Deeper Heaven - Reader's Guide to C.S. Lewis's Ransom Trilogy

C.S. Lewis’ “Ransom Trilogy,” AKA Space Trilogy tends to be one of those hidden treasures. This guide enables your family to dig out the series’ full potential. As with his other novels, Lewis intricately weaves into this series 2 of his passions: the medieval world and theology. The trilogy’s plot is heavily influenced by and developed with a medieval (pre-Galileo and “modern”) understanding of the universe. Therefore, this Deeper Heaven literature discussion guide begins by explaining this medieval understanding (crucial in helping students understand and analyze each planet’s “personality,”) with a goal of reestablishing an awe of God. The characters, setting, and plot of the trilogy emphasize God’s sovereignty and man’s freedom, all while singing praises to the triune God. The guide’s first 29 pages set up the trilogy’s background and world. Then, the guide divides into three study sections (each covering one of the books). Each study starts with a book summary and then draws out key points and explanations. Out of the Silent Planet highlights Malacandra (Mars) and how its personality shapes the setting and atmosphere; Perelandra takes place on Venus, so you’ll learn how that matronly character influences the story. Hideous Strength focuses on the world of Jupiter and the series’ main character, Ransom. Each book study ends with a handful of discussion questions. This guidebook ends with a conclusion and 3 appendices (a timeline of Lewis’ life and writings; an alphabetic listing of key characters and book elements; and an index of full quotations with references and explanations when needed). All trilogy page number references are based on the Scribner editions of the Trilogy. 367 pgs, pb. ~ Ruth