Introduction to Till We Have Faces
Before delving into the detailed summary, it’s important to understand the context of Till We Have Faces. Published in 1956, the novel is a retelling of the myth of Cupid and Psyche set in the fictional kingdom of Glome, inspired by Lewis’s love of mythology and his Christian worldview. The story is narrated by Orual, a princess and the protagonist, who reflects on her life, her love for her sister Psyche, and her spiritual journey.
Overview of Major Themes
Understanding the core themes of the novel enhances comprehension of the plot and characters. The main themes include:
- Love and Obsession: The complex nature of love, including its capacity for both selflessness and obsession.
- Faith and Doubt: The struggle between spiritual belief and skepticism.
- Pride and Humility: The destructive power of pride and the redemptive nature of humility.
- Myth and Reality: The interplay between mythological stories and personal truth.
Plot Summary of Till We Have Faces
Part 1: Orual’s Childhood and Initial Love
The novel begins with Orual’s narration of her childhood in the kingdom of Glome. She is the eldest daughter of the king, with Psyche as her beautiful and beloved sister. Orual’s love for Psyche is intense and possessive, and she resents Psyche’s beauty, seeing her as a rival for her father’s affection. Orual’s protective attitude leads her to be jealous and critical of Psyche’s innocence and kindness.
As they grow older, Orual becomes increasingly aware of her own ugliness—both physically and spiritually—and struggles with feelings of inadequacy and bitterness. She is also deeply protective of Psyche, which sets the foundation for later events.
Part 2: Psyche’s Marriage to the God
Psyche is promised in marriage to a mysterious deity, who comes to her only at night. Despite her initial fear, Psyche’s beauty and virtue impress the god, and she begins to accept her alien marriage. Orual, however, is suspicious and jealous, convinced that Psyche is being deceived.
The goddess of the temple, the “Redival,” warns Psyche to avoid looking at her husband, but Psyche’s curiosity gets the better of her. One night, she gazes upon her divine husband and sees that he is not a monster but a handsome and gentle god. This act of disobedience leads to Psyche’s abandonment by her husband and her exile from the temple.
Part 3: Psyche’s Suffering and Orual’s Wrath
Psyche, left alone and heartbroken, endures various trials and hardships. Orual, consumed by anger and grief, blames the gods and becomes increasingly bitter. She believes Psyche’s beauty and her own suffering are unjust and seeks to confront the gods.
Meanwhile, Psyche’s suffering brings her closer to the divine. She faces tests of faith and perseverance, including tasks set by the gods, which she accomplishes with resilience and humility. Orual, in her blindness, fails to see the divine love that is working through Psyche’s trials.
Part 4: Revelation and Transformation
The climax of the novel occurs when Orual finally confronts the gods and seeks justice for Psyche. She is led to a temple where she witnesses the divine love and grace that have been at work all along. Orual’s eyes are opened to the true nature of love—selfless, sacrificial, and divine.
Orual’s spiritual awakening leads her to recognize her own pride and selfishness. She experiences a form of redemption, understanding that her love for Psyche was flawed by possessiveness, but also that genuine love is rooted in humility and trust.
Characters in Till We Have Faces
Understanding the characters is essential to grasping the novel’s themes:
- Orual: The narrator, a princess who struggles with pride, jealousy, and spiritual blindness. Her journey from bitterness to understanding is central to the story.
- Psyche: Orual’s beautiful and kind sister, whose innocence and faith serve as a catalyst for Orual’s growth.
- The God (or the “Fairy”): The divine figure who embodies divine love and grace. His true nature is revealed only at the end.
- Redival: Psyche’s jealous and scheming stepsister, who represents worldly vanity and superficiality.
- The Queen’s Court: The political and social environment that influences and reflects the characters’ inner struggles.
Key Symbols and Motifs
The novel employs rich symbolism to deepen its themes:
- The Mask: Represents hidden truths and the facades people wear, especially in relation to faith and pride.
- The Mountain and the Temple: Symbols of divine presence and spiritual ascent.
- Beauty and Ugliness: Signify inner virtue versus superficial appearances.
- The Mirror: A motif for self-awareness and truth.
Conclusion: The Message of Till We Have Faces
Till We Have Faces ultimately conveys that true love and faith require humility, trust, and surrender. Orual’s story is a profound exploration of the human condition, demonstrating that pride and self-centeredness distort perception, but through suffering and divine grace, one can attain spiritual clarity and redemption.
This summary aims to distill the complex narrative and themes of Lewis’s novel, offering readers a clearer understanding of its depth and significance. Whether for academic purposes or personal reflection, understanding this story enriches one’s appreciation for its timeless insights into love, faith, and the human soul.
Additional Resources
For those interested in exploring Till We Have Faces further, SparkNotes and other study guides provide detailed analyses, character breakdowns, and discussion questions that complement this summary. Engaging with these resources can deepen your understanding and appreciation of Lewis’s masterwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of 'Till We Have Faces' as summarized by SparkNotes?
The main theme revolves around the nature of love, faith, and the struggle between perception and reality, exploring how personal beliefs and experiences shape our understanding of truth.
Who are the primary characters in 'Till We Have Faces' according to SparkNotes?
The central characters include Orual, the narrator and princess of Glome; Psyche, the beautiful maiden she loves and envies; and the gods, particularly the unnamed deity to whom Orual ultimately turns.
How does SparkNotes summarize the plot of 'Till We Have Faces'?
SparkNotes describes the novel as a retelling of the myth of Psyche from Orual's perspective, highlighting Orual's journey from jealousy and misunderstanding to spiritual insight and acceptance of divine love.
What is the significance of the title 'Till We Have Faces' as explained in SparkNotes?
The title signifies the idea that true understanding and love require seeing beyond appearances and superficial perceptions, emphasizing the theme that 'we will have faces'—or true insight—only when we see with the heart.
What literary devices and symbolism are highlighted in SparkNotes' summary of 'Till We Have Faces'?
SparkNotes notes the use of symbolism such as the mountain, the gods, and the masks, as well as literary devices like allegory and irony, which deepen the novel's exploration of faith, perception, and inner truth.
