1. The Chrysalids
B y J o h n W y n d h a m

2. Summary

3. Definitions
flounder(pg93)- To make clumsy attempts to move or regain one's balance.
gravitated(pg93) - To move downward
justification(pg95) - Something that shows an action to be reasonable and
necessary
guerrilla(pg99) - A member of an irregular armed force that fights a stronger
force by sabotage and harassment
denounced(pg102) - To condemn openly as being evil or reprehensible
anxiety(pg103) - A state of uneasiness and apprehension, as about future
uncertainties.

4. Characters
David: David is against Anne and Alan getting married because if Alan ever
found out about the eight, he could expose them. David and Rosalind are in
a secret relationship from their parents because if half-uncle Angus Morton
and David’s father found out they would not allow it.
Anne: Anne is really in love with Alan. She is very stubborn and says that, as
a woman she should be allowed to marry and have children as she pleases.
She says that everyone hasn’t been in love yet and that’s why they don’t
know this feeling and that getting married will cause them less trouble. Soon
Anne gets tired of them and begins to ignore them and cut off every kind of
contact possible. She even sent away her sister. The only person that she
talked to was her neighbour. She kills herself because of Alan’s death.
Alan Ervin: In this chapter we learn that Alan’s father is a blacksmith and
Alan is also going to follow his fathers footsteps by becoming a blacksmith
himself. Anne and him are in a relationship when he gets killed by a bow
through the head.

5. Characters
Michael: One of the other telepathic people who dislikes the idea of Alan
and Anne getting married because him and everyone else are afraid that they
will be found out soon and become killed/isolated.
Rosalind: We learn that Rosalind has grown into a tall, slim, beautiful young
woman. She is civil and some what intimidating. Her and David are in a
relationship but they need to keep it a secret from their parents.

6. Themes
Betrayal: When Anne tells her friends that she wants to marry Alan they
know that he could tell people their secret if he found out. They feel
betrayed by Anne for risking their lives for her own sake. Also when Anne
blocks off all contact telepathically with everyone in the group.
Love: Anne and Alan are in a relationship and plan to get married. David
and Rosalind are in relationship too but had to meet alone if they ever
wanted to be together because no one could no that they loved each other.
Misery: Alan is killed in this chapter by an arrow through his head. Anne
was not able to cope with the death of someone she loved and knew so
closely so she hung herself in misery.