Thanks again for tuning into my chapter-by-chapter analysis of Out of the Silent Planet!
We can now cross another question off our list: Ransom finally figures out where he is. The fact that he is on Mars will probably not be too surprising to readers here. As I’ve discussed on the podcast, we have seen a consistent militaristic / fighting theme in the story. Readers of mythology have probably already made the connection to the god of war: Mars (Roman) or Ares (Greek).
But wait there’s more! Ever since meeting Augray, we’ve tried to determine whether Thulcandra (Earth) has an Oyarsa. The evidence continues to steer us towards no. As Ransom takes in the history of the Solar System, as illustrated in the stone monoliths, he observes that each planet has a flaming winged creature above it. However, the winged creature hovering above earth has been erased or otherwise smudged out; suggesting perhaps there once was an Oyarsa governing Thulcandra. We will be fully satisfied on this point in the next chapter.
I had a lot of fun with this episode. Hope you enjoy. Please leave comments and questions below.
Episode Roadmap
Chapter quote, intro, overview, and recap
Discussion about Mars and the militaristic fighting theme
150-word chapter summary
Chapter 17 Themes Analysis
Theme 1: Seeing & perspective
Theme 2: Language & communication (art, history)
Theme 3: Malacandra is old
Theme 4: The Oyarsa question
Theme 5: Who’s in charge here?
Theme 6: Love of work vs working for gain
Theme 7: Mythology
Wrap up
Episode music - “Mars” by Gustav Holst
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