Introduction
“Till We Have Faces,” penned by the renowned author C.S. Lewis, is a novel that stands out as a gem in the literary world 🌟. Written towards the latter part of Lewis’s career, this book diverges from his more widely known works, such as “The Chronicles of Narnia,” showcasing his depth and versatility as a writer. Published in 1956, “Till We Have Faces” is often considered Lewis’s most mature and masterful work, though it may not claim the same level of public recognition as some of his other titles.
C.S. Lewis, an academic, medievalist, and Christian apologist, had a profound interest in myth and story as mediums for exploring profound truths. “Till We Have Faces” retells the myth of Cupid and Psyche from the perspective of Psyche’s elder sister, Orual. This reimagining not only breathes new life into a classic tale but also serves as a medium for Lewis to delve into themes of love, faith, and the nature of the divine.
The genre of the book could be classified as mythological fiction, with strong elements of philosophical inquiry and spiritual autobiography. It is a narrative rich in symbolic depth, where Lewis challenges readers to consider the faces we show to the world and the ones we hide, awaiting revelation until we have faces that truly reflect who we are meant to be. Let’s embark on a journey into the heart of Lewis’s masterpiece, where myth and reality intertwine to reveal truths about ourselves and the divine. 📚✨
Plot Summary
“Till We Have Faces” unfolds its narrative in the kingdom of Glome, a grim and shadowy land, where the story of two sisters — Orual and Psyche — takes root amidst gods and mortals.
Exposition — The novel begins with Orual, the elder sister, voicing her grievances against the gods for their perceived injustices. She introduces us to Glome, its king (her father), and her much-beloved sister, Psyche, whose beauty and goodness contrast sharply with Orual’s own sense of ugliness and inadequacy.
Rising Action — Tragedy strikes when the kingdom suffers from famine and pestilence, leading the people to blame Psyche for angering the gods. The Oracle of the god Ungit dictates a grim solution: Psyche must be offered as a sacrifice to the feared Shadowbrute. Orual is heartbroken but powerless to prevent the sacrifice.
Climax — After Psyche’s sacrifice, Orual expects her sister to be dead but discovers that she is, in fact, alive and well, claiming to be the bride of a god who visits her in the invisible palace. Orual, unable to see this palace, doubts Psyche’s sanity.
Falling Action — Driven by love and jealousy, Orual demands that Psyche disprove the god’s existence by lighting a lamp to gaze upon him as he sleeps, a direct violation of his only command to Psyche. The act leads to Psyche’s punishment and exile by her divine husband.
Resolution — Orual returns to Glome, where she becomes queen and rules with wisdom, but her soul remains tormented by her actions and the loss of Psyche. In her old age, Orual writes her complaint against the gods, seeking justice for her and Psyche’s sufferings.
The story reaches its zenith as Orual confronts the gods in a visionary trial, where she realizes the true nature of her love for Psyche — possessive and selfish. The gods reveal that Orual’s face, marred by bitterness and self-deception, has prevented her from seeing the truth. It’s only when Orual recognizes her faults and the purity of Psyche’s love that she gains her “true face,” reconciling with the gods and Psyche in a transcendent understanding of love and divine will.
This layered narrative, rich in mythological symbolism and psychological depth, ultimately explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the quest for truth, culminating in a profound spiritual resolution that challenges and enlightens both protagonist and reader.
Character Analysis
“Till We Have Faces” is as much a deep dive into its characters as it is a retelling of a myth. At the heart of the novel are complex figures, each embodying unique traits, motivations, and transformations that enrich the narrative. Let’s explore the main characters in this tale.
Orual — The protagonist and narrator of the story, Orual is the eldest daughter of the King of Glome. Throughout most of her life, Orual grapples with feelings of ugliness, both physically and spiritually. Her intense love for Psyche evolves into jealousy and possessiveness, leading to disastrous consequences. However, her journey is one of profound inner transformation, as she confronts her own faults and learns the true nature of love.
Psyche (Istra) — The youngest and most beautiful daughter of the King, Psyche represents the ideal of purity and faith. Her unconditional love and trust in the gods contrast sharply with Orual’s skepticism and possessiveness. Psyche’s trials, including her separation from Orual and her tasks imposed by the gods, symbolize the soul’s journey towards divine love and understanding.
The Fox — A Greek slave who becomes a tutor and father figure to Orual and Psyche, the Fox embodies the voice of reason and skepticism. His teachings are rooted in Stoicism, emphasizing logic and disdain for the supernatural. Despite his wisdom, the Fox’s limited understanding of love and the divine ultimately highlights the limitations of human reasoning alone.
The King (Trom) — Orual and Psyche’s father, the King of Glome, is a harsh and unloving figure. His cruel treatment of his daughters, especially Orual, and his tyrannical rule over his kingdom, provide a backdrop against which both Orual and Psyche’s characters are defined and refined.
Redival — The middle sister, largely overlooked in the narrative, Redival’s jealousy and longing for attention play a crucial role in the unfolding of events leading to Psyche’s sacrifice. Her character underscores themes of neglect and the destructive potential of envy.
Ungit — The representation of the earth goddess in Glome, Ungit embodies the primal and often incomprehensible aspects of divinity. Her demands and the mysteries surrounding her worship challenge the characters’ understanding of the gods and themselves.
Character Analysis Summary:
| Character | Personality | Motivations | Development |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orual | Complex, jealous, reflective | To protect and possess Psyche; to seek justice from the gods | Transforms from possessive love to understanding true love |
| Psyche | Pure, faithful, loving | To fulfill her divine role; to remain faithful despite trials | Embodies sacrificial love and spiritual insight |
| The Fox | Logical, skeptical, affectionate | To educate and protect Orual and Psyche; to promote reason over faith | Confronts the limits of human reason |
| The King | Cruel, tyrannical, selfish | To maintain power; to indulge his whims | Serves as a contrast to his daughters’ journeys |
| Redival | Jealous, neglected, impulsive | To gain attention and love | Catalyst for Psyche’s sacrifice |
| Ungit | Mysterious, demanding, primal | To be worshipped and appeased; to represent the divine mystery | Challenges characters’ perceptions of the divine |
This analysis reveals the rich tapestry of personalities and developments that Lewis weaves together, exploring themes of love, faith, and the quest for understanding in the shadow of the divine.
Themes and Symbols
“Till We Have Faces” is a treasure trove of themes and symbols, each layer adding depth and richness to C.S. Lewis’s retelling of the Cupid and Psyche myth. Let’s explore some of the central themes and symbols that underpin the narrative.
Love and Possession — The nature of love represents the core theme of the novel, juxtaposing Orual’s possessive love for Psyche against the selfless, sacrificial love Psyche shows towards everyone, including the gods. Orual’s journey from possessiveness to understanding true love’s nature is a pivotal transformation that drives the narrative forward.
Faith and Reason — Through characters like the Fox, who represents human reason and skepticism, and Psyche, who embodies faith and belief in the divine, Lewis explores the tension between faith and reason. This theme challenges readers to consider the limitations of human understanding and the leap of faith required to fully embrace the divine.
Identity and Transformation — The quest for self-understanding and transformation is symbolized by Orual’s struggle with her own identity, masked both literally and figuratively throughout much of her life. The revelation of her true face at the novel’s climax symbolizes her inner transformation and the attainment of true self-knowledge.
Sacrifice and Redemption — Sacrifice is a recurring motif, most notably in Psyche’s willingness to suffer for the sake of her love for the gods and Orual. This theme is intricately linked with the concept of redemption, as characters undergo suffering and sacrifice as a means to achieve greater understanding and reconciliation.
Symbols:
The Veil — Orual’s veil symbolizes her hidden identity and the barriers she erects between herself and the world, including the gods. It represents her misunderstandings, fears, and the transformative journey towards unveiling her true self.
The Palace — Invisible to Orual but a place of beauty and peace for Psyche, the palace symbolizes the spiritual realm that exists beyond human perception, accessible only through faith and love.
Ungit’s Stone — The stone representing the goddess Ungit serves as a symbol of the primal and often terrifying aspects of divinity, reflecting the characters’ struggles to understand and appease the divine.
The Book Written by Orual — Orual’s written account of her grievances against the gods symbolizes the human desire to seek justice and understanding from the divine, ultimately leading to her realization of her own faults and the nature of true love.
These themes and symbols intertwine to create a narrative that explores the depths of human emotion, the struggle for understanding, and the transformative power of love and faith. Lewis’s work invites readers to reflect on their own beliefs and the nature of their relationships with others and the divine.
Style and Tone
C.S. Lewis’s “Till We Have Faces” is a masterful exploration of narrative style and tone, which plays a critical role in enveloping the reader in its mythic world and complex themes. Let’s delve into these elements to understand how they contribute to the overall mood and atmosphere of the book.
Narrative Voice — The novel is narrated in the first person by Orual, the elder sister of Psyche. This choice of narrative perspective allows Lewis to provide a deeply personal and introspective view of Orual’s inner turmoil, her perceptions of the divine, and her evolution as a character. The intimate tone of Orual’s confession invites readers into her psychological and spiritual journey, making her transformation all the more compelling.
Mythic Retelling — Lewis employs a mythic retelling style that combines elements of ancient myth with philosophical and theological inquiries. This approach not only revitalizes the story of Cupid and Psyche but also enables Lewis to explore timeless questions of love, faith, and human nature. The style bridges the gap between ancient myth and contemporary concerns, making the story relevant and resonant for modern readers.
Symbolic Language — The use of rich, symbolic language is a hallmark of Lewis’s style in this novel. Through symbols such as the veil, the palace, and Ungit’s stone, Lewis conveys complex themes and emotions, encouraging readers to look beyond the surface to the deeper meanings hidden within the text. This symbolic language enhances the narrative’s depth and encourages a reflective reading experience.
Contrast in Tone — Lewis masterfully varies the tone throughout the novel, from the despair and bitterness of Orual’s accusations against the gods to the moments of awe and beauty experienced by Psyche. This contrast reflects the novel’s thematic explorations of love and loss, faith and doubt, creating a rich emotional landscape for the reader to navigate.
Philosophical and Theological Depth — The writing style is imbued with philosophical and theological reflections, characteristic of Lewis’s broader body of work. These reflections are seamlessly woven into the narrative, enriching the story with layers of meaning and inviting readers to ponder the nature of the divine, the essence of love, and the journey towards understanding and redemption.
Through these stylistic and tonal elements, C.S. Lewis crafts a narrative that is at once deeply personal and universally significant, inviting readers into a world where myth and reality converge, and where the quest for truth leads to profound transformation.
Literary Devices Used in Till We Have Faces
C.S. Lewis’s “Till We Have Faces” is a rich tapestry of literary craftsmanship, utilizing a range of devices that enhance its thematic depth and narrative power. Let’s explore the top 10 literary devices employed by Lewis in this work.
- Symbolism — Symbolism permeates the novel, with objects, characters, and settings often carrying deeper meanings. The veil represents Orual’s hidden self and her misunderstandings, while Psyche symbolizes the soul’s purity and the quest for divine love. These symbols enrich the narrative, offering layers of meaning to explore.
- Allegory — The entire novel can be seen as an allegory for the human soul’s journey towards understanding and union with the divine. Each character and their experiences reflect broader spiritual truths, inviting readers to reflect on their own spiritual journey and relationship with the divine.
- Allusion — Lewis alludes to various myths, philosophies, and religious texts throughout the novel. These allusions create a rich intertextual dialogue that deepens the story’s significance and connects it to a wider tradition of myth and spirituality.
- Foreshadowing — The use of foreshadowing subtly hints at future events and revelations, creating a sense of anticipation and depth. Early references to veils, shadows, and unseen presences hint at the novel’s exploration of unseen truths and Orual’s eventual revelation.
- Irony — Dramatic irony is present when the reader knows more about the true nature of the gods and Psyche’s situation than Orual does. This irony heightens the tragedy of Orual’s misunderstanding and her eventual realization of the truth.
- Metaphor — Metaphors enrich the narrative, drawing comparisons between the spiritual and the earthly. For example, Orual’s face and its various coverings serve as a metaphor for the masks people wear, hiding their true selves from the world and from the divine.
- Imagery — Vivid imagery brings the world of Glome and its surrounding landscapes to life, evoking the senses and immersing the reader in the story’s mythic setting. The descriptions of the palace, the temple of Ungit, and the natural world play a crucial role in creating the book’s atmosphere.
- Personification — Lewis personifies abstract concepts, such as love and justice, giving them tangible qualities that reflect the novel’s themes. This device helps to make complex ideas more accessible and relatable to the reader.
- Parallelism — The novel’s structure and narrative mirror the themes of duality and reflection, with the parallel lives of Orual and Psyche highlighting contrasting approaches to love, faith, and self-understanding.
- Motif — Recurring motifs, such as masks, veils, and reflections, underscore the novel’s themes of identity, perception, and transformation. These motifs weave through the narrative, reinforcing the story’s deeper meanings.
These literary devices are skillfully employed by Lewis to weave a complex, engaging, and profound narrative that invites readers to explore the depths of human emotion, the mysteries of faith, and the transformative power of love.
Literary Devices Examples
Let’s examine specific examples and explanations for each of the top 10 literary devices used in “Till We Have Faces” by C.S. Lewis. These examples illustrate how Lewis employs these devices to enrich his narrative, deepen thematic resonance, and engage the reader on multiple levels.
Symbolism
| Device | Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Symbolism | Orual’s veil | Represents her inability to see herself and the world clearly, symbolizing self-deception and the barriers between the individual and the divine. |
Allegory
| Device | Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Allegory | The entire narrative | Serves as an allegory for the soul’s journey towards understanding and union with the divine, with each character embodying different aspects of this spiritual quest. |
Allusion
| Device | Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Allusion | References to Greek mythology and philosophy | Links the novel to a broader tradition of myth and thought, enriching its thematic layers and inviting readers to draw connections between the story and classical texts. |
Foreshadowing
| Device | Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Foreshadowing | Early mentions of shadows and unseen forces | Hint at the novel’s exploration of unseen realities and the spiritual revelations that await Orual. |
Irony
| Device | Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Irony | Orual’s inability to see Psyche’s palace | Creates dramatic irony, as the reader grasps the symbolic significance of the palace and the divine love it represents, which Orual initially cannot perceive. |
Metaphor
| Device | Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Metaphor | Orual’s face as a mask | Serves as a metaphor for the false identities and perceptions that obscure one’s true self and obstruct genuine understanding and connection. |
Imagery
| Device | Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Imagery | Descriptions of the natural world around Glome | Evokes the senses and creates a vivid, immersive setting that reflects the novel’s mythic and emotional landscapes. |
Personification
| Device | Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Personification | The gods and their interactions with humans | Personifies divine forces, making the spiritual and moral dilemmas of the characters more tangible and relatable. |
Parallelism
| Device | Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Parallelism | The contrasting journeys of Orual and Psyche | Highlights the novel’s exploration of contrasting approaches to love, faith, and identity, enriching the narrative’s thematic complexity. |
Motif
| Device | Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Motif | Recurring references to veils and masks | Reinforces the themes of perception, identity, and transformation, emphasizing the barriers that must be overcome for true understanding and connection. |
These examples demonstrate the depth and intricacy of Lewis’s use of literary devices in “Till We Have Faces,” each contributing to the novel’s exploration of profound themes and its compelling narrative structure. Through these devices, Lewis invites readers into a richly symbolic and emotionally resonant world, encouraging reflection on the nature of love, faith, and the quest for truth.
Till We Have Faces – FAQs
What is the main theme of “Till We Have Faces”? The main theme of “Till We Have Faces” is the nature of love, exploring its various forms and particularly contrasting selfish love with selfless, divine love. The novel delves into how love can lead to both destruction and redemption, shaping identities and destinies.
Who is the narrator of “Till We Have Faces”, and what is her relationship to Psyche? The narrator of “Till We Have Faces” is Orual, the elder sister of Psyche. Orual is deeply conflicted, struggling with her intense, possessive love for Psyche and her feelings of jealousy and inadequacy. Her journey towards understanding and self-realization forms the heart of the narrative.
How does C.S. Lewis use mythology in “Till We Have Faces”? C.S. Lewis uses mythology in “Till We Have Faces” by retelling the myth of Cupid and Psyche from a fresh perspective, that of Psyche’s elder sister, Orual. This approach allows him to explore timeless themes of love, faith, and the human condition, while grounding the story in a rich mythological tradition.
What is the significance of Orual’s veil in the story? Orual’s veil symbolizes her emotional and spiritual barriers, her inability to see herself and others clearly, and her misguided attempts to protect herself from the pain of love and loss. The veil is both a literal and metaphorical mask that Orual wears until she confronts her true self and the nature of her love for Psyche.
How does “Till We Have Faces” explore the theme of faith versus reason? “Till We Have Faces” explores the theme of faith versus reason through its characters, particularly the contrast between Orual, who is initially guided by skepticism and a desire for empirical proof, and Psyche, whose faith in the gods and in love transcends the need for visible evidence. The novel suggests that true understanding and connection with the divine require a leap of faith beyond the limits of human reason.
What is the resolution of “Till We Have Faces”, and what does it reveal about the protagonist, Orual? The resolution of “Till We Have Faces” occurs when Orual confronts the gods and herself, realizing that her love for Psyche was possessive and based on her own needs. This revelation leads to her spiritual transformation and understanding of true, selfless love. It reveals Orual’s growth from a jealous, bitter person to someone capable of recognizing her faults and embracing a more profound love.
Can “Till We Have Faces” be considered C.S. Lewis’s most personal work? Why or why not? Many consider “Till We Have Faces” to be C.S. Lewis’s most personal work because it deeply explores themes of love, faith, and redemption—themes that were central to Lewis’s own life and spiritual journey. The novel reflects his intellectual and emotional struggles, making it a deeply introspective and autobiographical work.
Quiz
| Question | A | B | C | D | Correct Answer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| What is the name of Psyche’s elder sister and the narrator of “Till We Have Faces”? | Redival | Orual | The Fox | Ungit | B |
| In “Till We Have Faces,” why is Psyche sacrificed? | To become the queen of Glome | For stealing from the temple of Ungit | To appease the Shadowbrute due to a famine and pestilence | As punishment for her beauty | C |
| What is the Fox’s real name in “Till We Have Faces”? | He is never named | Aristophanes | Socrates | Homer | A |
| Which literary device is NOT prominently used in “Till We Have Faces”? | Allegory | Irony | Onomatopoeia | Symbolism | C |
| What does Orual’s veil symbolize? | Her royalty and power as Queen of Glome | The divide between mortal and divine | Her hidden beauty | Her self-deception and emotional barriers | D |
| Who demands Psyche to light a lamp to see her husband? | The King | Orual | The Fox | Ungit | B |
| What does Orual accuse the gods of being? | Merciful and just | Blind and indifferent | Unfair and cruel | Loving and forgiving | C |
| Which character embodies the theme of faith in “Till We Have Faces”? | The King | The Fox | Psyche | Orual | C |
| What is the primary setting of “Till We Have Faces”? | Athens | Glome | Narnia | Olympus | B |
| What transformation does Orual undergo by the end of the novel? | She becomes the High Priestess of Ungit | She realizes her love was possessive and achieves understanding | She leads a revolt against the gods | She marries a prince from a neighboring kingdom | B |
This quiz is designed to test your comprehension and recall of key characters, themes, and events in “Till We Have Faces” by C.S. Lewis. Each question targets a different aspect of the book, encouraging a thorough engagement with the text.
Exercise
In this exercise, you’ll practice identifying literary devices used in a passage from “Till We Have Faces” by C.S. Lewis. Read the passage below, then identify the literary devices being used. Answers are provided below for you to check your understanding.
Passage:
“In the god’s garden, shadows danced beneath the silver light of the moon. The trees whispered secrets in a language lost to mortals, and the wind carried tales of ancient times. Orual, veiled in her own uncertainties, could only watch as the unseen became seen, where myths walked the earth and the boundary between the divine and the mortal blurred.”
Identify the literary devices:
- __________: The garden belonging to the gods represents a place of divine mystery and beauty, accessible only through faith.
- __________: The whispering trees and wind carrying tales symbolize the communication between the divine and mortals, suggesting that deeper truths are always speaking to us, if only we know how to listen.
- __________: Orual’s veil symbolizes her inability to fully grasp the divine mysteries, reflecting her inner struggles and doubts.
- __________: The description of myths walking the earth and the blurring lines between the divine and mortal realms evokes a vivid, sensory experience of the sacred and the profound connection between all things.
Answers:
This exercise is designed to enhance your ability to recognize and understand the use of literary devices in shaping themes, characters, and the atmosphere within a narrative. Identifying these devices can deepen your appreciation of the text and its complexities.