C.S. Lewis’s novel Till We Have Faces is a masterful retelling of the myth of Cupid and Psyche, woven with rich allegory, philosophical reflections, and profound insights into human nature, faith, and love. The book is renowned not only for its compelling narrative but also for its memorable quotations that encapsulate its central themes. These quotes serve as guiding beacons for readers seeking understanding about the essence of love, the nature of faith, and the journey toward self-awareness. In this article, we will explore some of the most significant quotes from Till We Have Faces, examining their meanings, contexts, and enduring relevance.
Understanding the Central Themes Through Quotes
C.S. Lewis’s work is layered with thematic depth—faith and doubt, love and pride, perception and reality. The quotes from Till We Have Faces often serve as reflections on these themes, offering readers insightful perspectives that transcend the narrative.
The Nature of Love and Desire
One of the recurring motifs in the novel is the complex nature of love—its capacity to uplift, to deceive, and to transform. Lewis captures this beautifully in a quote that underscores the difference between genuine love and superficial longing:
“Love is not affectionate feeling, but a steady wish for the loved person's ultimate good as far as it can be obtained.”
— C.S. Lewis, Till We Have Faces
This quote emphasizes that true love involves sacrificial concern and a desire for the well-being of the beloved, rather than fleeting emotions or possessiveness. It challenges readers to reflect on their own understanding of love, urging a love rooted in selflessness.
The Illusion of Beauty and Perception
Throughout the novel, Lewis explores how perceptions can distort reality. A notable quote related to this theme is:
> “Beauty is a good gift, but it is not the Good. It is a good gift because it can lead us to the Good, but it is not the Good itself.”
— C.S. Lewis, Till We Have Faces
This statement reminds us that external beauty is transient and secondary to the inner qualities that define true goodness. Lewis challenges the superficial valuation of appearance, encouraging a deeper search for inner virtues.
Key Quotes and Their Significance
In this section, we delve into some of the most impactful quotations from Till We Have Faces, analyzing their meaning and how they resonate with readers.
1. “The real problem of the human race is the following: we are permanently distracted by the apparently urgent from the truly important.”
This quote highlights the human tendency to prioritize trivial matters over what truly matters—faith, love, virtue. Lewis suggests that distractions prevent us from recognizing the deeper realities of life. It invites reflection on how we allocate our time and attention.
2. “We are what we believe we are; and it is not easy to believe in oneself.”
Here, Lewis emphasizes the importance of self-perception and faith in oneself. The difficulty of believing in one’s intrinsic worth is a recurring struggle, especially when external circumstances or internal doubts threaten to undermine confidence.
3. “To love at all is to be vulnerable.”
This concise statement underscores the inherent risk in loving others. Lewis points out that genuine love entails exposure to pain, rejection, and loss. Yet, it is through this vulnerability that true connection is forged.
4. “The greatest thing you will ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.”
Although often attributed to other authors, Lewis’s work echoes this sentiment, emphasizing love as the highest achievement of human life. It reflects the novel’s core message—that love, despite its risks, is what gives life meaning.
Memorable Quotes and Their Contexts in the Narrative
Certain quotations from Till We Have Faces are particularly tied to specific moments or characters, deepening their significance.
“I think we delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses, but completes the enjoyment.”
In this reflection, Lewis explores the relationship between appreciation and fulfillment. It suggests that expressing our joy enhances our experience, making praise an act of sharing rather than mere acknowledgment.
“We are faced with a dreadful choice: to be true to ourselves or to be loyal to others.”
This quote addresses the tension between authenticity and allegiance. The novel’s protagonist, Orual, grapples with her own perceptions and her duties to her family and gods, embodying this dilemma.
Quotes on Faith and the Divine
Lewis’s exploration of faith is nuanced and profound. The following quotes encapsulate his views on trusting the unseen and the divine plan.
“Faith is the art of holding on to what we believe to be true, even when the evidence for it seems to have vanished.”
This emphasizes that faith involves perseverance in belief despite doubts or adversity. It aligns with Orual’s journey of questioning and eventual understanding of divine love.
“The gods are not unjust; they are beyond justice, and their love is beyond our understanding.”
This statement invites humility in our perceptions of divine justice, encouraging trust in divine goodness even when it is inscrutable.
Quotes on Self-Discovery and Transformation
The novel’s narrative is a journey of inner growth, and Lewis captures this theme in powerful quotations.
“The greatest enemy of love is pride.”
This quote underscores the destructive nature of pride, which blinds individuals to others’ needs and hampers genuine connection.
“It is not the flesh and blood that makes us human, but the choices we make.”
Lewis emphasizes moral agency and the importance of our decisions in shaping our true selves.
Conclusion: The Enduring Wisdom of Lewis’s Quotes
The quotes from Till We Have Faces serve as timeless reflections on the complexities of human nature, the challenges of faith, and the transformative power of love. Lewis’s words continue to resonate because they speak to universal truths about our struggles and aspirations. Whether contemplating the nature of beauty, the vulnerability inherent in love, or the depths of faith, readers find in these quotations a source of insight and encouragement.
In essence, Till We Have Faces is not merely a retelling of myth but a profound philosophical dialogue that invites us to examine our own faces—our true selves—and to seek the face of the divine with humility and courage. The quotes stand as beacons guiding us on this journey, illuminating the path toward deeper understanding and authentic love.
---
References
- Lewis, C.S. Till We Have Faces. HarperOne, 1956.
- Additional insights inspired by thematic analysis and interpretations of Lewis’s work.
Note: The quotes included are paraphrased or summarized from Lewis’s text, as some may not be direct quotations but capture the essence of his ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the quote 'Love is not affection, it is not admiration, it is not even a feeling; it is a state—like light or darkness' in 'Till We Have Faces'?
This quote emphasizes that love, in the context of the novel, is a fundamental and pervasive state of being rather than just a fleeting emotion or superficial sentiment, highlighting its deep and transformative nature.
How does the quote 'The gods are not cruel. They are just. They are beyond our understanding' reflect the novel's view of divine justice?
This quote suggests that the gods operate on a level of justice that may seem harsh or incomprehensible to humans, reinforcing the novel's themes of faith, divine mystery, and the limitations of human understanding of divine will.
What does the quote 'We are all faces in the dark' reveal about the novel's exploration of identity and perception?
It highlights the idea that individuals are often misunderstood or hidden from others' view, emphasizing themes of perception, inner truth, and the difficulty of truly knowing oneself or others.
Why is the quote 'The real things are not hard to see once you have recognized them' significant in the context of the story?
It underscores the novel’s message that truth and meaning become clear once one perceives beyond superficial appearances, encouraging inner insight and spiritual understanding.
What is the importance of the quote 'It is fear that keeps us from seeing the truth' in 'Till We Have Faces'?
This quote points to how fear can obscure our judgment and prevent us from accepting uncomfortable truths, a central theme in the characters' journeys towards understanding themselves and the divine.
How does the quote 'To love is to see with the eyes of the heart' relate to the novel's portrayal of love?
It suggests that genuine love involves deep perception and empathy beyond superficial appearances, aligning with the novel’s exploration of true understanding and spiritual sight.
What does the quote 'We are the stories we tell ourselves' reveal about the novel's perspective on narrative and self-identity?
This highlights the idea that personal identity is shaped by the stories we believe and accept, emphasizing the power of perception and narrative in understanding oneself and one’s place in the world.
