The Great Divorce Overview

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Who wrote The Great Divorce?

C.S. (Clive Staples) Lewis

What did C.S. Lewis want to be called?

Jack

When was Lewis born and when did he die?

1898-1963

What happened in Lewis' life that made him not believe in God?

His mom died after he prayed for her to get better. Signup and view all the answers

What was his religion?

He was an atheist Signup and view all the answers

Why did he become a Christian again?

He was inspired by his author friends. Signup and view all the answers

What were three books that inspired him?

The Pilgrim's Progress, Inferno, The Marriage of Heaven and Hell Signup and view all the answers

Where does the story take place?

Grey Town, the bus, and the place the passenger got out (Heaven) Signup and view all the answers

What words would you use to describe Grey Town?

Gloomy, looked like evening twilight, rainy, dingy Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think the line for the bus is so short?

It was short because the people didn't know where the bus was going. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think the members of the queue react so badly to the driver?

They react badly because he is full of life and they are full of sin. Signup and view all the answers

What is the sin of the tousle-haired poet?

He jumped under a train. Signup and view all the answers

What does the light (on the bus) reveal?

The light revealed that they were in the sky with nothing around them for what seemed like forever. Signup and view all the answers

What solution does the Intelligent Ghost present?

He says he's going to get something from the new land and bring it back to Grey Town. Signup and view all the answers

How are the 'bright' people described?

They are described as very bright. Signup and view all the answers

Why do some of the phantoms hide in the bus?

Some wanted to go back to Grey Town or were hiding from themselves. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Bus Driver say about their stay in this new land?

He says that they can stay for as long as they want, but they also have the option to go back. Signup and view all the answers

What do we learn about the relationship between the Big Ghost and the solid person who meets him?

The Big Ghost was Len's boss. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the Big Ghost surprised to see Len?

Because Len killed Jack. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Big Man repeatedly insist on getting?

His rights Signup and view all the answers

What faults prevent the Big Man from crossing into Heaven?

His pride Signup and view all the answers

What are the intellectual ghosts' demands for Heaven?

He wants recognition for his talents. Signup and view all the answers

What do you think is the significance of the lions?

They show that even though they would normally be considered fierce, they are playful because things are different in Heaven. Signup and view all the answers

What do we learn about the background of the ghost (Intellectual) and the spirit (Dick) in this chapter?

That they were friends on Earth and they often had long conversations or arguments together. Signup and view all the answers

What is the intelligent ghost (who wants to sell golden apples) so afraid of?

He could have been hiding from the bright people or trying to steal the golden apples. Signup and view all the answers

How can the waterfall also be an angel?

It is possible because they aren't on earth and things are very different where they are. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think the narrator's senses are increasing in capacity?

They are increasing because he is starting to believe that he will become like the bright people. Signup and view all the answers

What do you make of the Hard-Bitten Ghost?

He thinks that everything is a scam run by an organization. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the ghost not suggest anything he'd like to do?

He thinks that the people running everything should do all the work. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the ghost so unimpressed with Heaven?

He thinks it is also run by the organization and even walking hurts. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the ghost not think Heaven and Hell are at war?

Because if they were at war, either Heaven or Hell would be destroyed. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Author and Background

C.S. Lewis (Clive Staples Lewis) authored The Great Divorce.
Born in 1898 and passed away in 1963.
He initially identified as an atheist, influenced by the death of his mother after his prayers.
Returned to Christianity, inspired by fellow authors including J.R.R. Tolkien.

Key Influences and Themes

Influenced by The Pilgrim's Progress, Inferno, and The Marriage of Heaven and Hell.
The story unfolds in Grey Town, a dismal setting compared to the bright Heaven.
Characters in the narrative represent various facets of human nature, such as pride and the struggle for redemption.

Characters and Their Struggles

The Big Man (Ghost) is physically imposing but deeply flawed, epitomizing judgmental and prideful traits.
Reactions to the bus driver reveal the stark contrast between the vitality of the bright individuals and the despair of passengers.
The tousle-haired poet, who committed suicide, seeks validation for his poetic talents in Heaven.

The Journey to Heaven

The bus symbolizes transition from Grey Town to Heaven, with passengers often reluctant to board due to pride or disbelief.
The bright people, initially indistinct, showcase their otherworldly nature, leaving no lasting trace on the ground.
The driver offers unlimited time in the new land while allowing the option to return to Grey Town.

Key Concepts of Heaven

Heaven is portrayed as a place of joy and vibrancy, with unconventional beings such as friendly lions.
The waterfall symbolizes potential and change, reflecting the fluid nature of existence in the new realm.
The relationship dynamics among characters, including the Big Ghost and solid figures, explore themes of guilt, recognition, and redemption.

Intellectual Ghosts

Intellectual Ghosts articulate demands for acknowledgment of their intellect and accomplishments.
The Hard-Bitten Ghost embodies skepticism, dismissing Heaven as an organized scam.
A core conflict emerges between self-desire and the reality of existence in Heaven; many ghosts refuse to act on their wishes, relying on external changes.

Philosophical Reflections on Heaven and Hell

The narrative suggests that Heaven and Hell are not in open conflict; rather, a shared existence allows for individual interpretations of experience.
The ghosts' interactions reveal deeper questions about self-perception, pride, and the nature of eternal life.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore C.S. Lewis's The Great Divorce, a profound allegorical tale dealing with themes of pride, redemption, and the choices that shape our souls. This quiz delves into the characters, their struggles, and the spiritual journey depicted in the narrative, contrasting the desolation of Grey Town with the brightness of Heaven.