Analysis Of C. S. Lewis Out Of The Silent Planet

Out of the Silent Planet

“All the gold which is under or upon the earth is not enough to give in exchange for virtue.” -Plato

In C. S. Lewis’ book Out of the Silent Planet, the protagonist, Ransom, was kidnapped while on a leisurely journey and was taken to Malacandra (which was later identified as Mars). The two who kidnapped him were, according to the native Malacandrians, bent hnau (a hnau being a rational being) by the name of Weston and Devine. These two thought that Oyarsa, the ruler of Malacandra, wanted a human sacrifice and thus brought Ransom as to be such. However, Oyarsa, as well as the inhabitants of Malacandra, were ethical and honorable, and would never kill a hnau for such a reason. In fact, Oyarsa simply fancied to know a couple things about the current state of Thulcandra (Earth) and wished to speak with one of the hnau of Thulcandra. Now, everyone agrees that Ransom was virtuous throughout his journey in Malacandra, however, some believe that simply his avoidance of evil was reason enough, while others believe that his virtue was an active choice.
He came to a woman’s house and found her in distress. Her son wasn’t home from work and was worried because his employers weren’t the best of people. They were Weston and Devine. Ransom could’ve just gone on with his journey and ignore a situation that wasn’t his. However, he decided to help. He made a choice and went to her son’s workplace, hoping to help. Weston and Devine were planning to use the boy as the human sacrifice for Oyarsa, but seeing Ransom stumble into the situation, they figured he would be a much better sacrifice. This saved the boy, and thanks to his active choice, he saved the boy from what could’ve