The Chrysalids: Lesson 1 Preparation

If you had to prepare a survival guide for a post-nuclear apocalypse, what would be your top three tips?

Consider:

1. What are the consequences of a nuclear blast? How do these consequences pose a threat to survival?

2. What are the survival needs of an individual and how can they be met? Short term? Long Term?

3. How will other survivors react? What dangers/benefits will they pose?

Delay in Lit novel sales, but want a hint on where to get the text cheap?

Silly mess-up in the system! (Being PC here). Just to let you know that The Chrysalids is currently not stocked in the School Bookshop. Orders have been placed though, so rein in your excitement and wait awhile for the bookshop to stock them. Unless you want to get a great tip from me...

There is a great source for the novel, which has one BIG advantage... you get free notes when you buy it from that place. Why? Because it's been used by students before, and Lit students underline important quotes, scribble notes at the sides of the pages etc etc.

Personally, I ALWAYS buy my school textbooks from there, both when I was a student and even up to now. Did I mention that it's cheaper? Get to know this place, pple - every Lit student worth his/her salt knows Knowledge Bookstore @ Bras Basah Complex (3rd Floor, directly in front of the escalator - ask for Lit texts to be directed to the relevant shelf).

In case you don't have Google Map or don't use streetdirectory.com, it's located directly opposite Raffles Hotel, between Chijmes and the National Library. Either go from City Hall MRT or Bugis MRT - it's between these two stations.

So, in summary, want a cheap Lit text filled with other students' notes? Go there - the owner told me that he still has 20 copies of the text there. Who knows, you may even find Mining for Meaning there as well, if you're lucky (Most clever students sell their Lit texts to Knowledge after their O Levels for some cashback).

PS: They also stock used textbooks for OTHER subjects cheap as well! So if you understand the advantages of buying used textbooks, look there. (See, now you know the benefits of accessing this blog, hehe)

How do Critics Rate The Chrysalids?

(Couldn't resist it, hehe)

Some help for you...

It would be a seriously excellent idea to read Chrysalids before Term 1 begins. Not that you'll need to force yourself to - this year's text is highly interesting - Fallout 3 anyone?

Still, have typed out a summary of the text in the previous post - read it and if you can truthfully tell me that that's boring, something's wrong with you.

Have fun, and keep checking back for updates. Will post new stuff to help you when I feel like it - best you become a follower of this blog like Dean already is to make sure you stay ahead of the competition.

The Chrysalids: Summary

Imagine living in a world where an extra toe on a newborn will automatically result in the death of the baby, a pig with more hair than normal will be put down, and corn kernels that are not in perfectly formed rows will necessitate burning down an entire field. This world exists in John Wyndham's novel, The Chrysalids.

This is the world of David Strom, the main character of the novel. As a young child, he often dreamed of a city filled with objects considered fantastical in his world, such as flying machines and carts that move without horses. However, as David grows older, he realizes that he has the ability to communicate telepathically with certain other children. This ability means that David would be considered a Blasphemy in his community.

David does not understand the severity of such status until he meets Sophie, a girl who was born with an extra toe on each foot. David befriends Sophie and keeps her secret. When her secret is discovered by another boy in the village, Sophie and her family are forced to flee. As a result, David realises that, if his secret is discovered, he will suffer dire consequences.

As David gets older, he and the other telepathic children master the use of their abilities. David's forward-thinking uncle, Axel, becomes aware of David's telepathic power; he makes several efforts to convince David that the extra ability is worth having, but must be concealed. The others agree to keep their secret, and they are able to live normally for some years.

The secret is threatened when one of the others, Anne, chooses to marry a normal (non-telepath) man; although Anne attempts to renounce her powers, her husband eventually discovers the truth, putting the lives of David and his fellows in danger. Another risk emerges when it becomes evident that David's little sister, Petra, possesses far greater powers of telepathy. Petra's thought projection is painfully strong and usually involuntary; she is young and her powers are tied directly to her emotions. When she gets upset, she becomes a compulsive beacon, drawing the others to her. This creates a potentially dangerous situation.

Members of the community become aware of David's powers, and he must flee with Petra and his girlfriend, Rosalind, who has also been revealed as telepathic. They must make a dangerous journey in search of a region where no one knows who they are, or why they left their home.

On their journey, Petra begins communicating with a woman in a faraway land, who promises to send help. She also promises to bring them to Sealand, a land which is populated by telepathic people. David and the girls must avoid the posse from their district that continues to pursue them, and are captured by the Fringe people, a group of exiled Blasphemies who seek revenge.

Themes examined in The Chrysalids include the inevitability of change, man's inhumanity to his fellow man, ignorance, and bigotry. Despite being over 50 years old, the ideas expressed in this science-fiction novel are still timely today. This novel is an excellent novel for individuals who are avid readers of classic science-fiction.

2 Achieve Day 2 Performances


2 Achieve Day 2 Team 1: Sevester, Jin Hao, Jazmond

Acting: Actors are loud and confident in the delivery of their lines, which is good. There is a credible attempt by the right witch to sound witch-like. However, their body language does not convey the idea of witches. Also, actors should face each other when conversing. 6/10

Costumes: The black t-shirts help define the actors as witches to a certain extent. The black trashbag miniskirts are hard to distinguish from the shorts though. It would have been better if more effort had been made to prepare the costumes. 4/10

Props: There’s a cauldron used in this performance, and the little flames at the base look quite dinky, especially since the colour scheme contrasts quite nicely with the black cloth. But are cauldrons rectangular, or round? Some thought could have been made to make the cauldron more realistic. 6/10

Total score: 16/30

2 Achieve Day 2 Team 2: Nathanael, Stephen, Aaron

Acting: The right witch is outstanding in his attempts to portray a witch, as well as his confident delivery of lines. However, it’s extremely obvious that the left witch is reading from notes on his hat. This gives an extremely bad impression of the professionalism of the actors. Some may think that they cancel each other out, but drama is judged by assessing the entire performance, not on individual acting skills. 4/10

Costumes: Nice hats, made to look worn and beaten. Trashbag costumes also look suitably rumpled. Still don’t understand how a hat can transform into a glove and back into a hat again though. 6/10

Props: It’s a pot, not a cauldron. Given its size though, I’d recommend it being placed on a table for easy access, like what some other groups had done. More effort could have been made to design and craft appropriate props for the performance. 3/10

Total score: 13/30

2 Achieve Day 2 Team 3: Amirul, Adam, Jin Fang

Acting: A generally clear and confident delivery of lines by all witches. However, given that the bodies were located at stage front, the witches should have ensured that the focus is on them – perhaps by pretending to examine and harvest body parts while conversing or something. 6/10

Costumes: The hooded jackets are very suitable for this performance, but the same cannot be said about the colourful batik sarongs though. Walking stick, claws and skull lantern are nice accessories for the witches. 8/10

Props: It’s an intelligent use of the allied team as dead bodies, made even more realistic by having red streaks (bloodstains) on them. However, the corpses should have been positioned to the back of the stage, so that the audience’s focus is on the witches. Good idea, but not as effective as it should have been. 8/10

Total score: 22/30

2 Achieve Day 2 Team 4: Zi Harn, Hao Ming, Alson

Acting: Good that the witches are facing each other while conversing. However, actors are a little uncertain about their lines. Both tone of voice and body language could be improved to better portray a witch speaking. 6/10

Costumes: Black trashbag costumes, black cloaks, black hats. Effort to create witch-like costumes is evident for this team. It seems that the arms of the left witch is also sheathed in black, ending in ragged edges, which is interesting. A good job overall. 8/10

Props: Props: The painted background shows signs of effort, but one would expect a backdrop of something more sinister than the green fields to either side of the path. There’s a cauldron at centerstage, but it could have been better utilized by interacting with it in the course of the performance, rather than ignoring it. 5/10

Total score: 19/30

2 Achieve Day 2 Team 5: Sebastian, Fitri, Calvin

Acting: Actors generally know their lines, which is good. A commendable attempt to emulate witches, both in tone of voice and body language. I just found the final part a little cheesy. Good job overall. 9/10Costumes: The conical hats with a big golden star smack in the center are more comical than eerie. Costumes could have been thought out more – having bright green shirts under the torn trash bags is so not witch-like. 4/10


Props: The use of the plastic table cover to simulate lightning is a good idea. It’s good to see witches interacting with the cauldron by putting stuff into it. A table covered by a black cloth would have better served as a stand for the cauldron though. Perhaps more thought into this aspect woud be good. 6/10

Total score: 19/30

2 Achieve Day 2 Team 6: Jocelyn, Esther, Serene

Acting: Professionalism is very important during a performance, and performers must adopt the proper mood while acting. It’s a contradiction when eerie music is playing in the background and actors are giggling during the performance. More effort should be made to use body language to behave as a witch. 6/10

Costumes: The long flowing cloaks are nice, as is the effort to be dress in black t-shirts. However, legs should have been covered, as pink are an obvious contrast to back and draws attention away from the costumes. 7/10

Props: Nice use of sound throughout the performance, since it is quite appropriate. Quite an artistic and appropriate representation of the cauldron – having the middle witch (maiden) stir the cauldron while the right witch carries her broomstick is a great idea. However, the wand that the left witch is carrying is practically invisible. 8/10

Total score: 21/30

2 Achieve Day 2 Team 7: Xiang Bei, Shi Min, Li Qim (Unassessed)

Acting: The team started off quite confidently, but it went downhill halfway through the play. Perhaps more rehearsals would have helped avoid this. Also, since the witches are supposed to be conversing with each other, actresses should face each other instead of the audience. 4/10

Costumes: Actors should standardize their costumes. Here, there’re two performers dressed like witches, with a third in school uniform with a long-sleeved jacket, the latter being totally unprepared to dress like a witch. Remember that a performance is a team effort. 6/10

Props: Love the props. However, the simple act of creating a stand would have made it possible for the tombstone and cauldron to be placed onstage itself instead of being propped up against the wall. Just a little more effort would have made it so much more effective. Also, starry, starry night? A little inappropriate for the scene, which speaks of thunder, lightning and rain? 5/10


Total score: 15/30

2 Dynamic Day 2 Performances



2 Dynamic Day 2 Team 1: Ming Hui, Hamizan, Firdaus


Acting: An interesting attempt to change the tone of voice to convey the idea of ‘witchiness’. Loud and clear delivery, with a generally smooth flow. 7/10.

Costumes: Costumes, though simple, fit the characters. Again though, I never did get comfortable with the idea of witches showing young legs when their tone of voice suggest someone that is old. The hats are a nice touch 6/10

Props: Cauldron could use some work. It’s not supposed to look shapeless – a cauldron is basically a metal container used to brew concoctions. Good that all three witches have something to hold in their hands and two of them are using their sticks to stir the cauldron. For additional effect, perhaps the witch holding the book could have opened it to cast the spell when the last two lines are chanted? 6/10

Total score: 19/30

2 Dynamic Day 2 Team 2: Cephas, Shakila, Aisha

Acting: As mentioned, always interesting to see an re-imagining of the scene. In this case, the performance stays true to the spirit of the original scene, which is a good job done. The only flaw perhaps is that one witch periodically blocks the camera’s view of another witch. It’s all right to block another actor momentarily, but performers should remember never to block other actors for too long. 8/10

Costumes: Generally appropriate, though one witch looks more like a teenager than a witch due to the style and perhaps choice of clothes to wear. Good effort nevertheless. 8/10

Props: Looking at the spellbook to the spell components, effort has been taken to design and craft them for the performance. Care has been taken to ensure that each witch has a role to play during the performance. 10/10

Total score: 26/30

2 Dynamic Day 2 Team 3: Aadila, Dineetha, Jeff (?)

Acting: The right witch is outstanding and commendable for her loud, confident delivery, as well as appropriate body language. Other two witches are slightly stiff in comparison, but also know their lines and their roles. 8/10

Costumes: Trashbag costumes look somewhat ill-fitting, and the choice of a transparent blue shawl does not convey the impression of witch-like attire. More planning could have been done with regards to costume design. 5/10

Props: Generally all right. It’s amazing what a simple tablecloth can do sometimes to create the impression of a stained cauldron on an elevated platform. Simple, yet effective. 7/10

Total score: 20/30

2 Dynamic Day 2 Team 4: Tricia, Qiu Mei, Radiah

Acting: Loud, confident and smooth delivery of lines. Witches look a little stiff during the performance. Loosening up would have been better. 7/10

Costumes: Trashbags have been used as costumes, but it is quite obvious that effort has been made to design and craft the bags into costumes. The strips at the hems of the costumes are long and took time to make as was the shoulder silver straps. Effort was also made to wear a black t-shirt to complement the black trashbag costumes. The hats seem a little out of place though, being coloured silver instead of black. Overall an excellent effort made. 8/10

Props: It’s a big cauldron, and effort has been made to colour it so that it looks ancient and perhaps stained with the brightly coloured residue of concoctions. Using a stirrer is a good idea, and the waste paper in the cauldron adds a nice touch. Having the right witch add ingredients to the concoction is a nice touch. 7/10

Total score: 22/30

2 Dynamic Day 2 Team 5: Shakina, Yi Xuan, Kelvin

Acting: The female witch stands out in this performance, showing confidence in the delivery of lines. Other two witches are generally all right, but should be more relaxed and confident of themselves. 7/10

Costumes: Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like much effort has been made to design and craft the costumes. A little more effort spent in this aspect would have made the performance much better. 3/10

Props: No props used. 0/10

Total score: 10/30

2 Dynamic Day 2 Team 6: Zaimee, Amirul, Elton

Acting: I like the last part, where witches crouched over the cauldron and churned the concotion within while chanting the last two lines. However, witches seem uncertain about their initial stage positions, and seem to be gradually moving towards stage back as the performance progresses. Witches must also learn to speak out so that they can be heard. More rehearsals would have been advisable. 4/10

Costumes: Some effort has been made to create the impression of frayed, ragged hems for the right witch, but it’s generally safe to say that if more effort had been taken to design and craft the costumes, the performance would have been better. Again, mini-skirts for witches are inappropriate. 4/10

Props: A simple cauldron, but nevertheless effective. The use of strips of paper to simulate the concoction within the cauldron is interesting as well. 6/10

Total score: 14/30

2 Dynamic Day 2 Team 7: Danial, Juan Koon, Kia Seng

Acting: Well, witches know their lines and say them loudly, which is good. However, it would have been better if witches were more relaxed and focused on bringing out the idea of ‘witchiness’ through their tone of voice and body language. 5/10

Costumes: Miniskirts made of trashbags is quite interesting, but it would have been much better if the performers had made long dresses instead of that as it would have been more appropriate. The hats are interesting though, and look quite witch-like. 6/10

Props: Some props present, and it seems that the handheld props help give actors confidence when acting in this performance. Still, a generally good effort here. 6/10

Total score: 17/30