The Complex Friendship and Literary Differences Between J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis

The seat by the fireplace where Tolkien and Lewis used to meet is still there, a testament to their enduring friendship.

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien and Clive Staples Lewis were two monumental figures in the literary world of the 20th century. Their relationship, deeply intertwined in both friendship and literary collaboration, was both complex and profound. They shared a seat by the fireplace in The Eagle and Child, Oxford, and were part of a literary group known as the Inklings. Despite their disagreements, they maintained a mutual respect for each other's contributions to literature and faith.

The Literary Group of the Inklings

Belonging to a highly influential writer's circle called 'the Inklings,' Tolkien and Lewis were able to discuss and critique each other's work. This group, which included other notable figures like Charles Williams and Owen Barfield, was a hub of intellectual exchange and literary evolution. It was here that Tolkien read sections of The Lord of the Rings to the group, fostering a sense of camaraderie among fellow writers.

Friendship and Tension

On a personal level, Tolkien and Lewis were best friends. They enjoyed each other's company and regularly engaged in intellectual discussions. However, their friendship was also marked by literary disagreements. Tolkien expressed a strong dislike for allegory in storytelling, which was at the heart of Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia. This led to periods of tension, especially when Lewis's more overtly allegorical works came to light.

Tolkien's View on Allegory

Tolkien preferred a mythic and sub-creative approach to fantasy, seeing stories as a form of creation in itself rather than a mere reflection of reality. He believed that allegory often came across as heavy-handed and didactic, stripping the story of its inherent magic and depth. In a statement that reflects this view, Tolkien vehemently denied that The Lord of the Rings was an allegory for World War II, asserting that Sauron was not Satan, the Nazgul were not the Nazi high command, the Free People were not the Allies, and the One Ring was not the atomic bomb. This view contrasts sharply with the allegorical elements present in Lewis's Inklings.

Lewis's Allegorical Writings

On the other hand, Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia is rich with allegorical elements. The story of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe is a prime example, where the character Aslan represents Christ, the White Witch represents Satan, and the children symbolize different aspects of humanity's relationship with Christ. In the religious context, this approach is fitting, as Lewis himself was a convert to Christianity, and he sought to communicate this faith through his writing.

Support for Lewis's Conversion

Tolkien's encouragement of Lewis's conversion to Christianity is noteworthy, as Tolkien himself was a devout Catholic. Both authors were part of the Church of England, a denomination that encompasses both liberal and traditional beliefs. Tolkien's support during this period underscores his personal and professional relationship with Lewis, which transcended their differences in literary style and religious views.

Conclusion

Despite the disagreements and tensions, Tolkien and Lewis's friendship endured. Their enduring literary legacy serves as a testament to their personal bond and individual contributions to the world of literature. While Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings is celebrated for its originality and depth, Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia excels in its allegorical storytelling. Both works have left an indelible mark on literature and continue to be beloved by readers around the world.