Date on Honors Thesis
Spring 5-5-2023
Major
English, Professional Writing
Minor
Creative Writing
Examining Committee Member
Dr. Andrew Black
Examining Committee Member
Dr. Ray Horton
Examining Committee Member
Dr. Michelle Panchuk
Abstract/Description
This thesis will explore C.S. Lewis’ theology of supernatural providence as depicted in Perelandra, the Silver Chair, and Till We Have Faces. Each novel involves characters who doubt the existence of divine involvement in their life. Lewis repeatedly describes the supernatural as intruding upon the mundane, closely resembling his account of encountering and converting to the Christian God. All three novels feature characters who come to doubt their sanity when in contact with spiritual beings, introducing a darker element to Lewis’ view of supernatural orchestration particularly in light of Lewis’ experience with mental illness. While fiction is an argumentative device employing logos and pathos, this paper will also explore Lewis’ ethos: how Lewis’ military service, academic background, former atheism, and survival of childhood trauma may influence his argumentation. I will also unpack the term “providence” in light of John Calvin’s ideas on predestination and redemption, as well as the ideas of St. Augustine, as thinkers Lewis would have encountered.
Recommended Citation
DuBois, Hannah, "“On Aslan’s Side”: Divine Sovereignty and Evil in the Fiction of C. S. Lewis" (2023). Honors College Theses. 180.
https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/honorstheses/180
Honors College Approval Documents
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Additional Author Comments
This work is a reflection on my experience of C.S.Lewis' fictional works and not intended as a critical analysis of his writings nor theology. Please enjoy!