Journal #8: Rebellion!

As noted previously, rebellious characters are a major part of the dystopic theme.  There are many examples within The Chrysalids such as David, Rosalind, Uncle Axel and Sophie.  David is the obvious rebel within the novel as he instigates the whole idea that society is wrong.  He knows morally that superficial abnormalties should not count for more than the heart and spirit of a person.  His Uncle Axel also believes this and started talking to David about the problems with society from almost the start of the novel.  Unlike David who finds society’s dependance on religion sickening, Axel still believes that there is a God who rules, and that the true image of God is important.  He just sees that everyone has different views of ideal/perfect people, and therefore Waknuk could be incorrect in their ideas.  Axel doesn’t agree to conforming, and he even murders a man to protect the people he loves.  It is this thoughtful rebellion that is noted.  Rosalind rebels with David more subtly then anyone else in the novel.  She goes against what she knows her father wishes for.  He doesn’t know about her relationship with David, and although one could argue that she exhibits cowardly behaviour, another could see the strength she exhibits by doing what she believes in.  She is protecting both herself and David by not publicizing their intamite relationship.  Her actions are also similar and motive to Sophie’s.  Sophie, although banished to The Fringes at the beginning of the novel, finds love in the community of the head leader.  When she finds David she helps him immediately, even though she knows he is trying to escape, and that his sister/friened are being held prisoner.  She has a rather selfish motive for what she does next, which is killing the guard of the girls.  She is jealous that the man she loves wants Rosalind, so that is her main reason for helping the girls to escape but she also knows that David feels very fondly for them, and wants to help him like he helped her initially.  She rebels against the conduct expected by helping the girls to escape.   All of these characters displayed acts of rebellious behaviour and this is what keeps the story moving.  Live life outside the box! (Or “soup can” Brianne! )