Eng 9
Block: _____
H. Aulakh
Name: _________________
Date: _________________
Feelings
Feelings have different degrees or strengths. What are your feelings about the Harriet
situation described in the chapter? In what ways is the author shaping your feelings?
Describe a situation which created strong feelings in you and tell how you handled those
feelings? Example: Someone falsely accused you of something!
Mood
What is the mood of this chapter? (more than one answer possible)
___ thrilling and illuminating
___ humorous and lighthearted
___ bleak and depressing
___ tender and teasing
___ violent and vengeful
___ gloomy and tense
For each of the moods you selected, list a detail from the chapter that helps create that
mood.
Selecting one of the moods listed above, create a school situation and list at least four
details to include in a scene that will help communicate the mood you have chosen.
Eng 9
Block: _____
H. Aulakh
Name: _________________
Date: _________________
CHAPTER 17
Character Reference
The author uses a process called characterization to create memorable details about
personalities in the novel.
This can be done as follows:

what the author states directly about the character

what the character says and does

what others say or think about the character

how authors act toward the character
Since the story in The Chrysalids is told by David - not the author or an all-knowing
narrator - you must rely on the on the last three methods to gain information about
characters.
Directions
Each of the following charts lists some traits possessed by a character in the book. Find
several specific pieces of evidence for each trait (from anywhere in the book as you read
the text) to prove the character does have that characteristic.
Then decide which characterization method (or methods) in each piece of evidence is used
to reveal that trait. Check the appropriate column.
A. what the character says or thinks
B. what the character does
C. what others say or think about the character
D. how others act toward the character
Below you will find an example of a chart for David. In pairs, make a similar chart for
each of the following characters in the book:
Eng 9
Block: _____
H. Aulakh
Name: _________________
Date: _________________
Joseph Strorm - Emily Strorm - Aunt Harriet - Uncle Axel - Spider Man - Rosalind
Morton - Anne - Sophie Wender - The Sealand Lady - The Inspector:
1. David
Trait
curious
Evidence
How trait is revealed
Questions the validity of The Definition of Man.
a- says or thinks
persistent
sensitive
brave
2. Joseph Strorm
a. narrow-minded
b. authoritarian
c. hardworking
3. Emily Strorm
a. narrow-minded
b. compassionate
c. pathetic
4. Aunt Harriet
a. compassionate
b. understanding
c. pathetic
5. Uncle Axel
a. open-minded
b. compassionate
c. honest
6. Spider Man
a. proud
b. narrow-minded
c. pathetic
7. Rosalind
a. proud
b. loving
c. sensible
8. Sophie Wender
a. proud
b. loving
c. pathetic
9. The Sealand Lady
a. proud
b. understanding
c. sensible
10. The Inspector
a. understanding
b. shrewd
c. obedient
Eng 9
Block: _____
H. Aulakh
Name: _________________
Date: _________________
Trait
Evidence
How trait is
revealed
Trait
Evidence
How trait is
revealed
Eng 9
Block: _____
H. Aulakh
Name: _________________
Date: _________________
Chapter 11
Character Connections
The Chrysalids has a large cast of
CHARACTER BOX
characters and they relate to David's life in
a number of ways. To distinguish all these
characters and understand their
relationship to David, a simple visual
diagram can be helpful.
Directions
In each circle below, write the names of at
least three characters that fit the label.
Pick the names from the character box;
some names will be used more than once.
David Strorm
Rosalind
Joseph Strorm
Anne
Emily Strorm
Rachel
Petra Strorm
Katherine
Aunt Harriet
Sally
Mary Strorm
Mark
Uncle Axel
Sophie Wender
Elias Strorm
Old Jacob
Spider Man
Alan Ervin
Petra
Sealand Lady
Michael
Jerome Skinner
Then answer the questions that follow.
The Inspector
QUESTIONS:
1. Give an example of a character who serves as both foe and friend to David. Give
examples to show the character's hostile and friendly actions.
2. Which characters seem to influence David the most? Why do you that might be so?
3. Which character seems to influence David the least? Why do you think this might be so?
4. Which character seems most admirable to you? Why?
5. Which character seems least admirable to you? Why?
6. Which two groups seem to overlap the most? Why?
7. Which group do you think influences David the most? Why do you think this is so?
8. Which group do you think influences David the least? Why do you think this is so?
9. Which group seems most admirable to you? Why?
Eng 9
Block: _____
H. Aulakh
Name: _________________
Date: _________________
Eng 9
Block: _____
H. Aulakh
Name: _________________
Date: _________________
CHAPTER 12
In this chapter the Group has to deal with possible betrayal and blackmail. It is becoming
clear that the Group will be in conflict with the Waknuk society soon.
Growing up means meeting a number of challenges and the Group, with the exception
perhaps of Michael, has some very fast growing up to do as conflict has become
unavoidable.
Conflict, or a clash of opposing forces, is a vital part of most novels. Five types of conflict
are defined below.
character vs.
character
The character faces a problem with one or more other characters
in the story.
character vs. self
The character faces a physical or emotional problem or struggle
character vs. society
The character faces a problem with a part, or in this case, the
whole of society (government, school, traditions, rules, laws)
character vs. nature
The character faces a problem with some force of nature (cold,
storm, radiation)
character vs. fate/
supernatural
The character faces a problem with a force such as fate, God, or
luck (good or bad)
Eng 9
Block: _____
H. Aulakh
Name: _________________
Date: _________________
Directions
List one conflict that arises in each of the following situations. Some of them may have
more than one type of conflict, but you need list only one.
After you list the conflict, explain who or what is involved. See the example below.
Example
David discovers that Sophie Wender has six toes on each foot.
a. Conflict: Character vs. Self
b. David believes that having six toes is such a little thing, but he is very much aware of
the teachings he has received, "Beware thou of the Mutant!"
1. David jokingly wishes he had a third hand and his father and mother overhear him.
2. Uncle Axel tells David to keep quiet about his picture-talking with Rosalind.
3. Sophie Wender has six toes on each foot.
4. Aunt Harriet kills herself and her baby.
5. Anne announces that she going to get married.
6. Members of the Group meet Jerome Skinner.
Eng 9
Block: _____
H. Aulakh
Name: _________________
Date: _________________
CHAPTER 13
A World of Differences
The Chrysalids is told from David's viewpoint. But the various conversations he has with
other characters in the story give the reader different views on the same subject.
The inclusion of these different views serves two important purposes. First, it allows the
reader to get a clearer picture of the other characters and perspectives. Second, the views
serve as a force of change. Being exposed to other thoughts help David mature from a
naive small boy into a mature young man.
Directions
Determine what the characters listed feel about each of the following topics. You may use
quotes, passages, or inferences (logical conclusions) in your responses.
1. The religion of Waknuk
a. David
b. Uncle Axel
c. Joseph Strorm
d. Old Jacob
e. The Inspector
2. The Group
a. David
b. Michael
c. Anne
d. Joseph Strorm
e. Alan Ervin
Eng 9
Block: _____
H. Aulakh
Name: _________________
Date: _________________
3. The marriage of Anne
a. David
b. Michael
c. Rachel
d. Uncle Axel
4. The Fringes
a. David
b. Sophie
c. Spider Man
d. Uncle Axel
e. Joseph Strorm
5. The people of Waknuk
a. Uncle Axel
b. Old Jacob
c. the Sealand lady
6. The destruction of the Waknuk posse
a. David
b. Rosalind
c. the Sealand lady
Eng 9
Block: _____
H. Aulakh
Name: _________________
Date: _________________
CHAPTER 14
Figures in the Round
By showing more than one side of a character's personalities, the author makes them seem
well rounded or realistic.
These realistic portraits are not only a challenge to the author but to the reader. As in
dealing with real people, the reader must decide how to merge into one personality many
different - even contradictory - traits.
Directions
Some statements about the personality of the characters in The Chrysalids follow. Give
evidence from the book to first support the statement (pro). Then contradict the statement
(con). Finally, based on that evidence, draw your own conclusions that explain the
character's nature. An example has been done for you.
Example:
The Inspector upholds the law on deviations.
a. Pro: He agrees that Sophie is a mutant
b. Con: He approves of Angus big horses
c. Your conclusion: He upholds the law only as far as he has to, but is willing to bend
when it is convenient.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
David's mother strictly follows the rules of Waknuk's religion.
Rosalind is compassionate.
The Sealand woman has high morals.
David is cautious.
Sophie is caring and unselfish.
Eng 9
Block: _____
H. Aulakh
Name: _________________
Date: _________________
CHAPTER 15
Links in the Chain
One way of tying a story together is through the use of motifs. Motifs are incidents,
Images, or ideas which appear again and again in a novel. Like links in a chain, they serve
to unite a story.
Directions
Some motifs in The Chrysalids are listed below. List one example of each of these motifs
from the book. Then answer the questions that follow.
Motif
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Death
Lack of personal freedom
Cruelty
Punishment
Humiliation
Weather conditions
Kindness and compassion
Jealousy
Superstition
Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Mention one way in which motif 3 is linked to motif 5 in the book?
Mention one way in which motif 2 is linked to motif 4 in the book?
Mention one way in which motif 6 is linked to motif 9 in the book?
Mention one way in which motif 4 is linked to motif 7 in the book?
Mention one way in which motif 1 is linked to motif 2 in the book?
Mention one way in which motif 1 is linked to motif 7 in the book?
Mention one way in which motif 3 is linked to motif 9 in the book?
Eng 9
Block: _____
H. Aulakh
Name: _________________
Date: _________________
CHAPTER 16
Matching Causes and Effects
Match each effect (action or decision) with its cause (the reason that something occurs).
Each answer may be used only once.
Effect
1. Jerome Skinner becomes suspicious
of the Group.
2. The crops show more deviations
than usual.
3. Uncle Axel puts an arrow on his
Cause
a. Petra's powers of picture-making are
enormous.
b. The Sealand people have to detour
around the Badlands.
c. Beware thou of the Mutant!
bow.
4. The Sealand people come to rescue
members of the Group.
5. Aunt Harriet kills her baby and
herself.
6. Michael does not go to Sealand
d. At the end of the story Rachel is all alone
in Waknuk.
e. David and Rosalind come to the aid of
Petra as she is attacked by a wild cat.
f. In the past there has been a massive
nuclear war.
7. The Spider Man becomes the leader
of Fringe people.
8. David and Rosalind hide in a cave
in the Fringes.
9. The Sealand people have to detour
g. South-Western winds bring radiation to
Waknuk.
h. Allen Erwin finds out the secret of the
Group.
i. Sophie loves David.
around the Badlands.
10. Not every member of the Group
can be rescued.
j. Joseph Strorm had a brother who
developed a deviation.
Eng 9
Block: _____
H. Aulakh
Name: _________________
Date: _________________
CHAPTER 17
Pyramid of Action
The plot of The Chrysalids is made up of a number of episodes or separate incidents. These
incidents are connected in some way so that the plot is tied together.
The Chrysalids breaks down into a traditional five-part plot structure. These parts are as
follows:





exposition - an introduction to the main characters, settings, and situations of the
plot
rising action - the events and complications that lead to an important and dramatic
point in the plot
climax - the point of greatest interest and emotional involvement in the plot
falling action - the events that develop from the climax and lead to the conclusion
resolution or denouement - the final outcome which ties up any loose ends left in
the story
This structure can be depicted as a lopsided pyramid, with two base lines.
Directions
Below is a list of major episodes in The Chrysalids. Copy these episodes on a chart in your
notebook (similar to the chart found on the next page) in the order in which they occur.
After you finish putting the events in proper order, turn the diagram sideways and draw the
pyramid diagram (right over your answers in a different colour ink) to reflect where the
five elements of the plot occur. Then label the parts of the pyramid.
Note: Your pyramid may look lopsided (one side longer than the other).
Eng 9
Block: _____
H. Aulakh
Name: _________________
Date: _________________
Major Episodes:

Petra, through her awesome telepathic powers, gets in touch with a distant
civilization in New Zealand (Sealand).

David meets Sophie Wender and discovers that she is a physical deviant with six
toes on each foot.

David sees his aunt driven to suicide because she has given birth to a deviant baby.

David, Rosalind, and Petra flee to the Fringes, where they are pursued by the
people of Waknuk, including David's own father.

The birth of David's little sister, Petra, causes innumerable problems.

Under torture Katherine and then Sally admit that David, Rosalind, and Petra also
have the ability of mind reading.

In the Fringes, David, Rosalind, and Petra are captured by the deviate inhabitants.

David, Petra, and Rosalind escape per helicopter to New Zealand.

David is concerned for his own personal safety when he realizes that he and his
group of E.S.P. friends are also deviants

As a child, David has learned the strict morality of his society: "Watch Thou for the
Mutant," "The Norm is the Will of God," and "The Devil is the Father of
Deviation."
Eng 9
Block: _____
H. Aulakh
Name: _________________
Date: _________________
Trait
Evidence
How trait is
revealed
Trait
Evidence
How trait is
revealed