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The Chrysalids ( US title: Re-Birth) is a science-fiction novel by John Wyndham, first published in 1955.The story is set in a post-apocalypse rural area of Labrador whose leaders are frantic to keep God from bringing Tribulation upon the land again. They believe that in order to keep this wrath at bay, they need to root out mutations. Most of the time, these mutations manifest as odd plants or animals. But on occasion, they occur in humans, and those human mutants are banished and sterilised. Into this setting are born the protagonistThe protagonist is the central figure of a story (e. anecdote, novel), and is often referred to as the story's main character''. The story follows and is chiefly concerned with the protagonist (or, sometimes, a small group of protagonists). Often the stor, some of his relatives, and a few scattered others. Their mutation cannot be seen, making them all the more dangerous. They are telepathicTelepathy from the Greek , tele "distant", and , patheia "feeling", is the supposed ability to communicate information from one mind to another, and is one form of extra-sensory perception or anomalous cognition. This information is generally reported as. Wyndham tells this story with his characteristic dry humourThis article discusses humour in terms of comedy and laughter. For ancient Greek theories of humour in physiology, psychology and medicine, see four humours. Humour humor in American English) is a form of entertainment and a form of human communication, i.
Though the nature of Tribulation is not explicitly stated, it is implied that the novel is set after a nuclear holocaust both by the mutations and by the stories of sailors who report blackened, glassy wastes to the south (presumably modern day USA) where the remains of cities can be seen and which glow faintly in the night time. It is also mentioned that going too close to these places causes symptoms which are similar to radiation sickness.
John Wyndham preferred the title The Chrysalids for this book. The word chrysalid means "relating to or resembling a chrysalisChrysalis is also a record label that was created in 1969. A chrysalis is a type of pupa, a protective case within which a larval insect is undergoing metamorphosis into adult form. This term typically designates the pupae of butterfly species, and someti". This title is perhaps ironicAdolf Hitler an example of visual irony Irony is a form of speech in which the real meaning is concealed or contradicted by the words used. Irony involves the perception that things are not what they are said to be or what they seem. Dramatic irony lies i: a chrysalis is a "protected stage of development" in the life cycleLife cycle refers to: Biological life cycle New product development. of a mothA moth is an insect closely related to the butterfly. Both are of the order Lepidoptera. People who study or collect these insects are called lepidopterists. Most species of moths are nocturnal, but there are crepuscular and day-flying species. They can b or butterfly.
The novel has been adapted for radio by the BBC.
External links
1955 books
