108 - That Hideous Strength, Part 2

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This novel is a retelling of the ancient myth of Cupid and Psyche, narrated by Orual, the ugly and bitter older sister of the beautiful Psyche. Orual's story is a complex exploration of envy, betrayal, loss, and the journey towards self-awareness and redemption. The book delves into Orual's life as she grapples with her love for Psyche, her anger towards the gods, and her eventual realization of her own flaws and the true nature of her feelings. The narrative is divided into two parts, reflecting Orual's transformation from a state of bitterness and self-deception to one of understanding and mercy.

The Death of Ivan Ilych, published in 1886, is a novella by Leo Tolstoy that delves into the existential crisis of its protagonist. Ivan Ilych, a judge who has lived a life conforming to societal norms and expectations, is diagnosed with a terminal illness. As his health deteriorates, he is forced to confront the emptiness and superficiality of his life. The novella explores themes of mortality, the search for meaning, and the nature of authentic living. Through Ivan's journey, Tolstoy poses critical questions about the purpose of life and the inevitability of death, prompting readers to reflect on their own existence and the values they uphold. Despite the pain and fear associated with his illness, Ivan ultimately finds a sense of peace and understanding in his final moments.

The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R. R. Tolkien, is an epic high fantasy novel set in Middle-earth. The story follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits the One Ring from his uncle Bilbo. The Ring, forged by Sauron, holds the power to control all other Rings of Power and must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return. Frodo is joined by a fellowship of other characters, including Gandalf the Grey, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir, as they embark on a dangerous quest across Middle-earth. The novel explores themes of good vs. evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between fate and free will.

Beowulf is an Old English epic poem that chronicles the daring deeds of its titular hero, Beowulf. The story begins with Beowulf's journey to help King Hrothgar of the Danes, whose mead hall, Heorot, is terrorized by the monster Grendel. Beowulf kills Grendel and later Grendel's mother, then returns to his homeland to become king of the Geats. After ruling for 50 years, he faces his final battle against a fire-breathing dragon, which ultimately leads to his death. The poem explores themes of heroism, fate, and the struggle between civilization and wilderness.

In 'Out of the Silent Planet', Dr. Elwin Ransom, a philologist, is kidnapped by his old school acquaintance Dick Devine and the scientist Edward Weston. They take him aboard a spaceship bound for Malacandra (Mars). Upon landing, Ransom escapes and encounters the planet's inhabitants, including the humanoid hrossa and the angelic eldil. He learns that Earth is isolated from the rest of the solar system and eventually meets Oyarsa, the ruler of Malacandra. After a series of adventures and interactions with the planet's diverse species, Ransom is directed to return to Earth along with his captors, who are ordered to leave Malacandra immediately.

Perilandra, the second book in C.S. Lewis's Space Trilogy, continues the adventures of Elwin Ransom. This time, Ransom returns to Malacandra, now called Perilandra, to confront a new threat. The novel delves deeper into the spiritual and philosophical themes introduced in the first book, exploring the nature of good and evil, free will, and the relationship between humanity and the divine. It is a complex and thought-provoking work that challenges the reader to consider their own beliefs and values. The story is rich in symbolism and allegory.

In 'The Abolition of Man', C.S. Lewis delivers a defense of objective value and natural law, originating from his Riddell Memorial Lectures at the University of Durham in 1943. Lewis argues that education should be conducted within the context of moral law and objective values, which he terms the 'Tao'. He criticizes modern attempts to debunk these values, warning that such actions could lead to a dehumanization of society, resulting in what he calls 'Men without Chests' – individuals whose emotions have not been trained to conform to reason. The book emphasizes the universal nature of traditional moralities across different cultures and warns against the dangers of moral relativism and the reduction of human beings to mere objects of scientific analysis.

Published in 1945, 'That Hideous Strength' is the final book in C.S. Lewis's Space Trilogy. The story takes place on Earth and follows the character Mark Studdock, a young sociology faculty member at Bracton College, as he becomes entangled with the National Institute of Co-ordinated Experiments (N. I. C. E. ), a sinister organization with totalitarian ambitions. The novel delves into themes of faith, doubt, and the struggle between good and evil, featuring characters from the previous books in the trilogy, including Elwin Ransom. It critiques the dangers of logical positivism and the erosion of moral values, drawing parallels with other dystopian works like George Orwell's '1984'.