The Son and the other stars: Christology and cosmology in the imagination of C.S. Lewis
Abstract
This dissertation treats the theory and practice of C. S. Lewis's theological imagination,
focussing upon the imaginative use he made of his professional expertise in medieval and
renaissance literature. Its approach is principally expository rather than an evaluative.
Chapter One outlines the centrality of the imagination to a proper understanding of Lewis's
works.
Chapter Two examines Lewis's own theory of imagination and surveys how he practised it
as a literary critic. We compare and contrast Lewis's theory and practice of imagination
with that of his friend, the theologian, Austin Faffer.
Chapter Three looks in more detail at Lewis's imaginative practice, in particular his
fascination with the images supplied by the seven planets of the Ptolemaic cosmos, which
he termed 'spiritual symbols of permanent value'. We analyse what he meant by 'sprit'
and 'symbol'.
Chapter Four introduces the main argument of the dissertation namely that these seven
spiritual symbols structure the works for which Lewis is best known, the seven 'Chronicles
of Narnia'. We claim to have uncovered the governing imaginative blueprint of the septet.
We address Lewis's capacity for and interest in secrecy and consider why this planetary
theme has remained hitherto undetected.
In Chapters Five to Eleven we take the seven planets in turn and trace the use Lewis made
of them through out his writings. We analyse the planetary symbolism undergirding each
Chronicle and conclude each chapter with an exegesis of the Christological message of each
book so understood.
Chapter Twelve examines factors which motivated Lewis to focus his imaginative energies
upon Ptolemaic cosmology and suggests one particular occasioning factor behind the
composition of the Chronicles. In addition, we consider theological and pedagogical reasons
why he kept silent about the planetary theme. We conclude by indicating certain
consequences that our argument has for future readings of these seven works.
Type
Thesis, PhD Doctor of Philosophy
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