117 - The Great Divorce

This book by David Clark provides a comprehensive guide to C.S. Lewis's allegorical novel 'The Great Divorce. ' The guide offers readers insights into the symbolism, themes, and theological concepts explored in Lewis's work. Clark delves into the historical and literary context of 'The Great Divorce. ' The book aims to enhance readers' understanding and appreciation of Lewis's exploration of heaven, hell, and the choices that determine our eternal destiny. It helps to better navigate the complex layers of meaning within Lewis's narrative.

Published in 1872, this novel is one of the first in the modern fantasy genre. It tells the story of Princess Irene, who lives a lonely life in a castle with her nursemaid, and Curdie, a young miner. Irene discovers a magical world through her great-great-grandmother, who is invisible to others. Together, Irene and Curdie thwart the goblins' plans to abduct the princess and flood the mines. The story emphasizes themes of faith, bravery, and the importance of believing in what is invisible. The novel is known for its imaginative and innovative ideas, beautiful descriptions, and its influence on later fantasy writers.

Written between 413-426 CE, 'The City of God' is a response to pagan claims that the sack of Rome by barbarians was a consequence of the abolition of pagan worship by Christian emperors. Augustine argues that Christianity saved the city from complete destruction and that Rome’s fall was due to internal moral decay. The book divides humanity into two metaphorical cities: the City of God, characterized by devotion to God, and the City of Man, characterized by self-love. It also outlines Augustine’s theological interpretation of human history, from the Creation to the Second Coming of Christ, and critiques paganism and pagan philosophy while presenting the true history of the City of God.

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.

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'.

C. S. Lewis's "Perelandra" (also known as "Voyage to Venus") is the second book in his Space Trilogy. It follows Dr. Elwin Ransom's journey to the planet Perelandra (Venus), a world untouched by the fall of humanity. Ransom's mission is to prevent the corruption of Perelandra's Eve-like figure, the Green Lady, by a possessed physicist named Weston. The novel explores themes of temptation, innocence, and the cosmic battle between good and evil. Lewis uses the alien setting to examine human nature and the spiritual significance of free will, highlighting the importance of remaining steadfast in the face of temptation and embracing divine grace.

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.

Published in 1667, 'Paradise Lost' is an epic poem in blank verse that follows the biblical story of the Fall of Man. The poem begins in medias res, detailing the descent of Satan and his followers into Hell after their rebellion against God. It explores two main narrative arcs: one focusing on Satan's actions and the other on Adam and Eve's story in the Garden of Eden. The poem delves into themes such as free will, obedience, revenge, and pride, and it portrays the complex characters of Satan, Adam, and Eve. Milton's work is known for its rich language, classical structure, and profound theological and philosophical insights.

In 'The Great Divorce', C.S. Lewis presents an allegorical narrative where souls from a gray, dreary town (representing hell) are given the opportunity to visit heaven. The story follows the narrator and various ghosts as they encounter spirits in heaven, engaging in dialogues that reveal the nature of their choices and the reasons they remain in hell. The book emphasizes that hell is a self-imposed state, and individuals choose to remain there due to their inability to let go of their earthly attachments and sins. Through these encounters, Lewis explores themes of redemption, the afterlife, and the importance of spiritual choices, underscoring that true joy and salvation are available to those who seek them sincerely.