Today we reviewed the last couple of chapters of the novel and we began reading chapter 14.
Discussion focussed on the theme that people, generally, react to the unknown by Fearing it. We discussed Xenophobia and how that is a state where people fear the unknown. This theme is prevalent in The Chrysalids and in the movie we began watching called The Village.
In both pieces fear is used to manipulate the population. In Wyndham's novel, fear is used to keep the people of Waknuk unified and strong against the outside world. The fear of the mutants, fear of the unknown, is unjustifiable. This Us versus Them mentality is a destructive force in the novel in much the same way as it is destructive in the larger world in which we live. In the film The Village, fear is also used to keep the village safe and strong from the ever-present danger of the outside world. Unlike Wyndham's novel, though, in The Village the elders are able to manufacture fear in order to control their population.
Next day we will finish watching The Village and complete an assignment where we compare the novel with the film.
