The Chrysalids by John Wyndham is a story about a dystopian future with extremely religious beliefs. The story takes place in Waknuk where they believe in the "perfect image", anything that deviates from what they believe to be a human being is considered a deviation. We see it through the eyes of a boy named David Strorm. He finds out more about “deviations” and how people around him feel about anything that isn't the “norm.” During his journey, David also discovers that he can communicate telepathically with others who possess his ability. From an outward perspective, David and the group of 8 (the other people with his ability) seem normal. However, they must not tell anyone about their abilities. Because being different could get them sent to the Fringes. Throughout the text there are some important lessons that the author has highlighted. These lessons can be taken and implemented/connected to our lives. These lessons cover perfection as a concept, the importance of friendship and morality. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The lessons in this book show how perfection is a man-made concept. The reader learns of the unjust actions towards the Fringes people, things are not always what they seem. The world is not a perfect place and no one is flawless. There are "perfect" characters in the book who treat the Fringe people unfairly throughout the story. It wasn't the marginal people's fault that they looked different. There is speculation that a nuclear power plant exploded and the surrounding area was devastated by radiation. This resulted in a serious mutation of the Fringes territory. Plants, animals and people would be deformed into the secluded "Badlands". This is where the Fringes were forced to live. Often these areas did not have enough food due to radiation. The reader can learn that it is important to fully understand things before making judgments and putting things into action. Deviations cannot simply become the norm, explains David: 'You can refuse to answer. He's doing it now, as someone who refuses to talk – but moving on... would be like taking a vow of silence for the rest of his life. I mean, it can't allow itself to be forgotten and become a norm. We can't believe it's possible." They believed that being different was not part of the “Norm” or what they see as perfect. They don't understand how marginalized people feel and think. Because of this lack of understanding they are condemned and sent away. Just because they didn't fit the Waknukian image of humanity... Furthermore, if the roles were reversed and marginal people were the "Norm", would they be given the concept of perfection? The New Zealand Lady believes that people like her are more superior: “We are the new people, your kind of people. The people who can think together We are the people who will build a new kind of world, different from that of the old and the savages.” Much like the beliefs of the people of Waknuk, the New Zealand lady thinks that non-telepaths are inferior. In fact, it's quite ironic. The people of Waknuk think they are better and the people of Fringes see them as inferior. Perhaps if the people of Waknuk did not believe in the “Perfect” image they could live in harmony with the “deviations”. At many points in the story, characters help each other in hopes of achieving a common goal. We see this often in the story, from David assisting Sophie when her foot gets stuck, to Uncle Axel helping when he discovers David's abilities. The greatest display of true friendship is when Michael stays in Waknuk.”