The Religious Inspiration
Behind The Chrysalids
The Chrysalids Pt. 2
While reading The Chrysalids I couldn’t help but notice the many Biblical parallels in the novel. From the inspiration behind the characters, to general plot structure and overarching thematic elements, biblical fingerprints are everywhere.
Biblical Characters:
Elias & Elijah:
Starting with the original patriarch of Waknuk, Elias whose name is the Greek translation of Elijah. He was rejected by his birthplace for his aggressive religious beliefs. Like his biblical equivalent he believed he was called by God to spread Christianity and revered as a prophetic figure in his new community. They both came “From the East near the Sea.”
Uncle Axel & Absolom:
Uncle Axel is another prophetic figure. In the novel, he has near clairvoyant predictions and a talent for reading the motivations of his fellow man. “Axel” is the Scandinavian translation of Absolom or “My Father is Peace.” In 2 Samuel, Absolom is known for his rebellious nature and killed a man for betraying his sister, who he loved dearly. Likewise, Axel is one of the few who rebels against the religious doctrines of Waknuk, and kills Alan for betraying David & Petra.
David:
David is one of the most notorious figures in the Bible. As a teenager, he goes against expectations when he successfully kills the giant Goliath, establishing himself as an effective ruler, despite being ostracized. Similarly, David is rejected by his community for his advanced talents: telepathy. He opposes the social norms of Waknuk, rejecting their beliefs. During his escape to the Fringes, he asserts himself as an effectual leader of the small band of telepaths.
Petra is A Messiah:
Petra is not a name that appears in the Bible, but it’s clear she is a messianic figure in the novel. She has abilities that far exceed those of her telepathic contemporaries. She is “The Chosen One” (Even though that sounds incredibly cliche). The Woman from Sealand embarks on a risky flight just to bring her back to the telepathic society because she is so uniquely powerful. It’s implied Petra’s existence was prophesied by the people of Sealand. Arriving to rescue her, the WFS feels “pleasure, satisfaction, achievement, relief, approval, and…a touch of something like awe.”
Biblical Structure & Themes:
As the Bible is filled with major events commonly replicated in other works of literature, its no surprise The Chrysalids contains several of these general thematic elements. For instance, David and Rosalind’s romantic relationship as cousins is a popular occurrence in the Bible. (There are literally too many examples of such incestuous relationships in the Bible, I couldn’t justify wasting my time to count them all right now.) Additionally, Gordon and Joseph are brothers competing for who is the “rightful heir.” Another component that can be found in practically every chapter of the “Great Book.” Perhaps the most glaring similarity is the reason for Tribulation. Although there are multiple different perspectives presented regarding mankind’s efforts to rebuild precisely in the image of the pre-apocalyptic civilization, there is only one motivation for Tribulation: “A Phase of Irreligious Arrogance prevailing at the time.” It’s God’s punishment for the unapologetic sinful behavior of the Old People. The same catalyst is present in the Bible, as the New Testament prophesies Tribulation will take place as a judgment against sin. “A time of wrath from God when Satan rules the Earth.”
The general plot structure of the novel follows a similar pattern as Genesis, with segments of exposition followed by seemingly random sections of genealogy. Told retroactively, separate events in the book are presented as parables, with each “teaching” another lesson about post-apocalyptic life.
Smaller details are also religious references. For example, the additional religious text “Nicholson’s Repentances” is an obvious allusion to the Dead Sea Scrolls as “it had lain, for perhaps, centuries sealed in a stone coffer before it was discovered.” (At the time, The Chrysalids was written the Dead Sea Scrolls had been recently discovered.)
"Hate what is Evil; Cling to What is Good."
Romans 12:9
The Chrysalids Pt 3:
Eugenics in New Sealand
The Woman From Sealand & Eugenics Propaganada
Coming Soon April 2025!