Abstract
C. S. Lewis’ last and arguably best novel, Till We Have Faces, is an impressively nuanced revision and recasting of Apuleius’ short tale of Cupid and Psyche, Books 4–6 of The Golden Ass. Although this ancient myth was the main source for Till We Have Faces, inspiration was no doubt gained from many places. One such influence, previously unnoted, was the biblical book of Esther. This study will note some of the key places where the influence of Esther is detectable, in particular Lewis’ choice of the name “Istra.” This is followed by an investigation into why Esther may have been suitable for Lewis’ main concerns in writing Till We Have Faces. Finally, a few scenes will be highlighted to show how these concerns are particularly illuminated through the influence of Esther.
Recommended Citation
Dunne, John Anthony
(2015)
"“Nothing Beautiful Hides Its Face”: The Hiddenness
of Esther in C. S. Lewis’ Till We Have Faces,"
Sehnsucht: The C. S. Lewis Journal: Vol. 9
:
Iss.
1
, Article 5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55221/1940-5537.1323
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/cslewisjournal/vol9/iss1/5