To make this predicament hit close to home, so to speak, both stories employ parental rejection to spark our sympathy. We are worried for David the minute he shows signs of abnormality because the author emphasizes his father's role in suppressing mutations. Likewise Powder's father abandons him due to his mutation. Unfortunately their relationship woes have only started. In 'The Chrysalids' David and Rosalind face familial issues invoking a Romeo and Juliet-esque feel. We can compare this to Lindsay's father's opposition to Powder. However, it is Anne's marriage to Alan that most similarly mirrors the movie because the problem is caused by the fact that one of them has a mutation. Why was that a problem? Because society was suspicious of difference. In Waknuk they have taken this suspicion to an extreme, banishing, hunting and even torturing "mutants" to preserve "purity". In 'Powder' the citizens are less radical. Nevertheless, the suspicion is there and leads to Powder being bullied and gossiped about throughout the