The Chrysalids Notes
Main Events
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Aunt Harriet’s baby is a mutant.
David dreamt about his father killing his younger sister, Petra.
David told Uncle Axel that he and his friends have telepathic powers.
Uncle Axel told David about his sea travels, and how they made him question his beliefs: “They
think they’re the true image of God, but they don’t know that for sure.” (78)
Sophie’s family is captured by Joseph and the other members of Waknuk
Inspector interrogates David.
Setting – Waknuk (modern day Newfoundland/Labrador); post-apocalyptic in the future; radiation has
caused mutations, blasphemies
Characters
David – main character who lives in a dystopian rural area, Waknuk; teenager; he’s the only person in
his family who is a “mutant” (because he has telepathic powers)
Petra – David’s younger sister; she has super strong telepathic powers
Rosalind – David’s main friend (and cousin) in the group;
Sophie – friend of David’s; she has an extra pair of toes (therefore she and her family are in hiding)
Joseph Strorm – David’s father; intimidating, even menacing; has very strict ideas about mutants,
blasphemies and what’s considered normal and abnormal; short tempered; kills animals because they’re
abnormal;
Aunt Harriet – her baby is killed for being abnormal; she kills herself out of grief
Uncle Axel – the only person who understands David; more tolerant and open-minded – willing to listen
to others’ point of view; has travelled.