This is our catalog of courses. We will occasionally adjust the course listing to reflect the addition of new courses and the retirement of others.
Come and learn how the friendship of JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis impacted their literary works as well as their faith. In exploring the relationship of these two men, you will come to a deeper appreciation of their works and also for literary analysis – and a deeper appreciation of the role of friendship in the Church.
Total classes: 8
Prerequisite: None
Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th
Suggested credit: ½ semester Literature
Description
Two of the greatest Christian writers of the 20th century were also close friends – C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien – a friendship that awakened Lewis to the Faith. We examine the relationship of these two men, the ups and downs of their friendship, and how they influenced one another’s writings. How did Lewis help Tolkien write The Lord of the Rings? How did Lewis come to love Christ through his friendship with Tolkien? Why did they grow further apart as friends?
Outline
A reading of Mr. O’Brien’s play about Tolkien and Lewis.
On Friendship in General
CS Lewis on Friendship from The Four Loves
Tolkien’s response to the Night Talk.
The Oddest Inkling – Charles Williams and his Influence on the Friendship of Tolkien and Lewis
Another challenge to Friendship: Lewis’ Marriage
Protestant vs. Catholic: the Faith of Lewis vs. the Faith of Tolkien.
Challenges to Friendship – The Inklings and Lewis’ marriage.
Materials and Homework
Course materials: Surprised by Joy, ISBN-10: 0062565435, ISBN-13: 978-0062565433 (https://amzn.to/3mvhohA). Other documents, which will be provided free by the Instructor.
Homework: Completing the assigned reading for each class; taking a few quizzes; completing one or two short writing assignments. Homework should be no more than about an hour per day outside of the live class.
