In chapter 9, Wyndham uses the device of juxtaposition. Juxtaposition is the
contrasting of two incidents in such a way that make each other seem worse,
simply because they occur together. In chapter 8, the joy of Petra’s birth
offered a strong contrast to the sorrow of Harriet and her baby. What is the
juxtaposition in chapter 9 ?
Aunt Harriet wanted to swap babies with her sister Emily to get a certificate since her baby is a Deviant and Emily’s baby (Petra) is perfect. However, Emily and Joseph accuse her of being used by the Devil to trick them to commit a conspiracy and heresy. She is found dead in the river later, possibly by suicide. This tragedy is juxtaposed with the birth of a super telepathic communication ability.
The juxtaposition of chapter 9 is when they save Petra which is a good thing, but the people are becoming suspicious of how they heard Petra from that far away. So Rosalind and David need to make excuses to get out of it.
