Potential Influence: Ransom in 'The Space Trilogy' and Tolkien

Characters in literature often serve as vehicles for authors’ own reflections and thematic explorations. C.S. Lewis’s protagonist, Elwin Ransom, from the 'Space Trilogy'—Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, and That Hideous Strength—has been a subject of interest due to his similarities to J.R.R. Tolkien. However, the question of whether Ransom is explicitly modeled on Tolkien remains a complex issue, requiring a nuanced exploration of the authors' influences and shared thematic elements.

Exploring the Influence

Ransom serves as a conduit for C.S. Lewis’s philosophical and theological ideas within the narrative. This is reflective of how Tolkien’s characters often embody themes of good versus evil, sacrifice, and friendship. Both authors are renowned for their profound works rooted in deep mythical and philosophical realms, suggesting a shared intellectual and creative heritage.

Despite their close friendship and shared interests, the dynamics of their influence on one another are not as straightforward. While Tolkien and Lewis both contributed critical works during this period, the primary sources of Ransom’s character are Lewis’s own thoughts and experiences. This is evident from the profound thematic and narrative contributions Lewis made through Ransom in the Space Trilogy.

Moreover, the stark differences in their writing styles and thematic focuses highlight the unique nature of their characters and narratives. In 'Out of the Silent Planet', the character of Ransom is primarily shaped by Lewis’s exploration of themes such as the nature of truth, the boundaries of scientific and philosophical understanding, and the interplay between human will and divine providence. These themes are present but not necessarily mirrored in Tolkien's works, thereby creating a distinct character in Ransom.

The Challenge and Inspiration

The Space Trilogy was conceived as a joint project between C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, much like a friendly intellectual challenge to showcase their favorite literary genres. The idea was to write a space fantasy and a time-travel story, respectively. Lewis was particularly fascinated by the mythic works that Tolkien had written but would not publish. The space fantasy element of the trilogy was a natural fit for Lewis, given his deep interest in myth, history, and the exploration of the cosmos.

'Out of the Silent Planet' was written and published in 1938. The main character, Elwin Ransom, is described as a philologist, a student of language who teaches at Cambridge. His physical and mental traits are meticulously detailed, including his age, his experiences in World War I, and his keen interest in walking tours. These characteristics are often compared to Tolkien, who was also a philologist and had fought in the same war. However, it is important to note that the comparison begins and ends with the philological background.

Ransom’s personality and actions are more closely aligned with Lewis's own worldview. Lewis's denial of drawing direct inspiration from Tolkien is also discussed, adding to the complexity of their relationship. Some literary scholars speculate that Ransom's character might resemble certain aspects of Owen Barfield, another colleague of Lewis, or they might be a combination of multiple influences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Ransom shares certain thematic elements with characters from Tolkien's works, he is not explicitly modeled on Tolkien. Instead, Ransom represents a reflection of C.S. Lewis's unique philosophical explorations within his own narrative framework. The mutual influence between Lewis and Tolkien is a testament to their shared intellectual and creative pursuits, but the unique character of Ransom highlights the distinct voices and ideas that each author brought to the table.