The Chrysalids 2 Essay, Research Paper

Define the terms UTOPIA and DYSTOPIA, and discuss whether The Chrysalids can be considered a Utopian or a Dystopian novel.

One could describe the novel The Chrysalids as a dystopian novel as apposed to utopian. The town in which David and the rest of shape-thinkers live is deffinatly not a utopia as well as the new land to which they move, Sealand.

The dictionary definition of utopia is an imaginary island with perfect social & political system, social and political paradise. Waknuk is not an island, so it is deffinatly not a utopia, but Sealand has the characteristics of a utopia. It is an island, but it does not have a perfect social and political system.

Perfect social system means equal rights and treatment for all. David, Rachel, Michael and Rosalind are not treated as equals by the Sealanders compared to the way Petra is treated. The Sealand woman came to their aid not because she wanted to help them, but because she was interested in seeing whom this little girl was that had such strong communication skills. She arrived and was very eager to put Petra in the space ship and take her home with her and she was obliged to take Michael, Rosalind and David. When Michael mentioned that his girlfriend was stuck in Waknuk and that he would like to go and fetch her she made no effort. She simply said that there was not enough fuel to fetch her and that they could only leave her behind. When Michael told her about the problem getting home she was disinterested. Michael was forced to stay behind so that he could go to Waknuk and be with his girlfriend.

When David described the Sealand woman he described her as the image of perfection. His description of her was so perfect that it described her flaws. She was too perfect, as though artificial. She communicates on a higher level as him so that he can t understand and does not worry about his troubles.

Sealand may not be a utopia but it is deffinatly not a dystopia. The Chrysalids are free to use their gifts and feel more comfortable using them. They are not banished for being born different and the technology is a paradise especially when you have lived in Waknuk.

So I can conclude that The Chrysalids is neither a utopian nor dystopian novel, but rather an ideal situation for David and his friends. They are free to live their life the way it should have been lived and are not forced to hide their gifts. The fact that the social system is not totally equal is unfortunate but we can t all live a dream.