Well, it’s been a few weeks but I am now back behind the microphone getting back to OSP. This episode is a double-header of chapters 10 and 11. Ransom weighs the pros and cons of getting into the hrossa’s boat and ultimately does. During his adventure on the open water he notices the tall mountain spires no less than 4 times! I wonder if Lewis is tacitly telling us that the mountains are important. This was all well and good for Ransom…except for the fact that he was horribly seasick the whole time.
After living in the hross village for several weeks, he picks up the language and begins learning about the other beings on the planet.
There are 3 rational species (hnau) on Malacandra: the hrossa, the seroni (sorns), and the pfifltriggi. Ransom is perplexed that none has tried to dominate the other. Though the hrossa assure him that none of the species rule over the other, Ransom is convinced that the seroni are the real rulers because they are considered the intelligentsia. There are also several other beings that are not considered hnau because they are (presumably) spiritual beings. These include Maleldil, Oyarsa, and eldils. We have not met these beings yet so we do not know much about them at this point. But there is a lot more to come so stay tuned!
Episode Roadmap
Chapter quote, intro, & chapter summary: 0:00 - 3:27
Chapter 10 Themes Analysis: 3:37 - 11:50
Theme 1: Perpendicularity / vertical nature of Malacandra 3:37
The mountains of Malacandra
Theme 2: Adventure 6:47
Taking chances, taking the opportunity presented
Seasickness
Chapter 11 Discussion 11:51 - 33:39
Instead of themes, I spent some time level-setting on all that Ransom learns about the other species, the cosmos, and the language.
Wrap up 33:40 - end
Episode music - “Bounding Main” by The Rumjacks
OSP E10 -- Chapters 10 & 11 Double Header! Ransom rolls the dice and gets in the boat!