Perelandra

“The distinction between natural and supernatural, in fact, broke down; and when it had done so, one realised how great a comfort it had been—how it had eased the burden of intolerable strangeness.” 

Lewis, in his journey toward Ransom’s house, becomes more and more afraid of the environment as he recalls the stories Ransom told him of Malacandra. Lewis serves as our stand-in, showing the fear that we have when presented with new knowledge of the goings-on of the world. Lewis translates for us the experiences of Ransom on Perelandra, showing us, through his very human lens, those concepts that we would struggle to accept. This allows the reader to work through these ideas at the same pace Lewis does.

“There was an exuberance or prodigality of sweetness about the mere act of living which our race finds difficult not to associate with forbidden and extravagant actions.”

The fruit gives such incredible feelings when eaten that Ransom wonders if it would be considered sinful to eat it on Earth. This idea that all pleasure is sin is a recurring problem that Lewis considers each time Ransom eats. Later, when Ransom realizes that it is good to feel hatred toward corruption, we are meant to learn that shame is not a righteous concept but one that pushes us away from true knowledge.

“It was like the discovery of a totally new genus of pleasures, something unheard of among men, out of all reckoning, beyond all covenant. For one draught of this on earth wars would be fought and nations betrayed.”

Ransom tastes the fruit and thinks of its impact on his state of mind. As with the previous quote, this calls up the human reaction to things we consider pleasurable. Rather than abhor it as sinful, here Ransom fears that mankind will see the fruit as something to war over, to take control of.