Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Current Situation
Dear Reader:
The summer is over and I've gotten half way through Lewis' letters. I have about 132 pages to summarise for you and still hope to do so. My part-time Latin teaching position is rather full-time, so we'll see how things go. I am still reading.
Of interest is Lewis' appreciation for Albecht Durer. His two favourites, as of 16 Feb., 1919 (p. 434) are that of St. Jerome and the Prodigal son. He says there are others he would like if Durer hadn't put some nudes in the background "of the most brutal and deliberate ugliness"! He had the above two prints framed. I'll post them here for you.
The summer is over and I've gotten half way through Lewis' letters. I have about 132 pages to summarise for you and still hope to do so. My part-time Latin teaching position is rather full-time, so we'll see how things go. I am still reading.
Of interest is Lewis' appreciation for Albecht Durer. His two favourites, as of 16 Feb., 1919 (p. 434) are that of St. Jerome and the Prodigal son. He says there are others he would like if Durer hadn't put some nudes in the background "of the most brutal and deliberate ugliness"! He had the above two prints framed. I'll post them here for you.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
8 June, 1917 - 24 Sept., 1917
We now find Lewis in the army and billeted at
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
I know
I know I'm behind on my posts, but I have been reading! I will soon have a lot more stuff posted.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
28 Feb. 1917 - 3 June, 1917
My having spent a few days in Oxford really helps to picture and appreciate these letters.
The letters continue to be to Jack's "Papy" and Arthur, alias "Galahad." He's struggling with a poetic work on Medea's early life; he scraps it. Hooper's note (p. 286) says he picks it back up but only fragments remain. 6 Mar. he says that Catullus is one of his poetic "gods," along with Morris and Keats. Interesting.
He is reading The Life of Charlotte Bronte by Elizabeth C. Gaskell, and really likes it; he keeps talking about it. Sadly, he sees God as torturing Charlotte in it; "cruelty after cruelty without escape," "he's just in his element." He takes a moral lesson from it, however, to appreciate ones circumstances.
"I have finished "Paradise Lost" again." p. 290. 20 May, he writes that he is glad to hear from Arthur that he too likes Milton. In the same letter, he expresses delight in the artwork of Albrecht Durer.
He keeps having petty problems with his father (8 Mar.). It seems Albert was just too sensitive to the inevitable misunderstandings that take place when business is conducted via post. It has to be really hurtful to Jack.
14 Mar., Jack talks about how he likes to "keep to his bed" when he is ill and all the different comforts he enjoys when he has to do it. He just likes to be cozy and read good books, that's all!
Per Hooper, Jack was 5 feet 10 3/4 inches tall and 182 pounds when he entered the Officer Training Corp at Oxford. Hm. Sounds like me!
"How I love kettles!" (p. 298)
While residing at Oxford at this time, he had a roommate named Edgell that he hated. The fellow was a Christian and a mechanic-type. They had nothing in common. The fellow also seemed to lack social grace in dealing with Lewis; too bad. It could have been a great opportunity for helping Jack toward Christ. He was very interested in religion at this time and enjoyed talking about it with non-Christian, inquiring types. See Hooper note, 72, p. 303, where one of Jack's fellows describes him; mentions his interest in religion and how challenging he was in his scepticism. But beside Edgell, Lewis is finding himself happier than he has ever been (p. 304, 13 May).
27 May - mentions The World's Desire by both H. Rider Haggard and Andrew Lang as something he's enjoying. Got to read that. In the same letter, p. 310, he has a paragraph describing how his days are spent. The OTC is asking very little of him at this time. Lewis comes across lots of his Malvern acquaintances at Oxford but he really likes writing about those who are Irish and especially patriotic. It stands out in these letters that whenever Lewis writes favourably about England, he always says something like, "but not to be compared with our old hills, etc." He himself is very patriotic; he prefers the Irish above all others.
The letters continue to be to Jack's "Papy" and Arthur, alias "Galahad." He's struggling with a poetic work on Medea's early life; he scraps it. Hooper's note (p. 286) says he picks it back up but only fragments remain. 6 Mar. he says that Catullus is one of his poetic "gods," along with Morris and Keats. Interesting.
He is reading The Life of Charlotte Bronte by Elizabeth C. Gaskell, and really likes it; he keeps talking about it. Sadly, he sees God as torturing Charlotte in it; "cruelty after cruelty without escape," "he's just in his element." He takes a moral lesson from it, however, to appreciate ones circumstances.
"I have finished "Paradise Lost" again." p. 290. 20 May, he writes that he is glad to hear from Arthur that he too likes Milton. In the same letter, he expresses delight in the artwork of Albrecht Durer.
He keeps having petty problems with his father (8 Mar.). It seems Albert was just too sensitive to the inevitable misunderstandings that take place when business is conducted via post. It has to be really hurtful to Jack.
14 Mar., Jack talks about how he likes to "keep to his bed" when he is ill and all the different comforts he enjoys when he has to do it. He just likes to be cozy and read good books, that's all!
Per Hooper, Jack was 5 feet 10 3/4 inches tall and 182 pounds when he entered the Officer Training Corp at Oxford. Hm. Sounds like me!
"How I love kettles!" (p. 298)
While residing at Oxford at this time, he had a roommate named Edgell that he hated. The fellow was a Christian and a mechanic-type. They had nothing in common. The fellow also seemed to lack social grace in dealing with Lewis; too bad. It could have been a great opportunity for helping Jack toward Christ. He was very interested in religion at this time and enjoyed talking about it with non-Christian, inquiring types. See Hooper note, 72, p. 303, where one of Jack's fellows describes him; mentions his interest in religion and how challenging he was in his scepticism. But beside Edgell, Lewis is finding himself happier than he has ever been (p. 304, 13 May).
27 May - mentions The World's Desire by both H. Rider Haggard and Andrew Lang as something he's enjoying. Got to read that. In the same letter, p. 310, he has a paragraph describing how his days are spent. The OTC is asking very little of him at this time. Lewis comes across lots of his Malvern acquaintances at Oxford but he really likes writing about those who are Irish and especially patriotic. It stands out in these letters that whenever Lewis writes favourably about England, he always says something like, "but not to be compared with our old hills, etc." He himself is very patriotic; he prefers the Irish above all others.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Hooper's Doctorate - Bravo! Well Deserved!
From the Wade Center site:
Walter Hooper receives Honorary Doctorate from Concordia University
On Monday evening, March 26, 2007, in Austin, Texas, Concordia University at Austin presented Oxford resident Walter Hooper with an honorary doctorate in recognition of more than four decades of work in finding, collecting, and editing the letters, essays, and other works of C. S. Lewis. The degree was presented by Provost Alan Runge, Regent Daniel Schaeffer, and Dr. Joel Heck, Vice President of Academic Services. Concordia University is a four-year Christian liberal arts institution.
Walter Hooper receives Honorary Doctorate from Concordia University
On Monday evening, March 26, 2007, in Austin, Texas, Concordia University at Austin presented Oxford resident Walter Hooper with an honorary doctorate in recognition of more than four decades of work in finding, collecting, and editing the letters, essays, and other works of C. S. Lewis. The degree was presented by Provost Alan Runge, Regent Daniel Schaeffer, and Dr. Joel Heck, Vice President of Academic Services. Concordia University is a four-year Christian liberal arts institution.
7 Dec. 1916 - 20 Feb. 1917
Lewis' first impression of Oxford, written to his father: "The place has surpassed my wildest dreams: I never saw anything so beautiful, especially on these frosty moonlight nights...." In 7 Feb. he describes his love for "real winter." All the water in the house is frozen, the snow covers everything, and he loves ice skating.
Jack has visited Oxford to take his initial exams. Hooper has included another Kirk letter about Lewis; K. never expected to have another student like Lewis. K. speaks here of Lewis' perseverance and hard work.
28 Jan., he mentions his copy of Cupid and Psyche, so he's read that by now. He's also begun work on the prose Dymer. In 15 Feb., he mentions starting the poetry version.
His letters to Arthur are full of the latest books and editions they are reading. Sadly, it also has the first, and a good deal, about his interest in sadism and masochism. He signs his letters - in Greek - "Philomastix" - lover of the whip. I don't understand this stuff and simply do not want to. I'm comforted to know this passed away out of his life in time.
Jack has visited Oxford to take his initial exams. Hooper has included another Kirk letter about Lewis; K. never expected to have another student like Lewis. K. speaks here of Lewis' perseverance and hard work.
28 Jan., he mentions his copy of Cupid and Psyche, so he's read that by now. He's also begun work on the prose Dymer. In 15 Feb., he mentions starting the poetry version.
His letters to Arthur are full of the latest books and editions they are reading. Sadly, it also has the first, and a good deal, about his interest in sadism and masochism. He signs his letters - in Greek - "Philomastix" - lover of the whip. I don't understand this stuff and simply do not want to. I'm comforted to know this passed away out of his life in time.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
18 July, 1916 - 25 Oct. 1916
This set starts out with the amusing complaint of Lewis about dating letters; "a date is a meaningless thing." A bit silly, really.
Before commenting on his reading, two things keep standing out: 1) his priggishness, which he later admits, and 2) his enjoyment of the grammaphone. He's constantly writing about the records he and Arthur are listening to.
Through these letters, Lewis keeps looking forward to getting "Letters from Hell" (Thisted, transl. by Sutter); when he finally gets it, he didn't like it and put it away in a drawer. Seems that it was something Arthur liked. Hooper's footnote, p. 215, asks the obvious question about influence on Screwtape.
We have here the first really extensive comments upon Christianity by Lewis. He thinks it is pure myth. Educated people have always distanced themselves from such things (the priggish note). He is an agnostic about any thing outside the material world or life after death. He speaks of the Christian God as a bogey that wants to torture him forever if he should fail to come up to his impossible moral ideals - a spirit "more cruel and barbarous than any man". Such Christian ideas had "always considerably lessened" his happiness. (12 Oct., 18 Oct.)
He's dipping into Boswell's Johnson and loves Milton's Comus; he's increasingly devoted to Scott (p. 236).
Another student is joining them for Spanish study (6 Oct). Lewis also reveals that he's been stealing pages from that "thrice accursed felow pupil of his" to write his letters. Ha!
Before commenting on his reading, two things keep standing out: 1) his priggishness, which he later admits, and 2) his enjoyment of the grammaphone. He's constantly writing about the records he and Arthur are listening to.
Through these letters, Lewis keeps looking forward to getting "Letters from Hell" (Thisted, transl. by Sutter); when he finally gets it, he didn't like it and put it away in a drawer. Seems that it was something Arthur liked. Hooper's footnote, p. 215, asks the obvious question about influence on Screwtape.
We have here the first really extensive comments upon Christianity by Lewis. He thinks it is pure myth. Educated people have always distanced themselves from such things (the priggish note). He is an agnostic about any thing outside the material world or life after death. He speaks of the Christian God as a bogey that wants to torture him forever if he should fail to come up to his impossible moral ideals - a spirit "more cruel and barbarous than any man". Such Christian ideas had "always considerably lessened" his happiness. (12 Oct., 18 Oct.)
He's dipping into Boswell's Johnson and loves Milton's Comus; he's increasingly devoted to Scott (p. 236).
Another student is joining them for Spanish study (6 Oct). Lewis also reveals that he's been stealing pages from that "thrice accursed felow pupil of his" to write his letters. Ha!
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
14 June 1916 - 11 July, 1916
Little profound here. Besides other things, (like Tristan) Lewis is reading Archadia and loving it. He, his father, and Mr. K. are working on which colleges to apply to at Oxford. Jack is insisting on joining the army. He persuades Arthur to send him a story he is working on and Jack loves it. Arthur is also supposed to be illustrating Lewis' Bleheris. Lewis is sending him chapters as they are done. He manages to get Arthur to read some Christina Rosetti; he wants Arthur to appreciate poetry more.
Lewis is already quoting Milton's Paradise Lost in the body of his letters. Mercy.
Lewis shares his advice with Arthur about how a budding author needs to keep writing, even if he throw it away. The experience is good for him. As the letters proceed, he keeps offering advice on writing (11 July), such as not doing things in a hurry, allowing any rapid burst of writing energy to tame down. He also says he likes to put stories together in his head when he is out walking, which is the "only" time his imagination "works". It is interesting to read Lewis' opinions on writing at this age. The things he says are helpful.
Lewis thinks marriage is unlikely for the present; he'll let Arthur know if something happens.
Lewis is already quoting Milton's Paradise Lost in the body of his letters. Mercy.
Lewis shares his advice with Arthur about how a budding author needs to keep writing, even if he throw it away. The experience is good for him. As the letters proceed, he keeps offering advice on writing (11 July), such as not doing things in a hurry, allowing any rapid burst of writing energy to tame down. He also says he likes to put stories together in his head when he is out walking, which is the "only" time his imagination "works". It is interesting to read Lewis' opinions on writing at this age. The things he says are helpful.
Lewis thinks marriage is unlikely for the present; he'll let Arthur know if something happens.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
31 Jan. 1916 - 6 June, 1916
This is an important section. While Lewis is finishing the Fairie Queen on the weekends, he has happened upon MacDonald's Phantastes (7 Mar. p. 169). It is unusual, up to this point, for Lewis to rave about a book like he dies this one. He and Arthur seem to be interested in following this up with and Sir Gibbie and At the Back of the North Wind. In this same letter, Lewis makes the comment of how Arthur might some day convince him to be a Christian (p. 171).
He continues to complain about his fellow student, "the bloodly little beast." p. 164.
Interestingly, in 14 Mar., he jokes with Arthur about their someday publishing their letters - as lamentations!
Jack is also especially enjoying Chopin. Sadly, he also tells Arthur that the reason he does not invite Arthur over to his house when he is home is his father. He considers him to be "an obstacle." Thus, Jack spends his time with Arthur over at Arthur's house. It's sad.
On p. 178, our St. Hooper includes an interesting letter from Kirk to Albert, in which Kirk says that Clive (who is approaching 18 years of age) has read more classics than anyone else he had even heard of; that normally one only reads of such people (comparing him to Addison, Landor, and Macaulay), but don't actually meet them.
On 8 May, Albert wrote to Kirk that Jack had decided to serve in the Army but he also wanted to see if he could get into Oxford. Kirk thinks Jack will have no problem at all.
30 May, Jack is done with Rob Roy, is "bucked" about Chaucer, and says that he had long before found that ink is the great cure for all human ills. So he refers to that life long practice of working out his inner struggles by writing about them.
He continues to complain about his fellow student, "the bloodly little beast." p. 164.
Interestingly, in 14 Mar., he jokes with Arthur about their someday publishing their letters - as lamentations!
Jack is also especially enjoying Chopin. Sadly, he also tells Arthur that the reason he does not invite Arthur over to his house when he is home is his father. He considers him to be "an obstacle." Thus, Jack spends his time with Arthur over at Arthur's house. It's sad.
On p. 178, our St. Hooper includes an interesting letter from Kirk to Albert, in which Kirk says that Clive (who is approaching 18 years of age) has read more classics than anyone else he had even heard of; that normally one only reads of such people (comparing him to Addison, Landor, and Macaulay), but don't actually meet them.
On 8 May, Albert wrote to Kirk that Jack had decided to serve in the Army but he also wanted to see if he could get into Oxford. Kirk thinks Jack will have no problem at all.
30 May, Jack is done with Rob Roy, is "bucked" about Chaucer, and says that he had long before found that ink is the great cure for all human ills. So he refers to that life long practice of working out his inner struggles by writing about them.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
18 June 1915 to 4 Dec. 1915
There is a good deal in these letters about Lewis' occasional struggles in his relationship with his father, Albert. Jack keeps having to clarify things in his letters. At one point he asks his father to credit him and Warnie with common sense (10 July); that's something painful, there. Yet he also writes of how the interaction between the three of them during these days of war had actually helped them to understand each other better (8 June, p. 131).
Those letters not to his father are to Arthur. They keep arguing over terms and opinions, but it seems to be in good sport. The main book for Jack at this time was The Fairie Queen. He's thoroughly enjoying it.
12 Oct., p. 145, contains another description of Lewis' daily routine. By this time, however, Kirk has another student staying with them. Lewis sees him only the weekends, but he is quite put out with the matter. He likes his privacy and the new fellow doesn't seem to have much in common with Jack.
There is talk, in these letters, of the war and the possibility of Jack being drafted. He avers that he would not want to go to the army as a conscript. It would be too awkward. (18 June).
Dear Mr. Hooper informs us that during the Christmas break, both of the boys were able to be home with Albert, Warnie being on leave from France.
Those letters not to his father are to Arthur. They keep arguing over terms and opinions, but it seems to be in good sport. The main book for Jack at this time was The Fairie Queen. He's thoroughly enjoying it.
12 Oct., p. 145, contains another description of Lewis' daily routine. By this time, however, Kirk has another student staying with them. Lewis sees him only the weekends, but he is quite put out with the matter. He likes his privacy and the new fellow doesn't seem to have much in common with Jack.
There is talk, in these letters, of the war and the possibility of Jack being drafted. He avers that he would not want to go to the army as a conscript. It would be too awkward. (18 June).
Dear Mr. Hooper informs us that during the Christmas break, both of the boys were able to be home with Albert, Warnie being on leave from France.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
? Mar 1915 - 8 June 1915
Lewis' father is worried about Jack coming home on "holydays" (as Jack insists no spelling it) due to the German submarine threat. Albert seems to be having a good bit of difficulty emotionally and Jack feels he must keep writing letters to lift his spirits or to calm his worries.
There are a lot of letters to Arthur here. They write back and forth about books they are reading and grammaphone recordings of classical music they like; especially Wagner. Jack doesn't mind taking Arthur to task about things. It reminds me of the way Kirk treated him; Kirk's ways would be expected to rub off onto Jack.
Hooper reminds us on p. 115 of the first compilation of Lewis' poems: Metrical Meditations of a Cod. Ha!
The Belgian is not out of the picture! He also thinks Mansfield Park is "almost" Austen's best. He liked Edmund.
Jack is especially enamored with William Morris' writings at this time. Morris becomes the subject on one occasion (25 May) of one of the few irreverent statements by Jack. He likens Morris to God, as he appears in Rev. 4. He also expresses a desire to be able to learn how to skip out of a church service like Arthur seems to be able to do on occasion, due to some "heart fit" during a sermon. These are sad.
There are a lot of letters to Arthur here. They write back and forth about books they are reading and grammaphone recordings of classical music they like; especially Wagner. Jack doesn't mind taking Arthur to task about things. It reminds me of the way Kirk treated him; Kirk's ways would be expected to rub off onto Jack.
Hooper reminds us on p. 115 of the first compilation of Lewis' poems: Metrical Meditations of a Cod. Ha!
The Belgian is not out of the picture! He also thinks Mansfield Park is "almost" Austen's best. He liked Edmund.
Jack is especially enamored with William Morris' writings at this time. Morris becomes the subject on one occasion (25 May) of one of the few irreverent statements by Jack. He likens Morris to God, as he appears in Rev. 4. He also expresses a desire to be able to learn how to skip out of a church service like Arthur seems to be able to do on occasion, due to some "heart fit" during a sermon. These are sad.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
14 Oct. 1914 - 3 Mar 1915
This young man, raised in a home that loved literature and the arts, has, by his late teens, read more books than most people read in a life-time. His references to books he has read are remarkable. I'm going to have to quit listing the books here. I will remark, however, that he has hit Malory and is loving it. It's the best thing ever; vide 17 Nov., 1914, 26 Jan & 2 Feb., 1915. For such a boy, it is no wonder that Malvern was a nightmare (v. p. 82). Frankly, I wonder myself at schools which revolve around sports, not to mention the other "terrorism" associated with the older British Public Schools.
For us G. A. Henty fans: speaking of Thackeray's Esmond ("one of my favorite novels"), "True, I did rather resent the history, and still maintain, that when a man sets out to write a novel he has no right to ram an European War down your throat - it is like going back to Henty! Did you ever try that arch fiend?" (2 Feb.). Of course, if you read Henty for the history, it's a different matter - though the literary quality is what it is.
For the Handel fans - p. 99: "...not your ideal or mine as a composer...the inappropriateness of his tunes is appalling."
Lewis likes a good opera and misses those which he hears are performing in Belfast. He continues to affectionately care for his father's health and also, at this time, for his fathers' worries. Rumors abound of the Germans invading the British Isles and submarines prowling the waters, and they trouble Albert a good deal, apparently. Jack tries to philosophise about the worth of being bothered by such things when one knows not if they will really happen. He also reflects on the frame of mind of those who are not involved in the war, like himself.
14 Oct., Jack is still working on Loki, but he is especially interested in what Arthur might be doing for the music and art to accompany the play. Hooper gives us a note, including a source, for Loki Bound on page 81.
2 Feb.'15 - Lewis seems to have a girlfriend! A young Belgian refugee is living nearby. However, they seem to have a falling out (16 Feb.). Too bad.
Very importantly, if you will remember back to SBJ, it is during this period that his father has him come home for confirmation in the CofE. He shows reluctance to do it, especially, in secret, to Arthur (28 Oct. '14, p. 87): "No: there is no talk yet of going home. And, to tell you the truth, I am not sorry: firstly, I am very happy at Bookham, and secondly, a week at home, if it is to be spent in pulling long faces in Church & getting confirmed, is no great pleasure - a statement, I need hardly say, for yourself alone."
For us G. A. Henty fans: speaking of Thackeray's Esmond ("one of my favorite novels"), "True, I did rather resent the history, and still maintain, that when a man sets out to write a novel he has no right to ram an European War down your throat - it is like going back to Henty! Did you ever try that arch fiend?" (2 Feb.). Of course, if you read Henty for the history, it's a different matter - though the literary quality is what it is.
For the Handel fans - p. 99: "...not your ideal or mine as a composer...the inappropriateness of his tunes is appalling."
Lewis likes a good opera and misses those which he hears are performing in Belfast. He continues to affectionately care for his father's health and also, at this time, for his fathers' worries. Rumors abound of the Germans invading the British Isles and submarines prowling the waters, and they trouble Albert a good deal, apparently. Jack tries to philosophise about the worth of being bothered by such things when one knows not if they will really happen. He also reflects on the frame of mind of those who are not involved in the war, like himself.
14 Oct., Jack is still working on Loki, but he is especially interested in what Arthur might be doing for the music and art to accompany the play. Hooper gives us a note, including a source, for Loki Bound on page 81.
2 Feb.'15 - Lewis seems to have a girlfriend! A young Belgian refugee is living nearby. However, they seem to have a falling out (16 Feb.). Too bad.
Very importantly, if you will remember back to SBJ, it is during this period that his father has him come home for confirmation in the CofE. He shows reluctance to do it, especially, in secret, to Arthur (28 Oct. '14, p. 87): "No: there is no talk yet of going home. And, to tell you the truth, I am not sorry: firstly, I am very happy at Bookham, and secondly, a week at home, if it is to be spent in pulling long faces in Church & getting confirmed, is no great pleasure - a statement, I need hardly say, for yourself alone."
Thursday, May 17, 2007
22 June 1914 - 13 Oct 1914
This section of letters begins with Jack in his last weeks at Malvern, griping about all the preoccupation of the school with cricket. He's getting along well with Smugy and there is included here a poem Lewis wrote with his remarks, which are minimal. Smugy took Jack and a friend on a countryside walk one day, which was greatly appreciated by Jack. They went by a cottage used by Sir Edward Elgar, who had been a close friend of Smugy's.
Jack is reading Newman's poetry, preferring Dream of Gerontius above the rest, which he thought were of a beauty too delicate for his taste.
13 July, he describes a fight scene between two prefects at Malvern and comments upon it all: "So this is our public school dignity, politeness and hospitality which we are always hearing about! These are the institutions that all other civilised countries envy us for, and would imitate if they could. Bah!" p. 67.
Well, thankfully, Jack gets to go home and the next letter, 12 Sept., finds him at Bookham with the Great Knock. He absolutely loves the local village and the countryside; he says it reminds him of something right out of the Vicar of Wakefield, and that Arthur would especially love it. He thinks he is going to have the time of his life there - and he does. 26 Sept., he's reading more Wells and Austen's Sense and Sensibility. 30 Sept. he writes about his study and some of the comforts of the Kirk's home.
The war begins and Warnie is commissioned a 2nd lieutenant, but the family calls him "the Colonel." He attends the local church every Sunday, St. Nicolas, which was also attended by Jane Austen when her grandfather was the vicar (which we learn form a Hooper note - God bless him). He visits Boxhill (ref. Austen), and he says to his father, referring to their new education plan as the latest stunt, "We have at last struck the real thing in education, in comfort, in pleasure, and in companions. I could almost believe that Malvern had never existed or was merely a nightmare which I am glad to forget." p. 75.
16 Oct., a letter to Arthur, is very interesting because Jack outlines for him his play Loki Bound, along with descriptions of how it would be dramatised. He's also reading H. T. Buckle's History of Civilization in England and Ibsen's plays. On p. 78, we find his daily schedule. Sounds great!
13 Oct., there's a paragraph about war rumors people are believing and Jack thinks that if people can believe such things, it "is hardly to be wondered at if primitive man believed a good deal of nonsense." Reminds me of the chronological snobbery business. Looks like the next letter from Arthur is going to contain Jack's reactions to Arthur's critiques of Loki Bound.
Jack is reading Newman's poetry, preferring Dream of Gerontius above the rest, which he thought were of a beauty too delicate for his taste.
13 July, he describes a fight scene between two prefects at Malvern and comments upon it all: "So this is our public school dignity, politeness and hospitality which we are always hearing about! These are the institutions that all other civilised countries envy us for, and would imitate if they could. Bah!" p. 67.
Well, thankfully, Jack gets to go home and the next letter, 12 Sept., finds him at Bookham with the Great Knock. He absolutely loves the local village and the countryside; he says it reminds him of something right out of the Vicar of Wakefield, and that Arthur would especially love it. He thinks he is going to have the time of his life there - and he does. 26 Sept., he's reading more Wells and Austen's Sense and Sensibility. 30 Sept. he writes about his study and some of the comforts of the Kirk's home.
The war begins and Warnie is commissioned a 2nd lieutenant, but the family calls him "the Colonel." He attends the local church every Sunday, St. Nicolas, which was also attended by Jane Austen when her grandfather was the vicar (which we learn form a Hooper note - God bless him). He visits Boxhill (ref. Austen), and he says to his father, referring to their new education plan as the latest stunt, "We have at last struck the real thing in education, in comfort, in pleasure, and in companions. I could almost believe that Malvern had never existed or was merely a nightmare which I am glad to forget." p. 75.
16 Oct., a letter to Arthur, is very interesting because Jack outlines for him his play Loki Bound, along with descriptions of how it would be dramatised. He's also reading H. T. Buckle's History of Civilization in England and Ibsen's plays. On p. 78, we find his daily schedule. Sounds great!
13 Oct., there's a paragraph about war rumors people are believing and Jack thinks that if people can believe such things, it "is hardly to be wondered at if primitive man believed a good deal of nonsense." Reminds me of the chronological snobbery business. Looks like the next letter from Arthur is going to contain Jack's reactions to Arthur's critiques of Loki Bound.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
3 Nov. 1913-5 June 1914 - Part 2
During this time, Jack's father was trying to decide what to do with him, for he was definitely not suited for the typical Public School, like Malvern. Jack has to stay one more year. Jack thinks such places are "doomed" because people are apparently writing against them; he mentions a book by Sir Arnold Lunn, The Harrovians, as an example. His descriptions sound like the kind of thing Tom Brown could have written. "There is some consolation in knowing that every one else is in the same box: all my friends too, are utterly miserable and tired of life. ... Please take me out of this as soon as possible...." (18 Mar, p. 50-51).
Warnie is doing well at Sandhurst and Jack has found Yeats' poetry, which he loves. We also have here the first letter in the volume to Arthur Greeves, where he tells Arthur about Yeats: "He writes plays and poems of rare spirit and beauty about our old Irish mythology.... His works have all got that strange, eerie feeling about them, of which we are both proffessed admirers." (5 June, p. 59). He's also enjoying Wuthering Heights.
Here's a good quote regarding education: "How can people advocate a 'modern' education? What could be better or more enjoyable than reading the greatest masterpieces of all time, under a man who has made them part of himself?" 16 Feb., p. 49.
His Greek is getting better, for which he is thankful; he'd hate to leave the school with a bad reputation in that respect.
Warnie is doing well at Sandhurst and Jack has found Yeats' poetry, which he loves. We also have here the first letter in the volume to Arthur Greeves, where he tells Arthur about Yeats: "He writes plays and poems of rare spirit and beauty about our old Irish mythology.... His works have all got that strange, eerie feeling about them, of which we are both proffessed admirers." (5 June, p. 59). He's also enjoying Wuthering Heights.
Here's a good quote regarding education: "How can people advocate a 'modern' education? What could be better or more enjoyable than reading the greatest masterpieces of all time, under a man who has made them part of himself?" 16 Feb., p. 49.
His Greek is getting better, for which he is thankful; he'd hate to leave the school with a bad reputation in that respect.
30 Nov. 1913-5 June, 1914, Part 1
I really must write Mr. Hooper and thank him for the extra material he has provided in this volume. The correspondence between Warnie and his father about Jack's difficulty at Malvern is very touching. But I have today been especially surprised by a letter to Albert by none other than the Great Knock himself (Mr. Kirkpatrick)! Wow! It is very good and shows a man of discerning character toward young boys. He also expresses a humility toward Albert in the latter's desire to send his boys to him. Most fitting.
I've got to run over the early part of SBJ before I do too much. The real school struggles are here at Malvern. My earlier comment may have been off. Here, Lewis plainly writes of his painful experience at school and pleads for an alternative. More on that later today, I trust.
I will mention here, the very humourous words Lewis writes to his father about the plans for a "dance" during the upcoming Christmas holidays. You will recall his comments about dances and social events in SBJ. Here's a sample:
"Have you seen to the quashing of that dance conspiracy yet? Don't dare to answer in the negative. At any rate there must be no dance for me; nor for any other rational being I hope. So let that matter receive your immediate attention. You have your orders. Now we may go on." (30 Nov., p. 43).
I've got to run over the early part of SBJ before I do too much. The real school struggles are here at Malvern. My earlier comment may have been off. Here, Lewis plainly writes of his painful experience at school and pleads for an alternative. More on that later today, I trust.
I will mention here, the very humourous words Lewis writes to his father about the plans for a "dance" during the upcoming Christmas holidays. You will recall his comments about dances and social events in SBJ. Here's a sample:
"Have you seen to the quashing of that dance conspiracy yet? Don't dare to answer in the negative. At any rate there must be no dance for me; nor for any other rational being I hope. So let that matter receive your immediate attention. You have your orders. Now we may go on." (30 Nov., p. 43).
Monday, May 14, 2007
6 Jan. 1913 - 24 Nov. 1913
Jack here moves from Cherbourg to Malvern and, though a young teenager (14), he is a very good writer. I can't help but keep thinking about the difference in education our young get in contrast to his. Indeed, his writing reflects his innate genius, but it is also a result of his education.
Lewis talks a couple of times about something I'm very familiar with: how it is that our imaginings of an anticipated event, often as an exercise in handling the stress, "make no difference to the event." (6 Jan, 7 Jun)
We find Jack ill at school on several occasions. He speaks of his "irritating chills to which I am subject in winter months" (24 Nov). The account of his convalesence at Malvern in this letter is quite amusing! He wonders what in the world the kitchen staff seem to be doing - they are making so much noise and laughing so much!
I'm glad I am reading this after having become more familiar with British school life through Thomas Hughes' Tom Brown's Schooldays, both in the book and in the movie - which is a must see! I refer to the earliest movie; filmed on location. Lewis' writing, references, and stories are just the kind of thing you find in Hughes. It is also worth noting that Lewis often talks about how he, for the most part, enjoys his school life. This is surprising in light of what he writes in Surprised by Joy (6 July, 8 July).
He complains much, earlier in this section, of Warnie's not writing to him. Warnie was not behaving very well at this time. He eventually leaves Malvern and goes to spend a year with "The Great Knock" to prepare for his Sandhurst exam.
An insight into Lewis' reading is found in his communications with his father about presents. He asks for "a nice edition of Kipling, whose poems I am just beginning to read...", (6 July), and Wagner's Ring Cycle (24 Nov). He continues to comment to his father about various Shakespearian plays.
Hooper's notes are really very good. He gives biographical information on practically everyone mentioned, even Jack's old school mates. He also provides additional information and a connecting narrative between letters. I really do appreciate his work here.
I'm amused by the term "kod" (p. 32, note 25). Jack also likes Armas Jarnefelt's Praeludium. I must hear that. (9 Nov)
24 Nov.: Jack is having a hard time with Greek grammar; he had not really had a good grounding before Malvern.
15 & 19 Oct.: Jack had both a drawing and a poem to be recognised by the school. The poem is in the latter letter; I like it; "Carpe Diem" after Horace.
Lastly, 8 July, there is a very interesting passage wherein Jack contrasts the atmosphere of his home with that of school. At home he "met that peculiar feeling - that literary ether." He misses being with his father in that environment.
Lewis talks a couple of times about something I'm very familiar with: how it is that our imaginings of an anticipated event, often as an exercise in handling the stress, "make no difference to the event." (6 Jan, 7 Jun)
We find Jack ill at school on several occasions. He speaks of his "irritating chills to which I am subject in winter months" (24 Nov). The account of his convalesence at Malvern in this letter is quite amusing! He wonders what in the world the kitchen staff seem to be doing - they are making so much noise and laughing so much!
I'm glad I am reading this after having become more familiar with British school life through Thomas Hughes' Tom Brown's Schooldays, both in the book and in the movie - which is a must see! I refer to the earliest movie; filmed on location. Lewis' writing, references, and stories are just the kind of thing you find in Hughes. It is also worth noting that Lewis often talks about how he, for the most part, enjoys his school life. This is surprising in light of what he writes in Surprised by Joy (6 July, 8 July).
He complains much, earlier in this section, of Warnie's not writing to him. Warnie was not behaving very well at this time. He eventually leaves Malvern and goes to spend a year with "The Great Knock" to prepare for his Sandhurst exam.
An insight into Lewis' reading is found in his communications with his father about presents. He asks for "a nice edition of Kipling, whose poems I am just beginning to read...", (6 July), and Wagner's Ring Cycle (24 Nov). He continues to comment to his father about various Shakespearian plays.
Hooper's notes are really very good. He gives biographical information on practically everyone mentioned, even Jack's old school mates. He also provides additional information and a connecting narrative between letters. I really do appreciate his work here.
I'm amused by the term "kod" (p. 32, note 25). Jack also likes Armas Jarnefelt's Praeludium. I must hear that. (9 Nov)
24 Nov.: Jack is having a hard time with Greek grammar; he had not really had a good grounding before Malvern.
15 & 19 Oct.: Jack had both a drawing and a poem to be recognised by the school. The poem is in the latter letter; I like it; "Carpe Diem" after Horace.
Lastly, 8 July, there is a very interesting passage wherein Jack contrasts the atmosphere of his home with that of school. At home he "met that peculiar feeling - that literary ether." He misses being with his father in that environment.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
1905-1912
The first thing that impresses me about these letters is Lewis' intelligence and tender heart. He loves his Papa and he shows real promise in composition at his age.
Being a Latin teacher, I loved the lines in c. Nov. '05: "Tomorrow I decline that old 'Bonus,' 'Bona,' 'Bonum' thing, but I think it is very hard (not now of course but it was)."
My heart breaks for him as he writes from Wynyard 29 Sept 08: "Please may we not leave on Saturday? We simply cannot wait in this hole till the end of term." Poor little chap.
His dislike of Anglo-Catholic Anglican worship is interesting - "Romish hypocrites and English liars".
He reads The First Men in the Moon by H. G. Wells at about the age of 10 (21 Feb 1909) and he and his Papa were "Shakespearian students" - 21 May, '10.
Being a Latin teacher, I loved the lines in c. Nov. '05: "Tomorrow I decline that old 'Bonus,' 'Bona,' 'Bonum' thing, but I think it is very hard (not now of course but it was)."
My heart breaks for him as he writes from Wynyard 29 Sept 08: "Please may we not leave on Saturday? We simply cannot wait in this hole till the end of term." Poor little chap.
His dislike of Anglo-Catholic Anglican worship is interesting - "Romish hypocrites and English liars".
He reads The First Men in the Moon by H. G. Wells at about the age of 10 (21 Feb 1909) and he and his Papa were "Shakespearian students" - 21 May, '10.
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