Introduction to Till We Have Faces
C.S. Lewis's "Till We Have Faces" was published in 1956 and is often regarded as one of his most mature and philosophical works. It is a retelling of the ancient Greek myth of Psyche and Cupid, but from the viewpoint of Orual, Psyche’s jealous sister. The novel is set in the fictional kingdom of Glome, a land inspired by ancient Near Eastern cultures, and explores complex questions about faith, love, perception, and the divine.
Lewis describes the novel as a "psychological novel" that aims to reveal the inner life of its protagonist and to challenge readers' assumptions about reality and the divine. The narrative is framed as Orual’s own account of her life, which she writes as a form of confession and understanding, seeking to reconcile her feelings of betrayal and her spiritual awakening.
Plot Summary
Part I: Orual’s Childhood and Early Life
The story begins with Orual, the eldest daughter of the king of Glome, and her relationship with her sister Psyche. Orual is depicted as a proud, protective, and somewhat jealous sister who feels responsible for Psyche’s well-being. Psyche is characterized as extraordinarily beautiful, and her allure causes both admiration and envy among the people of Glome.
From a young age, Orual is deeply protective of Psyche, but her feelings are complicated by her own insecurities and the societal expectations placed on her. When Psyche is betrothed to the god of the mountain (later identified as Cupid), Orual initially resents the divine influence and fears losing her sister’s affection.
Part II: Psyche’s Departure and Orual’s Obsession
Psyche’s marriage to the unseen god begins with mysterious circumstances. She is taken to a sacred mountain, where she lives in a palace of unimaginable beauty, but she is forbidden to see her husband. Psyche's curiosity, however, leads her to gaze upon him, which results in her falling into despair and leaving the palace.
Orual’s distress grows as she witnesses Psyche’s suffering and begins to blame the gods for their cruelty. She becomes increasingly obsessed with her sister’s fate, feeling helpless and betrayed. Orual’s anger and grief twist into a desire for justice and understanding, but her perspective is clouded by her emotional turmoil.
Part III: Psyche’s Trials and Orual’s Reflection
Psyche endures a series of divine and mortal trials — including tasks set by the gods — as she seeks to reunite with her love. Meanwhile, Orual’s own spiritual journey begins to take shape. She struggles with her feelings of jealousy, guilt, and the desire to understand the divine will.
Eventually, Psyche’s perseverance leads her to complete her trials, but her suffering causes her to be misunderstood by her sister. Orual remains convinced that Psyche’s faith and love are misplaced, and she continues to see the gods as cruel and unjust.
In her later years, Orual becomes queen and rules her people with wisdom, but she is haunted by her memories and unresolved feelings about Psyche’s fate. She takes solace in her writings, which she considers her confession.
The Climax and Resolution
Orual’s Spiritual Awakening
The turning point in the novel occurs when Orual’s own spiritual awakening begins. She experiences a profound vision—an encounter with the divine—that leads her to see beyond her human perceptions. She recognizes that her bitterness and jealousy were rooted in her inability to understand divine love and sacrifice.
Orual finally perceives the true nature of Psyche’s love, which was sacrificial and divine. She understands that the gods’ actions, though seemingly cruel, were acts of love and growth. Her earlier judgments and misconceptions are challenged as she comes to see the divine face—the core of divine love—face to face.
Conclusion: The Final Revelation
The novel concludes with Orual’s acceptance and understanding. She admits that her earlier perception of the gods was flawed and that her obsession with controlling and judging divine justice blinded her to the divine’s true nature. Her confession is a testament to the transformative power of faith, love, and humility.
The title, "Till We Have Faces," signifies the idea that humans can only perceive the divine face—truth and love—when they shed their illusions and ego. Orual’s story ends with her surrendering her pride and embracing divine love, signifying spiritual fulfillment and reconciliation.
Key Themes and Symbols
Love and Sacrifice
One of the central themes of the novel is the nature of love—particularly sacrificial love. Psyche’s willingness to undergo trials for her divine love exemplifies true love’s selflessness. Orual’s journey reveals the destructive potential of possessive love, but also its redemptive power when transformed into understanding and humility.
Perception versus Reality
Lewis explores how perception shapes reality. Orual’s initial view of the gods is one of anger and blame, but her spiritual awakening reveals a higher truth. The novel suggests that human perception is limited and often clouded by emotions, but truth can be uncovered through humility and faith.
The Divine Face
The idea of "the face" symbolizes divine love and truth. Orual’s inability to see the divine face initially leads to misunderstanding and suffering. Her eventual encounter with the divine face signifies spiritual enlightenment and the recognition of divine love beyond human judgment.
Myth and Reality
Lewis reinterprets the Greek myth of Psyche and Cupid, emphasizing the spiritual and psychological significance behind the story. The myth becomes a metaphor for the soul’s journey toward divine love and understanding.
Characters and Their Significance
Orual
- The protagonist and narrator.
- Represents the human soul, struggling with pride, jealousy, and the quest for understanding.
- Her journey from bitterness to spiritual enlightenment forms the core of the novel.
Psyche
- Orual’s beloved sister, symbolizing the soul’s innocence and divine love.
- Her trials and perseverance demonstrate love’s redemptive power.
The God of the Mountain (Cupid)
- Represents divine love and the divine face.
- His actions, though seemingly cruel, are ultimately acts of love.
King of Glome
- Orual’s father and later her husband.
- His role underscores themes of authority, tradition, and the human condition.
Conclusion
"Till We Have Faces" is a richly layered novel that challenges readers to reconsider their perceptions of love, faith, and divine justice. Through Orual’s story, Lewis emphasizes that understanding divine love requires humility, sacrifice, and the willingness to confront one’s own illusions. The novel ultimately affirms that spiritual fulfillment and truth are attainable when humans shed their pride and open themselves to the divine face—a face of love beyond human comprehension.
Lewis’s masterful storytelling, blending myth, philosophy, and theology, makes "Till We Have Faces" a timeless exploration of what it means to see clearly and love truly. It encourages readers to look beyond appearances and to seek the divine face in their own lives, fostering a journey toward spiritual enlightenment and peace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of 'Till We Have Faces' by C.S. Lewis?
The novel explores themes of love, faith, perception, and the nature of divine justice, emphasizing how human understanding often falls short of divine truth.
Who are the central characters in 'Till We Have Faces'?
The story is centered around Orual, the princess and narrator, her sister Psyche, and the gods, particularly the deity they worship, as well as other characters like the prince and servants.
How does 'Till We Have Faces' reinterpret the myth of Psyche and Eros?
Lewis retells the myth from Orual's perspective, presenting Psyche as a misunderstood and tragic figure, and explores the idea that divine love and human perception are complex and often misunderstood.
What is the significance of Orual's role as the narrator in the novel?
Orual's perspective offers a personal and introspective account that challenges traditional interpretations of the myth, highlighting themes of bias, perception, and the quest for truth and understanding.
What is the overall message about divine justice in 'Till We Have Faces'?
The novel suggests that divine justice is beyond human understanding and that true insight comes from humility and acceptance of divine mystery.
How does the novel address the concept of love?
Lewis examines different forms of love—romantic, brotherly, and divine—and portrays love as complex, often requiring sacrifice and humility to truly understand its depth.
Why is 'Till We Have Faces' considered a philosophical and spiritual novel?
Because it delves into profound questions about perception, truth, divine love, and human nature, encouraging readers to reflect on their own understanding of faith and reality.
