore, the Sealand Women is an effective character who helps the readers understand how hypocrisy and desire for power may contribute to/lead to the theme of …show more content…
Through the characters of Emily Strorm and the Sealand woman, the author manages to portray how the character traits of loyalty, religious devotion, and hypocrisy, all contribute to the intolerance that exists within the society. While attempting to focus on the negative effects of intolerance, Wyndham also uses the character of Aunt Harriet as a voice of those who are opposed to intolerance. Thereupon, the use of these female characters is an effective strategy for Wyndham to present the differing views on the theme of

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