Tolkien & CS Lewis: The Wizard & The Lion: The True Story of their Rocky Friendship - Dean Arnold
In a recent episode of Jay's Analysis, Jay Dyer interviews Dean Arnold to delve into the intricate friendship between literary icons J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Their discussion highlights the early camaraderie and mutual influence the two authors shared, alongside the tensions that emerged due to theological differences, jealousy, and external influences such as Charles Williams. Arnold's screenplay, 'The Wizard and the Lion,' serves as a focal point for their conversation, exploring themes of male friendship and the transformative impact both authors had on 20th-century Christianity. They also examine Neoplatonic influences in their works and the authors' contrasting political views, revealing deeper philosophical complexities within their narratives. Ultimately, the discussion underscores how their relationship shaped modern Christian literature.
Chain 6 steps
- Dean Arnold: Explains how his interest in the relationship started after learning about their falling out“he basically said something to the effect of, Jack Lewis and I were best friends from 1927 to 1940”
- Dean Arnold: Outlines Tolkien's academic journey and friendships“he moves on with his life. He becomes a professor at Oxford”
- Dean Arnold: The arrival of Charles Williams created tension between Tolkien and Lewis.“enter a new character named Charles Williams and that's where the real drama begins”
- Dean Arnold: The nuances of their theological positions reveal a middle ground between Anglicanism and Roman Catholicism.“the truth is in between these two figures, right?”
- Jay Dyer: Lewis critiques English nationalism and the political landscape in his writings.“there's a very clear, uh, English nationalism in Lewis's third space trilogy book, clear as day”
- Jay Dyer: Arnold has written articles and screenplays related to Barfield, Lewis, and Tolkien.“I've got a bunch of articles on my website.”
Subjects
14Jay Dyer discusses Tolkien's contributions and friendship with C.S. Lewis, portraying the significance of their relationship in the context of contemporary Christian literature.
Jay highlights the significance of the Space Trilogy's apologetic qualities, asserting it carries more weight than strict apologetics.
Jay discusses the Inklings, the literary group that included Lewis and Tolkien, and their informal meetings that combined reading, discussion, and social drinking.
Jay discusses Tchaikovsky's genius and his tumultuous relationship with Orthodoxy, highlighting his complex sexual and philosophical struggles.
Jay cites Byzantine Orthodoxy to illustrate the theological perspectives present in Lewis's works.
Jay presents Williams as a factor that instigated tension between Tolkien and Lewis.
Jay Dyer discusses the work of Dean Arnold, particularly his screenplay about C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.
Jay explains that Neoplatonism significantly influences both Tolkien's and Lewis's creation narratives and general themes of their works.
Jay indicates Tolkien's suspicions of Joy Gresham and his feelings about her relationship with Lewis.
Jay presents the idea that Owen Barfield was significant in Lewis and Tolkien's intellectual circle as he was a mentor to both.
Jay mentions the influence of theosophy through Owen Barfield and discusses its context within the works of Lewis and Tolkien.
Jay indicates that elements of Tolkien's work may reflect Byzantine influences, particularly in Minas Tirith and Gondor.