"That Hideous Strength" is the concluding novel in C.S. Lewis's Space Trilogy, following the stories of Ransom, who has faced otherworldly challenges. This installment shifts the focus to Earth, particularly on a group called the N.I.C.E. (National Institute for Coordinated Experiments), which seeks to reshape society through scientific manipulation and control. The organization symbolizes the dangers of unrestrained technological and bureaucratic power.
The protagonist, Mark Studdock, is a disillusioned academic who becomes involved with N.I.C.E. His wife, Jane, experiences disturbing visions connected to the supernatural struggles between good and evil. As the narrative unfolds, they grapple with moral dilemmas and the implications of their choices, highlighting the conflict between nihilism and faith.
The novel’s themes revolve around the consequences of abandoning ethical considerations in pursuit of progress. Through intricate characters and a rich narrative, Lewis critiques the dehumanizing aspects of modernity while advocating for a return to spiritual and moral values, culminating in a battle for the soul of humanity against oppressive forces.