Student Question
What does the Sealand woman mean by saying Waknuk has "become history without being aware of it" in The Chrysalids?
Quick answer:
The Sealand woman suggests that the people of Waknuk have "become history without being aware of it" because they cling to outdated beliefs and resist change, which is essential for progress. By refusing to evolve and adapt, like embracing telepathy, they are destined to become obsolete, akin to fossils. Life is inherently about change, and their rigid adherence to old ways will lead to their downfall, as they fail to realize that other societies have moved forward.
The Sealand woman tells David and the others that his father’s kind will not survive for long because their ways are old-fashioned.
David’s people have nowhere left to go. They want to stay with Creation, and never change. The Sealand woman says life is about progress, not staying still.
But life is change, that is how it differs from the rocks, change is its very nature. Who, then, were the recent lords of creation, that they should expect to remain unchanged? (ch 16)
The reason that David’s father and his people are history is that they have not moved forward, and they do not realize that others have. They refuse to accept change.
They are determined still that there is a final form to defend: soon they will attain the stability they strive for, in the only form it is granted -- a place among the fossils. . . . (ch 16)
Change is progress too. The changes, like telepathy, allow the society to be more advanced and move beyond the archaic, rigid, Biblical principles. By sticking so closely to these ideas, they are condemning themselves to destruction.
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