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The Chrysalids- Role of Women

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Examine the role of women in the Waknuk society. Make sure to include the position they hold in the household, how they are treated/ regarded by men, the position they hold in the larger society, and their acceptance of the role that has been laid out for them.

In the novel 'The Chrysalids' written by John Whyndam, males are the dominant gender. Even though women play a key role in the Waknuk society, they are not treated as equals compared to men. The Chrysalids outlines the development of the Waknuk society and the people within it who are very reluctant to change. In every district, women have an extremely important role in the household and are the life givers and care givers to children. Women also have many responsibilities within …show more content…

Harriet strongly disagrees with Waknuk's laws referring to deviational children. At the event when Emily deprived Harriet of help due to her babies imperfection, she states; 'I am not ashamed- I am only beaten.' This is essential because she, of all people is the first person to stand up to Joseph Strom about Waknuk's way of life. Herself and her child are discarded from Waknuk immediately. Harriet is not accepted by Waknuk as she does not accept Waknuk's morals.

Both Mrs. Wender and Rosalind's mother are neglected by the Waknuk community in similar ways. Both their children are considered blasphemies. Sophie's mother, Mrs. Wender does not approve of Waknuk's laws but attempts to accept them. Although living in hiding, she wears and carries the 'conventional cross' as all true Waknuk women do. Sophie, her only daughter was born with six toes on each foot. If anyone were to find out, she would be considered as not 'in the image of God.' David Strom, son of Joseph Strom, found out and accepts Sophie for who she is.. As well as Mrs. Wender, David learns 'to be any kind if deviant is to be hurt- always.' Mrs. Wender unconditionally accepts the fact that she is the mother of a so-called deviant. The Wender household consists of fear, mostly from Mrs. Wender's perspective. She is the one who is responsible for Sophie's safety and making sure that she is not 'found out' and will do absolutely anything in her power to stop that from happening, as would

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