Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

1987

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Peyton, Ann

Abstract

That Hideous Strength is a treatise on C. S. Lewis's unique conception of mythology. He believed myths conveyed the inexplicable, transcendent reality existing at the universe's center. Distortions as well as accurate reflections have existed in myth thoughout time. That Hideous Strength symbolically exposes the falsity of distorted myths because the institute that is constructing an "ideal" society, founded on evolutionism and utopianism, is annihilated. The veracity of true myths is exemplified in the triumph of a small insurgent group aided by the Graeco-Roman deities and a revived Merlin. The novel's symbolic core is the "myth which became fact," which Lewis believed is the prime reality accurate myths mirror. Ultimately, denial of that reality condemns those deceived by false myths. But affirmation of the "myth which became fact" ensures victory for those enlightened by true myths.

Extent

61 p.

Comments

Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters|Thesis (M.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 1987.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters

Identifier

FADT14390

Format

pdf

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