Personally, I found this statement – ‘Watch thou for the mutant!’– the most impactful as it was the only one that was completely blunt about the society’s dislike for difference. While others encourage one to be normal, this blatantly declares its opinion in a negative way. It measures the fundamentalism and strict rule of the society well. In the book Chrysalids, it has already occurred - Sophie is forced to hide her difference or else face terrible consequences. However, it appears to be one of the most controlling aspects of David's society. It means to watch out for people who are literally mutants, physically and mentally, and also implies to watch out for difference. Although it only says to watch out for mutants, it is highly likely that to be a mutant also does come with consequences. It is possible that a mutant may be put to death to prevent the 'tainting' of 'the Lord's holy lineage'. For me, I doubt it would affect me if it were to be incorporated into our society very much. However, it could affect me in the way that I act strange and that could be seen as different, or else the fact that I had my tonsils and adenoids removed, or that my grandfather could have four toes (I don't remember clearly so maybe I'm mistaken). Stephanie could also be taken away from me and slaughtered for mental insanity. Furthermore, I am agnostic, and that could be viewed as a difference as well and the fact that this quote is based of the Bible, although misinterpreted.
I believe that all repentances, including this one, will be highly impactful within the novel. All of the repentances state the differences are terrible things in different ways. "People in our district had a very sharp eye for the odd, or the unusual, so that even my lef-handedness caused slight disapproval." - David's thoughts, page 1. chapter 1. It shall impact the book greatly as David will begin to realize how foolish and cruel prejudice is against difference: "Clearly there must be a mistake somewhere. Surely having one very small toe extra - well, two very small toes, because supposed there would be one to match one her other foot - surely that couldn't be enough to make her 'hateful in the sight of God...'? The ways of the world were very puzzling..." - David's thoughts, page 14, chapter 1.
I believe that all repentances, including this one, will be highly impactful within the novel. All of the repentances state the differences are terrible things in different ways. "People in our district had a very sharp eye for the odd, or the unusual, so that even my lef-handedness caused slight disapproval." - David's thoughts, page 1. chapter 1. It shall impact the book greatly as David will begin to realize how foolish and cruel prejudice is against difference: "Clearly there must be a mistake somewhere. Surely having one very small toe extra - well, two very small toes, because supposed there would be one to match one her other foot - surely that couldn't be enough to make her 'hateful in the sight of God...'? The ways of the world were very puzzling..." - David's thoughts, page 14, chapter 1.
