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In The Chrysalids by John Wyndham creates two comparable societies, Waknuk and Sealand. These two settlements are vastly different

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﻿Waknuk vs. Sealand: Which is the Desirable Society? Presented to: Mrs. Pettersone Presented by: Erin Gibbons Course: ENG 1DI Date: March 13, 2010 In The Chrysalids by John Wyndham creates two comparable societies, Waknuk and Sealand. These two settlements are vastly different; Waknuk is trapped in a static state of development, while Sealand is rapidly progressing forward. When these two societies are compared Sealand is the more desirable community to live in for the following reasons: Sealand is technologically advanced, and they treat their women as equals rather than an inferior being. These two points go hand in hand; as a society evolves the people recognize the importance of others, and the value of every person. Waknuk on the other hand is existing with very little technology, and its level of development is similar to that of pioneers. Waknuk also belittles the abilities and accomplishments of the women in their community. Based on those points it is easy to see why Sealand is the preferable community to live in. Sealand is the more sensible choice of residence when compared to Waknuk. Although Waknuk is set many years in the future it is not technologically inclined. The people of Waknuk do not recognize machines that people today would be familiar with. This is shown in the following passage when David dreams of a society much like ours is today, yet he can identify nothing: And the buildings were quite unlike any I knew. ...read more.


(Wyndham, 199) The above quotation shows that Sealand is a land much different and much more progressive than Waknuk. It shows that Sealand is rapidly proceeding forward. Sealand may be so technologically inclined because of that their telepathy, which gives them an advantage by permitting them to think together and collectively move forward. Many people thinking together and contributing their ideas to a common subject would definitely benefit Sealand?s progression. That may be why Sealand is the preferable place to live when it is compared to Waknuk. Other than technology, or lack there of, Waknuk is also distasteful because it is a community that discriminates against women, and doesn?t treat them as the equals that they are. The women of Waknuk are mistreated by the men, who feel that they are superior. In Waknuk the men decide who to take as a wife, and they can turn to leave her as they fit. Women have no say, and are blamed for things that are not their fault, such as giving birth to a blasphemed child. The following passage occurs when Harriet is begging for Emily?s help to save her child: ?This is the third time. They'll take my baby away again like they took the others. I can't stand that? not again. Henry will turn me out, I think. He'll find another wife, who can give him proper children. There'll be nothing?nothing in the world for me? nothing.? (Wyndham, 73) ...read more.


Sealand is the opposite; it is a socially and technologically advanced civilization that is open to progression. Sealand might be drastically different because it is a place where telepathy is the standard and because of this they can work together to move forward. Waknuk is also a lesser community because it abuses the female population it is full of strict rules and prejudices and it seems to be a very dismal place to live. Again Sealand is the desired society because it treats its women with fairness and respect. But although Sealand is the more preferable community it is not a utopia. Even though Sealand does not discriminate against women it still has a prejudiced community. The people of Sealand base their opinions of people in telepathic ability. Their society follows a strict caste-system, the better the ability the higher the rank and the people without telepathy are pitied. At the end of The Chrysalids David, Rosalind, and Michael are not treated as equals compared to the treatment the Sealanders give Petra. The Sealand Lady traveled to the Fringes not because she wanted to rescue them, but because she recognized the value of Petra?s ability. When she arrived she was eager to take Petra, but relatively indifferent toward the others. When Michael expressed his concern for Rachel the Sealand Lady blatantly refused to get her, and Michael was forced to stay in Waknuk to help Rachel. Despite Sealand?s flaws it is still a superior society when contrasted against Waknuk. ...read more.

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