No Oxford don was forgiven for writing books outside his field of study-except for detective stories which dons, like everyone else, read when they are down with the 'flu. But it was considered unforgivable that Lewis wrote international best-sellers, and worse still that many were of a religious nature. Lewis
The excerpt highlights the rigid expectations faced by academic figures, particularly Oxford dons, regarding their scholarly output. Writing outside a designated discipline was generally frowned upon, with the exception of detective fiction that seemed to hold a universal appeal, especially during times of illness. However, C. S. Lewis faced harsh criticism, not only for penning international bestsellers but also for addressing religious themes in his works, which was viewed as particularly problematic.
This criticism reflects a broader tension between academic integrity and creative expression, particularly in the realm of literature that intersects with faith. Diana Pavlac Glyer's analysis in "Bandersnatch: C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, and the Creative Collaboration of the Inklings" illustrates how Lewis’s divergent writings challenged conventional norms and the expectations placed on intellectuals of his time. His ability to resonate with a wide audience through his fiction particularly irritated his peers, illuminating the complexities of creativity within academic circles.
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Other quotes in Bandersnatch: C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, and the Creative Collaboration of the Inklings
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All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
Race of Cain, ascend to heaven, And cast God down upon the earth!
