J.R.R. Tolkien’s Objections to C.S. Lewis: A Deep Dive into 'That Hideous Strength'

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien and C.S. Lewis were two of the most influential fantasy writers of the 20th century. Despite their shared love for mythology and storytelling, their literary approaches and personal differences often led to significant disagreements. One of the most controversial works in this context is That Hideous Strength by C.S. Lewis. This article explores Tolkien’s objections to Lewis's work, focusing on religious themes, philosophical differences, and the impact on their friendship.

Religious Themes: A Concern for Blending Myth and Modernity

One of Tolkien's main objections to C.S. Lewis's work was the blending of myth and modernity. Tolkien, known for his intricate, mythologically rich worlds such as Middle-earth, was deeply concerned that Lewis’s overt Christian allegory detracted from the imaginative and mythic aspects of storytelling. In That Hideous Strength, Lewis's narrative is heavily infused with Christian symbolism and moral lessons, which Tolkien felt overshadowed the story's narrative complexity and depth.

Tolkien's approach to themes of good and evil was more subtle. He believed that moral lessons should emerge organically from the narrative, allowing the audience to engage with the story on a deeper, more symbolic level. The explicit moral framework in That Hideous Strength, with its portrayal of clear-cut heroes and villains, clashed with Tolkien’s belief in the nuance and complexity of human nature.

Philosophical Differences: A Complex View of Morality

Tolkien and Lewis had different philosophical outlooks, which further divided their literary worlds. While C.S. Lewis tended to present a clear moral framework in his works, Tolkien viewed morality through a more complex lens. Tolkien believed that characters should reflect a balance of good and evil, and this approach is evident in works like The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion.

In contrast, That Hideous Strength depicts characters like Dr. Ransom, who are either inherently good or evil, with little room for ambiguity. This stark binary view of morality, which was central to the plot of That Hideous Strength, was something Tolkien found disconcerting and ultimately divergent from his own worldview.

Tone and Style: A Critical Analysis

Tolkien was not only critical of the content of That Hideous Strength; he also found issues with its tone and style. The narrative voice and pacing of the work were different from the style and themes of the first two books in the series, particularly The Chronicles of Narnia. Tolkien, known for his lyrical prose and immersive world-building, was uncomfortable with the more didactic and sometimes clumsy tone of That Hideous Strength.

This analysis is not limited to stylistic concerns. Tolkien’s critique extended to the thematic elements and character development. He believed that the philosophical and moral elements in That Hideous Strength detracted from the narrative's depth and coherency. While he appreciated Lewis's ability to convey complex ideas, he felt that the execution was sometimes superficial and lacked the rich, multi-layered quality he aimed for in his own works.

Personal Disagreements and Their Impact on Friendship

Theirs was a friendship that experienced significant strain over their literary and philosophical differences. Their disagreements were not solely about literary style but also reflected deeper concerns about the role of myth and story in conveying truth. These conflicts were particularly evident in their divergent approaches to the genre they shared.

The friendship between Tolkien and Lewis was built on mutual respect and admiration, but their fundamental differences in approach to storytelling and philosophy sometimes led to heated discussions. These discussions were not just about literary techniques but also about the creative and philosophical principles that guided their respective works.

Despite their disagreements, Tolkien and Lewis remained friends until the end of their lives, although the critique of That Hideous Strength did contribute to a permanent rift in their relationship. This tension, marked by disagreements over religious themes, philosophical outlooks, and narrative techniques, highlights the complexity of their relationship and the depth of their creative pursuits.

Overall, Tolkien's objections to C.S. Lewis's work, particularly That Hideous Strength, reflect a broader set of concerns about the blend of myth and modernity, the portrayal of morality, and the narrative techniques used to engage readers. These objections serve as a testament to the rich and complex interplay of ideas and philosophies in their works.