Out of the Silent Planet, Ponderings

Finally,

We are able to start some ponderings as we read Out of the Silent Planet.
Some of us have now passed chapt. 4 and are well into the book. Along the way I will interject some biographical facts about CS Lewis that I think have some relevance and impact on this book.

These first questions reflect themes that flow throughout the book.

1. What is human? Note the meaning is different to the earthly characters at the beginning of the book and also to the characters on Malancandra.

2. Two philosophies regarding the importance of the individual vs the good of society is a central theme. What characters reflect these ideas? Do you agree or disagree with them. World War II was raging during the writing of this triology? For sure our world, the silent planet, was struggling with these issues.

4. Note the themes of "Manifest Destiny", and "Super Race" that are major influences in world history, are controlling ideas in Silent Planet.
And of course, there are at least two opposing views.

5. Offer some of your favorite lines from your reading so far. Great starter for discussions.

We are off an running. What did you think of Lewis description of space?
What do you like about his writing style?

Biographical: He actually went on walking tours with his writers group, the Inklings at Oxford. Note what he says about walking tours vs military marching in the beginning of the book as he tells Devine about himself. At the very beginning of this book we encounter Lewis's opinion on individualism and free will.

Looking forward to your comments.

Mom