Chapter 1 & 2

The first 2 chapters of the Chrysalids introduced the main character, David, and his town Waknuk where he lives. He starts the book telling his sister about a dream he had about a city and she tells him it is very important he doesn't tell anyone. The narrator then goes on to tell us about his first encounter with Sophie. Sophie is adamant about not letting David see her feet and I find it strange that she is so cautious. We soon find out that Sophie has 6 toes. I find it disturbing how David's society defines a human. It seems so wrong to me and completely against everything we believe today as christians. Sophie's mom hints at what might happen if people knew about Sophie's difference. David seems to question and wonder about the values of his community. His community (especially his father) are very law abiding, like to hold high standards, and follow the letter of the law very strictly. The idea of "offences" is very interesting. David defines them as things which did not look 'right'. Whenever something like this would occur, David's father would ceremonially slaughter, burn, or kill whatever was considered an "offence" It is interesting to see that the community of Waknuk doesn't like things that are "different". They fear them. I think this issue will come up again and David will learn more about it. Harsh and unforgiving, we are starting to see that his community is not accepting of unique people and it reminds me a little about how our society treats people who are different.