The Lost Lewis Tapes: Vol. 3, That Hideous Strength
Oct 16, 2020
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The Lost Lewis Tapes Vol. 3 discusses C.S. Lewis' final novel in the Ransom Trilogy, That Hideous Strength. Topics include the polarizing reception of the novel, navigating academia, themes of objectivity and modernity, analysis of the character MacPhee, the Tower of Babel, and never-before-heard recordings of Lewis reading his own works.
'That Hideous Strength' received mixed reviews, with some readers appreciating its intricate motifs while others found it overly filled.
The influence of Charles Williams on C.S. Lewis can be seen in 'That Hideous Strength', with similarities in narrative structure and interwoven motifs.
The satirical portrayal of academia in the novel serves as a critique of modern academic life, highlighting the importance of genuine companionship and the danger of losing empathy.
Deep dives
Introduction and Setting
The podcast episode discusses the novel 'That Hideous Strength' by C.S. Lewis, focusing on chapter 13. The chapter opens with a ragged stranger entering a room and engaging in a conversation with Ransom. The wind blows and the inner door slams shut, isolating the men from the women. The stranger is revealed to be a significant character named Merlin. In this section, Ransom and Merlin exchange questions and answers, establishing Ransom's authority as the Pendragon, the leader of Logres, and the last question from Merlin reveals his acceptance of Ransom as his superior.
The Length and Reception of the Novel
The podcast highlights the unique length of 'That Hideous Strength' compared to Lewis's other novels. Some readers appreciate the book's intricate motifs, while others find it overly filled. Lewis even attempted to create a shorter version called 'The Tortured Planet,' but it did not gain popularity. The novel's departure from exotic landscapes and its focus on the spiritual battle on Earth receive mixed reviews, with some readers disappointed and others considering it a fitting culmination of the trilogy.
The Influence of Charles Williams
The podcast explores the influence of Charles Williams on Lewis and how it is reflected in 'That Hideous Strength.' Williams was a friend and fellow Inkling who brought a loose structure and multiple interwoven motifs into his novels, which some readers find similar in style to Lewis's novel. The podcast emphasizes that Williams' influence should be understood positively, despite his occasionally loose narrative structure.
Academic Satire and Sociological Critique
The podcast discusses the satirical portrayal of academia in 'That Hideous Strength,' focusing on the character Mark Studdock, a sociologist. Lewis exposes the tendencies of academia to prioritize power dynamics, bureaucracy, and abstract thinking, presenting it as a critique of modern academic life. The satire highlights the importance of genuine companionship and the danger of losing empathy when focusing solely on utility and rationality.
The Shift in Narrative Perspective and Character Development
The podcast points out the shift in narrative perspective in 'That Hideous Strength,' as the protagonist Ransom takes a backseat, and new characters like Jane Studdock and Mark Studdock become the main focus. The character of Jane Studdock is thought to be inspired by Lewis's acquaintance Mary Shelley Nalyn, and her journey toward spiritual insight and healing is contrasted with Mark Studdock's negative trajectory. This narrative shift serves to provide multi-dimensional female characters and explore the dangers of abstract thinking and the need for empathy.
"Stand! Stand where you are ... ," C.S. Lewis bellows into the tape recorder. In this third installment of The Lost Lewis Tapes, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Producer Aaron Hill to discuss the final novel in the Ransom Trilogy and to listen to excerpts of Lewis narrating Merlin’s interrogation of Elwin Ransom from Chapter 13 of That Hideous Strength.
