Out of the Silent Planet Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does it say about Ransom that he 'committed himself to a troublesome duty on behalf of the old woman'?

He had promised the old woman that he would go to The Rise and make sure her son Harry was let go home. He didn't want to, but he stuck to his word.

Describe Devine.

He went to school with Ransom. A smooth talker who seemed to lie his way out of explaining to Ransom what he and Weston were doing, very manipulative.

Describe Weston.

'The Great Physicist'. Uses anything he finds to perform experiments on, the dog and almost Harry.

What can you derive about the value that Weston places upon human life?

He feels that humans without a skill set or purpose for the world have no use and would be perfect for his experiments. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the philosophical position of Weston against which Ransom is arguing.

Weston argues that for all progress in the world, there is necessary sacrifice and Ransom should be honored to be the sacrificed. Signup and view all the answers

What was Ransom's visual experience of space?

Stars thick as daisies, not a cloud in sight, celestial gems in the sky, never ending light, pure color. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Ransom's philosophical speculation.

Journey was no longer bright and hopeful, but dim, colorless and hell-bound. He wondered if bright light is an illusion of goodness. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the world in which Ransom finds himself.

Extremely vibrant in color, 'watercolor world' with everything much larger than on Earth. Distorted and of bad proportions. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the importance of language in this chapter.

When Ransom first encounters the black animal, he notices that the animal is speaking in another language he cannot understand. Signup and view all the answers

How could a person be both primitive and advanced at the same time?

He is learning a lot about the Hrossa culture while still being viewed as a primitive type. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Ransom find it difficult to explain 'bad' men to the Hrossa?

The Hrossa don't understand bad people because they do not harm each other within their species. Signup and view all the answers

What are Hrossa?

Black 'seal-type' creatures Ransom is living with. Good with boats, fishing, poetry. Signup and view all the answers

Who are Sèroni?

'Sorns', tall, long-limbed creatures living up in large caves. Good with the stars and space. Signup and view all the answers

Who are Pfifltriggi?

Small frog-like creatures known for digging valuables out of the earth. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Maleldil the Young?

'Jesus', he made the world of Malacandra and lives with the Old One. Signup and view all the answers

Who is The Old One?

'God the Father', the supreme ruler and creator of the universe. Signup and view all the answers

Explain love, pleasure, and memory as understood by the Hrossa.

They believe in equality between all three species and that happiness should be in the remembrance of pleasure. Signup and view all the answers

What are your comments concerning the existence of the hnakra?

The Hrossa are allowed to hunt the hnakra in moderation to remind them of the goodness of their lives. Signup and view all the answers

How do they view death?

They view death like a Christian would, as a way to an eternal life, and are less afraid of it compared to humans. Signup and view all the answers

What did you find most significant in this chapter?

It shows the great difference between humans and the Hrossa, particularly in their views and values. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Oyarsa?

Rules the Hnau species, does not die, and does not breed. Signup and view all the answers

What are Eldila?

Bodies that are too great for the lower species to understand. Signup and view all the answers

What do you think about the statement that a world is not meant to last forever?

They believe in growth and advancement; things cannot stay the same forever. Signup and view all the answers

How is the role of hierarchy described?

The Sorn points out that humans have no hierarchy, leading to fighting among them. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think that Ransom feels the way he does in the presence of the Eldila?

He feels embarrassed by the constant lurking of the Eldila, as he is a sinful human. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the artwork on the giant disk?

It signifies the Oyarsa of all the planets and shows that Malacandra is Mars. Signup and view all the answers

What do the people of Malacandra think about death compared to humans?

They are not greedy in search of preserving their lives, accepting life's natural limits. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first thing Ransom does upon his return?

He resumes to normal human life and goes to the bar and orders a pint. Signup and view all the answers

What clarification made by Ransom is most striking to you, and why?

It is striking when he mentions the unintentional deaths of the 3 Hrossa and their understanding of death. Signup and view all the answers

To whom is Ransom writing?

To Lewis. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Character Insights

Ransom commits to a challenging duty for an elderly woman, reflecting his integrity and sense of promise.
Devine, Ransom's schoolmate, is manipulative and deceptive, skilled in evasion regarding his and Weston's intentions.
Weston, labeled "The Great Physicist," uses any available resources for experiments, often at the expense of others, indicating a utilitarian view of life.

Philosophical Themes

Weston's philosophy values sacrifice for progress, viewing individual loss as necessary for the greater good.
Ransom grapples with existential thoughts, perceiving the planets as symbols of rejection from heaven, questioning the nature of goodness and light.

Visual and Cultural Observations

Ransom experiences a visually stunning "space," filled with vibrant stars, giving him a sense of wonder and connection to the universe.
Upon arriving on Malacandra, Ransom finds himself in a distorted, colorful world where the flora, fauna, and people are exaggerated in size and shape.

Language and Understanding

Language emerges as a key theme; Ransom initially struggles to understand the Hross language but gradually learns its structure.
The Hrossa culture teaches Ransom about their ways, yet they perceive him as needing refinement, showcasing perspectives on civilization and savagery.

Societal Insights

The Hrossa do not comprehend the concept of "bad" people, as their society is built on mutual non-harm, prompting Ransom to classify moral distinctions.
The Hrossa emphasize the importance of monogamy and pleasure derived from memories, contrasting with the human tendency to obsess over desires.

Conflict and Existence

The existence of the hnakra is a reminder of evil and temptation, allowing the Hrossa to appreciate their lives by facing danger without succumbing to it.
Death is viewed as a transition to Maleldil, similar to Christian beliefs, yet Hrossa show less fear of it, treating it as a natural part of their existence.

Spiritual and Theological Struggles

Ransom experiences the presence of Eldila, feeling both awe and embarrassment, reflecting human inadequacies in the face of divine beings.
The artwork Ransom encounters symbolizes a historical connection to Oyarsa for Earth, highlighting the spiritual significance of celestial governance.

Reflections on Society and Mortality

The philosophy of change is prevalent; the Hrossa believe that growth necessitates the acceptance of mortality, contrasting with human desires for immortality.
The absence of funerary practices among the Hrossa indicates a unique cultural relationship with death, emphasizing normalcy in the life cycle rather than mourning.

Ransom’s Return

Upon returning to Earth, Ransom quickly resumes normal life, suggesting a dichotomy between his extraordinary experiences on Malacandra and mundane human existence.
The striking realization about unintentional deaths in Hrossa culture emphasizes their understanding of life limits, differing from human fears and rituals surrounding death.

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Description

Explore key concepts and characters from C.S. Lewis's 'Out of the Silent Planet' with these flashcards. Delve into the motivations of Ransom and the description of Devine, enhancing your understanding of the novel's themes and character development.