Did C.S. Lewis or J.R.R. Tolkien Write Better Allegory?

These two literary giants, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, were friends and discussed their imagined worlds and stories. Despite their close friendship, their writing styles and intentions were quite different. Lewis wrote for the common man, while Tolkien crafted stories for the intellectual. Neither can be definitively labeled as better; only different.

Tolkien's Allegorical Intentions?

Despite Tolkien's claim that he was not writing an allegory, it's challenging to ignore the clear allegorical elements in his works. The hobbits' journey through Middle-earth and the struggle against the forces of darkness can be interpreted as symbolic representations of the human condition. Even if Tolkien did not intend his work to be an allegory, it often serves that purpose unconsciously.

Literary Allegory: C.S. Lewis vs. J.R.R. Tolkien

C.S. Lewis, on the other hand, wrote more overtly allegorical works. One of his lesser-known yet relevant tales, Pilgrim's Regress, is an allegory that explores religious themes through the character John and his journey to find Vertue. Lewis attached running superscripts to later editions to help readers decipher the allegorical meanings, indicating that a good allegory should not require such aid.

Pilgrim's Regress: An Allegory

The characters in Pilgrim's Regress are clear representations of different aspects of human nature: John is the protagonist, Vestue stands for virtue, and names like Mr. Wisdom and Reason provide direct hints at their allegorical significance. If these names don't convey the meaning, the running text offers blunt explanations. This narrative structure aligns with traditional allegories, where key figures and events stand for specific, unambiguous things in the real world.

Key Allegorical Elements:

The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri: Dante himself represents the soul, Virgil stands for human reason, and Beatrice symbolizes grace. Other famous allegories like Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: If viewed through an allegorical lens, Edmund could symbolize Judas, yet he fails to repent and convert. Peter, if seen as St. Peter, does not act accordingly.

Modern Interpretations and Allegories

Modern readers tend to see Tolkien and Lewis's works as allegorical due to the concrete representations of good and evil. However, this alone doesn't constitute an allegory. In modern literature, the concept of allegory is often seen in political cartoons where characters like the elephant and the donkey represent political parties.

Comparison with Modern Allegories:

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: Characters like Edmund and Peter do not correspond neatly to biblical figures like Judas or St. Peter. The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings: These works, while rich in symbolism, are not fundamentally allegorical. Leaf by Niggle: This short story, often interpreted allegorically, does not form a complete allegory in the traditional sense.

Conclusion

While both C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien have their unique literary legacies, Lewis remains a more overt author when it comes to writing allegories. Despite Tolkien's more subtle approach, studying his works and their underlying themes can still be seen as allegorical. Ultimately, the impact and richness of their imagination are more crucial than labeling one as better than the other. Both authors offer profound and enduring literary experiences for readers.