

101 - Introduction to Perelandra
8 snips Jul 21, 2025
Dive into C.S. Lewis's 'Perelandra' as it unravels themes of desire and fulfillment. Discover the intertwining of love and virtue, examining how gender dynamics play out in a cosmic setting. Explore rich symbolism through Mars and Venus, highlighting the quest for true beauty amidst illusions. Delve into the deeper meanings of Paralandra while anticipating future philosophical discussions. Plus, get a sneak peek at upcoming content, including gaming and Star Wars, alongside exciting Patreon perks!
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Story Telos Over Plot
- C.S. Lewis views a story's driving force as its telos: a state of being rather than events.
- Perelandra aims to move desire from particular pleasures up to their ideal fulfilment.
Read Weight Of Glory First
- Read Lewis's essays in The Weight of Glory before Perelandra to grasp his treatment of desire.
- Familiarize yourself with 'The Weight of Glory' to see how desire connects to Venus imagery in the novel.
Pagan Myth As Partial Truth
- Lewis links Christianity and pagan mythology, arguing pagan myths capture real fragments of truth.
- Perelandra explores that overlap, treating pagan motifs as meaningful rather than merely false.