Wyndham, John: 1903-1969

The Chrysalids, 1955 - Thematic Parallels: Intolerance

Intolerance generally refers to an unwillingness or inability to accept differences.
Wyndham, John: The Chrysalids, 1955
The novel explores themes of prejudice, fear of the unknown, intolerance, and the consequences of rigid social and religious norms.
The following books are thematically simliar. They lend themselves well to being read in groups, compared with one another, or used to teach a similar topic over an extended period with a class:
- Golding, William: Lord of the Flies, 1954, ~250pp
  This novel depicts of how fear and difference can lead to violence and moral decay makes it a good companion to "The Chrysalids."
  - Both novels explore how humans behave under extreme conditions, the consequences of fear and isolation, and the fragility of social order. Golding focuses on internal human savagery, while Wyndham examines societal oppression and prejudice, but both serve as cautionary tales about human nature.
- Haddon, Mark: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, 2003, ~270pp
  This novel deals with a protagonist who sees the world differently and faces misunderstanding and prejudice, somewhat echoing the theme of being an outsider like in “The Chrysalids.”
  - Both narratives share central ideas: outsider protagonists, societal judgment, a quest for understanding, and the tension between individual identity and community expectations. They both invite readers to question how societies define “normal” and how those definitions impact the lives of those who are different.
- Hansberry, Lorraine: A Raisin in the Sun, 1959, ~150pp
  This play addresses racial prejudice and the fight for dignity and acceptance within a prejudiced society.
  - Both novels are about prejudice, identity, generational tension, and the pursuit of dreams in restrictive societies. Both invite readers to question societal norms and empathize with those marginalized for being “different.”
- Lessing, Doris: The Grass Is Singing, 1950, ~240pp
  This is a novel known for themes of racial intolerance and social oppression..
  - Both novels examine the oppression of the “other,” isolation due to difference, the cruelty of rigid societal norms, and the tragic consequences of fear and prejudice. They invite readers to reflect on the human cost of intolerance.
List of general discussion questions on Intolerance (pdf)
List of essay prompts on Intolerance (pdf)