John Wyndham was a British author of science fiction, horror, fantasy and post-apocalyptic fiction He wrote novels under several different pseudonyms, the most famous being John Wyndham. He is best known for his novels The Day of the Triffids, The Chrysalids and The Midwich Cuckoos. Wyndham’s works often feature themes involving alien invasions, mutations, and post-apocalyptic themes. He wrote his novels with a scientific approach and often addressed moral and ethical issues facing mankind.
1. What dilemmas and ethical issues would occur if humans, as seen in The Midwich Cuckoos, were able to reproduce on their own?
2. In the novel The Chrysalids, the protagonist David is faced with a dilemma regarding his mutant powers. Discuss why this dilemma is of particular importance for the reader to consider.
3. Explore the consequences of humans relying on technology, as seen in The Day of the Triffids, and how it can have a detrimental effect on society.
4. Analyse the idea of inter-species coexistence as explored in The Kraken Wakes and how this could benefit the human race.
5. Examine how Wyndham’s post-apocalyptic works often include the concept of giving hope and a chance to start over.