Book Review: The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis
The gates of hell are locked from the inside...
(Lewis originally wanted to name the book “Who Goes Home”, but the publishers opted for “The Great Divorce”)
"The Great Divorce” is a Christian allegorical tale, where Lewis introduces a variety of characters who, when presented with the opportunity to stay in Heaven, choose instead to return to the grey town (a metaphor for hell or purgatory). These characters each have their own reasons for making this choice, reflecting various human flaws.
The Big Ghost, depicted as a burly and imposing figure, encounters someone from his earthly life, Len, who is now a resident of Heaven. The Big Ghost is consumed with resentment towards Len, whom he viewed as inferior during their life on earth. This deep-seated anger and inability to forgive manifest vividly in their interaction. Len, in contrast, displays a willingness to reconcile and offers forgiveness, embodying the transformative grace of Heaven. However, the Big Ghost's pride and sense of injustice prevent him from accepting this olive branch. He is unable to let go of his grudges and embrace the humility and forgiveness required for entry into Heaven.
The Grumbling Woman is a character who constantly complains and finds fault in everything. Her constant dissatisfaction and inability to find joy or gratitude in anything leads her to reject the beauty and peace of Heaven. She prefers to return to the grey town, where she can continue to indulge in her grumbling.
The Artist is an artist who is more in love with his artistic creations and his own fame than with the beauty of Heaven itself. He refuses to stay in Heaven because he is told that his art, while appreciated, is not needed there. His ego and attachment to his earthly identity and fame prevent him from embracing the divine joy of Heaven.
The Intellectual represents the skeptical intellectual (a former clergyman) who is so caught up in his own arguments and reasoning that he cannot accept the simple truths of Heaven. His pride in his own intellect and his need to debate and question everything become barriers to experiencing the divine.
The Bitter Mother is a mother whose love for her son has turned into a possessive and unhealthy obsession. In Heaven, she is told that she must love God more than her son, but she cannot accept this. Her possessive love becomes a hindrance to experiencing the selfless love of Heaven.
The Hard Bitten Ghost represents cynicism and a hardened, skeptical attitude towards life and spirituality. This character is emblematic of someone who, through negative experiences and disillusionment, has developed a deeply ingrained sense of skepticism and distrust. He cannot believe in anything good or joyful, even when faced with the beauty and bliss of Heaven. His life experiences have led him to a state of bitterness and suspicion. He believes that everything, including Heaven, must have a catch or hidden motive.
The Ghost with the Lizard - This character has a lizard on his shoulder, representing his sinful desires. An angel offers to kill the lizard, which would allow the man to stay in Heaven, but he is afraid and initially refuses. This character's story is unique in that he eventually agrees to let the angel kill the lizard, symbolising his release from sin, and he transforms into a more solid being, indicating his acceptance into Heaven.
We all know people like this. In fact, we ourselves are like these characters. Our stories and our flaws are not unique. I think these could rightfully be called archetypes. They illustrate Lewis's belief that hell is a state we choose for ourselves by clinging to our vices, prejudices, and selfish desires rather than embracing the transformative power of divine love and grace. For all that can be shaken will be shaken and only the unshakeable remains.
It reminds me of the Carl Jung quote: “Until we make the unconscious conscious (that is to say until we are brutally honest with ourselves about our true desires and motivations), those motivations and desires will direct our life and we will call it fate.
The book is not that easy to read and requires some concentration. The above list of characters is not complete. There are many other characters / ghosts in this book who deserves to be studied. It is a profound work. For most authors it would be considered their magnum opus, but not for a writer as prolific as Lewis.
The gates of hell are indeed locked from the inside.