Wyndham, John: 1903-1969

The Day of the Triffids, 1951 - Information about the Book

General Information | Facts | Commentary | Articles | Podcasts

General Information
- Good for Discussing:
  Fragility of Civilization
  Dependence on Technology
  Ethical Responses to Societal Collapse
- After most people in the world are blinded by an apparent meteor shower, an aggressive species of plant starts killing people. Considered to be one of the best science fiction books of all time. See Summary.
- Information from Wikipedia
- John Wyndham’s inspiration for writing “The Day of the Triffids.”
  
  During World War II, Wyndham observed the destruction of London from rooftops, which provided him with vivid imagery and emotional depth that he later incorporated into his writing. He described the eerie silence following bombings in letters to his partner, Grace Wilson, which echoed in his portrayal of a deserted London in "The Day of the Triffids."
Facts
- Awards: The novel has not received any major literary awards.
- Topics
  
  Humanity's Hubris and Overreliance on Technology
  The novel critiques humanity's overconfidence in science and technology, which ultimately leads to the catastrophic events that unfold. The triffids themselves are a product of genetic engineering gone wrong, while the global blindness is caused by a man-made satellite mishap. Wyndham suggests that unchecked scientific advancement without ethical considerations can have disastrous consequences.
  Societal Collapse and Rebuilding
  After the majority of the population is blinded, society rapidly breaks down into chaos and anarchy. The novel examines how different groups attempt to rebuild communities and establish new social orders in the post-apocalyptic world, some more successfully than others. It raises questions about the foundations of civilization and what is required for a functioning society.
  
  Man vs. Nature Conflict
  The triffids, a dangerous species of mobile, venomous plants, represent the threat of an indifferent and hostile natural world. Their ability to adapt and thrive in the changed environment highlights the fragility of human dominance over nature. The novel explores the struggle for survival against this formidable natural enemy.
  
  Morality and Human Nature
  As the characters navigate the collapsed world, they are forced to confront moral dilemmas and question the boundaries of acceptable behavior for survival. The novel examines how extreme circumstances can reveal both the best and worst aspects of human nature.
  Wyndham's novel is a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of humanity's technological ambitions and disregard for the natural world. It explores themes of societal breakdown, morality, and the resilience of human nature in the face of catastrophic events.
- General Perception
  
  The novel touches on several themes relevant to its post-WWII British context, including the potential dangers of scientific and technological advancement, the politics of decolonization, and the emergence of the welfare state. While some critics dismissed it as a "cosy catastrophe" lacking serious ideas, others praised its social commentary and ability to unsettle readers by making the ordinary seem menacing.
  Many science fiction writers have cited The Day of the Triffids as an influential work, with Arthur C. Clarke calling it an "immortal story". Its iconic scenes, such as the protagonist waking up in a deserted hospital, have left a mark on post-apocalyptic fiction and film. Overall, the novel's blend of horror, suspense, and social critique has cemented its status as a landmark work of 20th century science fiction.
- Reader Rating:
Commentary
- John Wyndham’s "The Day of the Triffids" is a seminal post-apocalyptic novel that explores humanity’s fragility in the face of dual catastrophes: mass blindness caused by a meteor shower and the rise of carnivorous, mobile plants known as triffids. The story follows biologist Bill Masen as he navigates a collapsing society, grappling with moral dilemmas, survival strategies, and the hope of rebuilding civilization.
  The novel critiques human overreliance on technology and dominance over nature, as the triffids—originally cultivated for their valuable oil—become a deadly threat when unchecked. Themes of morality versus necessity emerge prominently, with characters like Bill maintaining ethical principles while others prioritize survival at any cost. The blindness metaphor underscores societal vulnerability, illustrating how quickly order disintegrates when foundational abilities are lost.
  
  Wyndham also weaves in political allegories, reflecting post-World War II anxieties about decolonization and Cold War fears. The triffids can be read as symbols of colonized peoples reclaiming power or as a critique of humanity’s hubris in manipulating nature. Ultimately, the novel balances bleakness with optimism, as survivors strive to reclaim their world despite overwhelming odds.
Articles: General Information | Detailed/Scholarly Information
- General Information:
- Review: "The article offers a basic plot summary and personal reactions." February 28, 2015
- What caused the mass blindness: "The article provides a focused, canon-based explanation of the mass blindness."
- Botanical Fiction. "The article offers a basic plot summary, describing the triffids' traits and the dual disasters of blindness and societal collapse." David Galbraith, Head of Science, Royal Botanical Gardens. August 17, 2020
- Where Triffids aren’t Central to the Story: "The article offers a basic plot overview, personal likes (e.g., societal collapse scenario), and dislikes (e.g., implausibility of mass blindness, minimal triffid focus)." By A.S. Thornton.
- Detailed/Scholarly Information:
- Review: "The review offers a clear plot overview and thoughtfully links the novel to post‑war Britain, Cold War anxieties, and themes like dependence on technology and gender roles, making it quite useful for literary analysis." September 5, 2019
Podcasts:
- This influential classic piles not one, or two, but three catastrophies onto the world.
  "The podcast episode offers a solid overview of The Day of the Triffids' plot, British disaster context, and critiques like cosy catastrophe, but lacks deep thematic analysis."