X-Men Belonging Analysis

Throughout both the novel ‘The Chrysalids’, and the film ‘X-Men’ from 200, the idea of the importance of belonging is presented. In both texts, there is a concept that is if somebody belongs, they are safe. Belonging in society is of great significance, and those who do not belong have the mindset that if they control their society, they will finally be part of a group. Also, working in a group rather than alone causes a higher possibility of survival from enemies. Overall, both texts depict the idea of the importance of belonging.
To begin with, belonging in society could grant safety. Both texts, ‘The Chrysalids’ and ‘X-Men’ outline the way in which harm is brought to those who do not belong. Within ‘The Chrysalids’, John Wyndham showcases …show more content…
Within both texts, ‘The Chrysalids’ and ‘X-Men’, there are certain people who are banished from their society and do not belong, which led to them believing the only way to belong is to control the society to label them as outcasts. This is shown through ‘The Chrysalids’ by a character called Gordon Strorm, who was Joseph Strorm’s brother. Gordon was kicked out of his community because he was different, and in spite of his situation, he believed that since he was the eldest son, he should have inherited the position as a leader instead of Joseph. In addition to this, Gordon concluded that he should have been the one to control his old community, Waknuk, and that “Waknuk [should’ve] be [his]”. If Gordon succeeded in his goal to be the leader, then, instead of maintaining order, he would have controlled the community, which is the complete opposite of what he would have done if he belonged. Similarly, in ‘X-Men’, Magneto, as a mutant, is thrown aside. This is because he is different and does not belong, which causes him to crave for power and control. Magneto had the mindset that if he threw the humans aside and out of the control of the society and placed his species, which are mutants, and himself as the people in control, then he would belong in a world of his creation. Magneto also talks about the mutants in contrast to the humans, claiming that “[they] are the future” of the world and “not them”, and …show more content…
Both texts highlight that working in a group allows people to more gain skill and power from others than from what working alone can give you. Within ‘The Chrysalids’, David was a telepath who was forced to run because he does not belong. If David were alone and did not gain help from others then he never would have survived his enemies. “The Sealand people were coming to help” David in the run he was on, and within the people is a Sealand woman who helped David along the way. Thus, proving that working with people in a group allows a better chance of surviving. Likewise, in ‘X-Men’, there is said to be a war coming between the humans and the mutants, with the mutants being the one’s hunted. But, within the species of mutants, there are two sides; those who revolt against humans and those who have hope of them being accepted. However, there are some mutants who do not have a side, and in the upcoming war, if they do not join a team, they would not have the ability of gaining knowledge and skill from a number of people surrounding them, only relying on themselves, which provides them with a lesser chance of surviving. Wolverine is one of those people, and because he is unsure that the people wanting to requite him are “on the right side” of the two groups of mutants, he is alone and therefore not able to gain as much skill and power as he would have if he “picked a side” to fight with.