Science fiction is an entertaining form of literature that uses advanced technologies and interplanetary travel to discuss important problems on earth.
Traditional science fiction does not allow any activity that cannot be explained scientifically in the story. The great writers of science fiction such as Jules Verne strictly followed this code. But this intense desire for scientifically accuracy sometimes made for overly technical books with a limited readership. The "Narnia Chronicles" by C.S. Lewis is a brilliant example of fantasy. But pure fantasy has the reverse problem of science fiction in that the stories sometimes become so farfetched as to be unbelievable. This led to a new style that combines the best of science fiction and fantasy. This blending of the two literary forms can be quite effective and Lewis’s book "Perelandra" is a fine example.
Dr. Elwin Ransom is a famous philologist from Cambridge University. This great skill in learning and understanding foreign languages has been exceedingly helpful as he has just returned from Malanandra (Mars). While on this interplanetary journey, he has met good supernatural spirits named Eldils. Unfortunately, some of these supernatural beings have rebelled against their Creator and have become twisted and depraved. These Bent Eldils have only one concern: to drag everyone they meet into an underworld filled with sinful pride and burning hate. Ransom has been summoned by the Eldils to teleport to Perelandra (Venus). No instructions are given to him other than to remove all his clothes and follow the direction of the Good Eldils. With great faith the philologist follows this request and finds himself on Perelandra.
Ransom soon meets a beautiful creature named the Green Woman, who also is undressed. Though both Ransom and the Green Woman are nude, neither has any sense of shame as there are no lustful thoughts in either of them. The woman is filled with a great innocence and tells Ransom that only she and one man live in Perelandra. The Creator desires the man and woman to live together in great peace. Ransom has a hard time believing the pure, naïve simplicity of Green Woman, and wonders why he was sent to Perelandra to converse with such a chaste, unblemished soul.
Unfortunately, Ransom is not the only human to be transported to Perelandra. Dr. Edward Weston, a world-famous physicist, lands and soon tracks down the virtuous Green Woman. Weston has given up his will and reason to the Bent Eldils, and has come to Perelandra to trap Green Woman into an act of defiance that will break the holy bond she has with The Creator.
A series of cunning and brilliantly contrived temptations are quietly presented to the unsuspecting Green Woman. According to Weston and the Bent Eldil possessing him, the Creator is keeping good things from the woman, which she can gain by rebelling against the Creator. The seductive temptations become overwhelming to the lovely Green Woman. Ransom valiantly battles back against these enticing but vile thoughts. So powerful and effective are "forbidden fruits" that Green Woman is starting to collapse. In desperation, Ransom takes a fateful step.
What does he do? Is he able to save Green Woman from the bewitching snares of Weston? Where does free will come into the story? What strengthens our desire for good and protects us from making evil choices? To find out, go to the library and check out "Perelandra" by C.S. Lewis.
C.S. Lewis is a world renowned Christian writer. "That Hideous Strength" and "Out of the Silent Planet" are his other novels utilizing science fiction. "Perelandra" starts slowly but builds up to a dramatic, stunning conclusion with a brilliant climax.
One final piece of advice: Never converse with a talking snake
