social-ostracism
The Turners are marginalized by their community for their isolation and perceived failure to conform to social norms, marking them as 'misfits' and 'poor whites.'
2 chapters across 2 books
The Sirian Experiments (1980)Doris Lessing
Chapter 1 of 'The Sirian Experiments' presents the murder of Mary Turner by their houseboy Moses and explores the community's complex and silent response to the event. The chapter reveals underlying racial tensions, social ostracism of the Turners as 'misfits,' and the controlling influence of Charlie Slatter, a powerful local figure who manages the aftermath with a mix of brutality and pragmatism. The narrative critiques the tacit social agreements that suppress inquiry and maintain racial and class hierarchies in the farming district.
The Chrysalids (1955)John Wyndham
In this chapter, David and Sophie enjoy a rare carefree moment by the stream, but their secret is jeopardized when Alan, a local boy, discovers Sophie's six-toed footprint, revealing her mutation. A fight ensues, and Sophie injures Alan, escalating the danger of exposure. The Wenders prepare Sophie to flee Waknuk to protect her from persecution, while David faces the painful reality that he cannot accompany her.