While Ransom gets some clarity from Weston in chapter 4, it is still not clear what his role in this whole Malacandra business really is. The biggest question is why are Weston and Devine taking Ransom to Malacandra? We know Malacandra is a planet but Weston is evasive about which planet it really is. Is it a new planet or one of the known planets? The real game-changer though is that Malacandra is apparently inhabited. While Ransom is terrified at the thought of being handed over to these inhabitants, he finds solace and intense joy when the light from the sun and stars penetrate him to his core.
I have one comment and two observations:
This is one of my favorite chapters in all of OSP because of how Lewis describes Ransom’s experience basking in the light, beauty, and majesty of space.
The story so far has been narrated from the 3rd person perspective. However, in the opening paragraphs of chapter 5, the narrator uses the pronoun “I”. Who is the narrator and what does he or she have to do with the story?
Lewis uses the word ‘spiritual’ when describing other reasons for Ransom’s lightening of the heart and the word ‘pious’ as Ransom contemplates his suicide. These words suggest new layers to this story on top of quite a few layers already. We will see if these ideas continue…
Episode Roadmap:
Chapter quote & intro: 0:00 - 1:47
Chapter 5 Themes Analysis
Chapter Summary: 1:48
Notes on change in narration perspective and use of ‘spiritual’ and ‘pious’
Theme 1: Language 3:40
Theme 2: Seeing, experiencing, and perspective 5:27
Looking at vs. looking along - ref. to Lewis’ essay “Meditation in a Toolshed” from God in the Dock
Eugene Terekhin’s substack and article I referenced:
Theme 3: Light, life, and beauty 10:00
Theme 4: Fear and imagination leading to despair 15:19
‘Spiritual’ and ‘pious’ - will we see these ideas again? This is Lewis after all!
Wrap up: 20:01 - end
Episode Music: “A Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay
OSP E5 Chapter 5: Ransom Has a 'Spiritual' Experience In a Sky Full of Stars