Women and C.S. Lewis: What his life and literature reveal for today's culture

by Carolyn Curtis (Editor), Mary Pomroy Key (Editor), Holly Ordway (Contributor)

Sexism in Narnia? Or Screwtape? Or amongst the Inklings? Many critics have labelled C.S. Lewis a sexist, even a misogynist. Did the life and writing of the hugely popular author and professor betray attitudes that today are unacceptable, even deplorable? The younger Lewis was criticized for a mysterious living arrangement with a woman, but his later marriage to an American poet, Joy Davidman, became a celebrated love story. As a writer he, along with J.R.R. Tolkien, formed a legendary literary group, the Inklings - but without women. In this collection of short essays, opinion pieces, and interviews, academics and writers come together to investigate these accusations. They include Alister McGrath, Randy Alcorn, Monika Hilder, Don W. King, Kathy Keller, Colin Duriez, Crystal Hurd, Jeanette Sears, David C. Downing, Malcolm Guite, and Holly Ordway. The resulting work, Women and C.S. Lewis, provides broad and satisfying answers.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Biography, Religion, Literary Criticism, History, Womens

316 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 26, 2015

About the author

Carolyn Curtis is a veteran journalist, author of six books, and winner of many awards, including from the Wall Street Journal and the Society of Professional Journalists. Mary Pomroy Key has a doctorate in Counseling Psychology, and is Director of Special Programs for the C.S. Lewis Foundation.

Reviews

[Erin With the Classics · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was C.S. Lewis sexist? Some people, including some well known authors, say yes. This book, with chapters by dozens of Lewis scholars, proves the answer to be a resounding no. The various essays examine Lewis' relationships with the women in his life, including his mother, his wife, Joy Davidman, and female friends, including Dorothy Sayers. It also takes a close look at his female characters and shows that, with analysis set firmly within Lewis' Christian beliefs and the culture of his time, they were actually quite progressive. The one major flaw this book has is that all of the chapters are much too short.

This book, because it provides such and excellent overview of Lewis's life and works, will be valuable to anyone who is interested in the author, not merely the question of his views on women, and I highly recommend it.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed every page. Very thought provoking! Makes me want to read more of Lewis’s work.

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first encounter with C. S. Lewis was at age eight when I read The Lion; I didn't know if those initials belonged to a man or a woman, and I didn't care--Narnia was a land where a little girl about my age was afforded respect, a leading role, even a throne. I eagerly read all of the Chronicles and wept when I realized there were no more. As I grew, though, I found his other books satisfied my soul and mind as well.

Charges of sexism leveled at my favorite author threw me into a bit of a whirl. Was I so blinded by my first love of Narnia that I didn't see his misogyny? Or was my gut feeling, that the detractors were off the mark, the truth? This collection of essays is invaluable in addressing the attacks, offering thoughtful examinations touching on almost every angle to the charge. The unlooked for gift, though, is how ENJOYABLE the reading is and how much there is to learn.

For all my Lewis "fangirling," there was so much I didn't know. Dr. Crystal Hurd's piece about his amazing mother helped me see there could be no foundation for a childhood cause of sexism, his mother being an intelligent, college-educated, loving woman. I appreciated that a few contributors queried whether her early death could have embittered Lewis, and Paul McCusker's deft examination of Lewis's relationship with Mrs. Moore was thoroughly interesting, if inconclusive. The book is masterfully edited in such a way as to make laypeople like myself comfortable examining the studies and logic of such scholarly giants as Dr. Holly Ordway and Dr. Michael Ward. I found Dr. Lyle Dorsett's piece about Joy Davidman to be truly
illuminating, and it became easy to see why Jack Lewis was drawn to her. One thing is certain: the strong women friendships could not have been realized had Jack believed he was superior to them--they would have had none of that. Colin Duriez's and Kasey Macsenti's essays in particular prove that much.

The book is lacking one essay, though. The opening paragraphs of Dr. David Downing's essay shares quotes from Lewis's diary and letters that can reek with sexism, including his approval of a move to limit "wimmen" at Oxford. Whoa, Nelly. I waited for someone to address them, but no one did, except that they note Lewis seems to have grown ever more gender equitable as he matured. Not good enough for me, I'm afraid. I wanted someone to get in there are sniff around, finding out where this disdain came from.

Another issue no one really addresses is the one that Narnia-hater Philip Pullman and the like probably feel about Christianity itself, that it is inherently sexist. Some of the essays, particularly those by Revd. Dr. Jeanette Sears and Dr. Mary Poplin, dance around this other question, so integral to the question of Lewis's alleged sexism. For no one doubts that Lewis was a Christian, a thinking one, one who went out of his way to live out what he read in the New Testament. In fact, that Susan isn't present in The Last Battle is not reflective of any weird aversion to female sexuality or rigid legalism ( I find these charges to be laughable): 1 John 2 is a clear warning to keep our priorities straight, and Susan distances herself from Narnia, not the other way around, and for corroboration, one has only to read Lewis's The Great Divorce to see that Susan has gotten what she really wants. I heartily disagree with Dr. Devin Brown that her sin is vanity; her sin is rejecting the Truth and preferring this world to Aslan's. Further, it's hilarious to hear that the evil witches in Narnia are indicative of Lewis's alleged sexism to some critics. One might just as accuratelylevel the charge that Tolkien was misandrist because all of his evil characters are male, and every female is good (except for one very gross spider and one greedy relative).

Brown's essay, though, is one of my favorites in this wonderful compilation. I love the way he takes each charge against Narnia and sets the record aright (obviously, my disagreement with Dr. Brown over Susan's sin does not negate the biggest point he makes: that there is yet time for Susan to repent). Dr. Joy Jordan-Lake's essay is entirely delightful as is Kathy Keller's. In short, there are delights scattered throughout this remarkable collection.

I am so happy that editors Carolyn Curtis and Mary Pomroy Key were able to field such a variety of authors to pen this important book. Look, there are no bad pieces here. There is no boredom. There are no pat answers. But really, my eight year old self was right to feel that this old professor fellow wrote respectfully about women.

[Becka the Book Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

More than fifty years after his death, the writings of C.S. Lewis continue to instruct and inspire readers ranging from children to accomplished scholars. The accusation that Lewis was sexist, or even misogynistic, also remains in circulation after all this time. The issue has been addressed before, but primarily by academics in books for academics, which tend to be somewhat abstruse and cost-prohibitive for the average reader.

Editors Carolyn Curtis and Mary Pomroy Key seek to present a more accessible evaluation of Lewis’s attitude toward women in both his personal life and his literary works, and to examine his continuing relevance in light of current “women’s issues.” To that end, they have collected essays from educators, poets, authors of fiction, popular speakers, a journalist, and a childhood correspondent of C.S. Lewis, as well as some of the most highly respected living Lewis scholars.

The book is divided into five sections, in which contributors offer insight into the women in Lewis’s life, the portrayal of girls and women in his novels, the treatment of the feminine in his poetry, the effect of Lewis’s life and literature on twenty-first century understanding of women’s roles and rights, and the impact his views of women have had on current-generation thinkers.

On the whole, Women and C.S. Lewis offers something of value in each of these areas of interest. In some particulars, however, I believe that the book could have been a good deal better. The sections seem to begin and end abruptly rather than transitioning smoothly, and I see some disparity in the quality of the essays and especially in their relevance to the topic at hand. While all the pieces are informative and reasonably well-written, some decisively outshine others. A few are truly engaging and winsomely persuasive; another few feel rather detached; most fall comfortably in the middle of the spectrum. Most problematic in my opinion are two articles which, while not bad essays, have only the most tenuous connection to women and Lewis.

All in all, however, I believe that Curtis and Key have met their objective in Women and C.S. Lewis, bringing together the perceptions of a wide range of contributors in a volume profitable to both the casual reader and the serious devotee. The strengths of the book outweigh its weaknesses sufficiently for me to recommend it as a worthwhile addition to a well-rounded C.S. Lewis collection.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a well balanced book. I have read a few book on Lewis and the inkling and yes mentioned Lewis being sexist, masochistic etc. This book has a clear view of Lewis and his relationships, what traits he value and how he didn't picked on one sex over the other but wrote flawed characters I'm both genders.

There were a few points I didn't agree with but for most part this book was excellent

[Kris]

Skeptical of this one, but am putting it on my Lewis list because Michael Ward and Malcolm Guite wrote essays for it, so that means it must have something good.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Narnia author C. S. Lewis was often critical of progress, and once referred to himself as a "dinosaur." But his views on women were more progressive than many understand. At least that is what the writers of the new anthology, "Women and C. S. Lewis," assert.

Those who know of Lewis only through the Chronicles of Narnia could easily jump to the conclusion Lewis was sexist on the basis of a few passages. The words of Father Christmas in "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" about how "battles are ugly when women fight," and the fact the White Witch is female are two examples commonly brought up as arguments for Lewis' alleged sexism – or even misogyny. And Susan's supposed exclusion from heaven because of "nylons and lipstick" in "The Last Battle" put the nail in the coffin on the matter for some.

However, Section Two, which examines how Lewis portrays women and girls in his fiction, provides many examples to counter this view. The problem with "the problem with Susan" is the critics are not examining the applicable passages very closely. Susan is not excluded from heaven; her fate remains uncertain because life on earth goes on. And she is absent not because she is interested in boys and other things girls of her age normally think about, but because she is interested in nothing else. Susan and Lucy are excluded from the battle in LWW, but in "The Last Battle," Jill Pole has a major role to play. And there are certainly many positive roles given to female characters, as well as negative roles for males.

Many critics point to "Till We Have Faces" as Lewis' crowning achievement in fictional writing. Lewis writes the book from the first person point of view of the female protagonist. While many presume the book was written in collaboration with his late-in-life bride Joy Davidman, the writers of the anthology point out what a remarkable feat it was, requiring sensitive insights no misogynist would be capable of, collaboration or not.

Besides Joy Davidman, a brilliant writer in her own right, Lewis had close relationships with several highly intellectual and talented women, who greatly influenced him. His mother, whom he lost when he was not quite ten, had degrees in Mathematics and Logic—very rare for a woman in the late nineteenth century. Although Lewis himself struggled with math, his mother also taught him French and Latin at a young age. Other friendships include Stella Aldwickle and Elisabeth Anscombe. Aldwickle was the founder of the Oxford University Socratic Club. Anscombe was also a member of the Club, and was a profound influence on Lewis; she was the impetus for his rewrites for the second edition of "Miracles."

Besides his wife, perhaps the most famous female friendship Lewis had was with Dorothy L. Sayers, mostly through written correspondence. Lewis was so impressed by her radio play, "The Man Born to be King" about the life of Christ, he made a habit of reading through it every Lent. Lewis did disagree with her on the subject of the ordination of women, but his respect for her intellect and talent is evident.

Some of Lewis' views certainly did not match with what most would consider feminist today, but the authors of this book would argue he was a positive influence toward more progressive views of women in his day – and even in our day. New York Times Best Selling author Randy Alcorn points to Lewis as the influence which inspired him to "speak out for women."

In the Conclusion to the book, co-editor Carolyn Curtis sums up the findings of the book, which included a variety of perspectives: complementarian and egalitarian, conservative and progressive.


"We conclude that both Lewis' life choices and his writings take a high view of women, noting that the direction of his attitudes about women continues higher as his life goes on. Said differently, as he aged and matured, he grew in faith. Likewise, as he aged and matured, his views of women grew 'higher.'"

[Danae Schilt · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was looking forward to the insights this book might offer and was left disappointed. The majority of essays lack intellectual honesty and either twist themselves into knots trying to explain away some of Lewis's statements or go further by defending and expanding on them. I would have liked to see a genuine examination of Lewis as an author and Christian who was also a fallible human being influenced by the world and culture around him.

There are 2-3 essays I appreciated, particularly those who bring to light the way Lewis's writings give us full and nuanced female characters, as well his real life interactions with women displaying respect as well as admiration. The growth of his perspectives as well as his true friendships and intellectual camaraderie with women in his life provide insight into who he was as a person.

Note: for women who have experienced any trauma or health challenges related to pregnancy, the essay on contraception is incredibly minimizing and offensive. It is almost wholly focused on the idea that contraception makes sex too consequence-free for men while ignoring the real and serious impact pregnancy has on a women's body, health, relationships, work, life trajectory, and even safety in some cases. It came across as a rant from the author more than anything to do with Lewis.

[Timothy Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

The central question of the book (was C.S. Lewis sexist) was not very interesting to me. Mostly because I have read from many people making these claims and found them rather lacking. However, by exploring this question you get a lot of insight into Lewis's life and specifically how he dealt with others around him. On top of that, the insights into book characters (while mainly female focused, you do get a look at the male characters briefly as well) were the most interesting aspects of the book. Worth a read, audiobook version a little subpar though

[Justin Wiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fine work of scholarship.

[Nan Rinella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, incontrovertible proof C.S. Lewis did indeed hold women in high regard — all in one volume

Are you a critic of C.S. Lewis asserting that he was a sexist and misogynist? Or a devotee of the creator of Narnia and foremost Christian apologist of the 20th century who accepts it on faith that these accusations are erroneous? Want proof? This collection of essays by thirty Lewis scholars and students states the case that Lewis indeed held a high opinion of women. “Jack was not a sexist but a seer . . . Lewis is a prophet whose moral vision potentially transforms our world,” writes Dr. Monika B. Hilder.

Strong, accomplished, intellectual women played a vital role in the making of “Jack” Lewis, from his academic mother who ignited his thirst for knowledge and literary passion to his wife late in life. Andrew Lazo writes, “Till We Have Faces represents the crowning achievement, a culmination, of Lewis’ thinking on gender. . . Joy Davidman Gresham is perhaps the high point of his trajectory, the direction or course of his attitudes.”

Brett McCracken writes that Lewis encouraged and supported women in their ambitions to have a voice in the public square, unlike many men of his day. He admired and wished to emulate award-winning poet, Ruth Pitter, who became his poetry mentor. He respected Elizabeth Anscombe who bested him in a debate and later made changes to Mere Christianity.

Kasey Macsenti wrote on the personal bond and collaborative relationship between Lewis and his brilliant author friend, Dorothy L. Sayers. Macsenti called Lewis and Sayers “comrades against the zeitgeist” (the spirit and mood of their times). “Lewis was devoted to writing stories that would draw us in. His characters are so familiar that we recognize most of them as shadows of ourselves. We find great sympathy with them and their trials…Lewis takes our deepest struggles and helps us find our way.” Such influences did not make for a chauvinist and misogynist.

At least one critic called Lewis sexist, alleging that he sent Narnia’s Susan to hell for her vanity. What twenty-one-year-old young woman isn’t interested in clothes and boys? He could not allow her room and a lifetime to find her way to heaven like my protagonist in my forthcoming novel trilogy, The Choice — a young woman who lost her whole family in the actual 1952 London train wreck.

[Nan Salinas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carolyn Curtis and Mary Pomroy Key have assembled a remarkable Who's Who of scholars and authors to address the charge of misogyny against beloved children's author, apologist and Oxford don, C.S. Lewis. I must admit that I had no idea that the issue existed until I read this very insightful and enlightening compilation of essays. The contributors cover every possible issue one might have with Lewis and then some. There is more to this book than an answer to the shocking accusation against Lewis. You will discover the man behind the wonderful stories and how his family, personal relationships, and academic career shaped his writing to elevate women, not diminish them.

I recommend this book as a must read for any serious student of Women's Studies as well as an essential addition to the Lewis library.
Warning: It reads so easily, you will not want to put it down.

[Kay Mckean · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second half of this book made up for the disappointment I was feeling in the first half. Sections 4 and 5, focusing on C.S. Lewis's impact on the 21st century woman, were very helpful and interesting reading. I'm a huge fan of Lewis, so I didn't need to be convinced that he isn't sexist....after all, one of my favorite heroines in literature is Lucy, the little girl in the Chronicles of Narnia. Reading this book, "Women and C.S. Lewis" only made me appreciate Lewis more, and inspires me to read his work again and again!

[Scott Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enlightening! I loved the variety of authors brought together for this project. The book provides us with multiple angles and views on CS Lewis' attitude and heart toward women, not just a lone opinion. I not only came away with a greater grasp on the subject, but a few more book titles from the compilation of authors added to my future reading list.

[Patti Townley-Covert · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her essay, Dr. Monika B. Hilder says: "It's not Lewis who's sexist: it's us." This brilliant compilation of writings explains why.

[Sam · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am marking this book as “Read”, however, I’ve only read about 60% of the essays.
I came across this book in a local independent bookshop, I bought it because the title of the book intrigued me. So, it came home with me and has been sat on my to be read shelf for about 2 years.
I came across it again whilst trying to find something to read.
This book is made up of short essays written by different scholars who specialise in Christianity (or more specifically are C.S.Lewis scholars). Some of the essays were interesting and I read them in full - underlining frivolously. Some I just read the title and the first paragraph; went ‘No Thanks, Next’. This might be because I don’t have strong religious beliefs or I’ve only read some of C.S.Lewis work or just some of the essays are hit and miss with me personally.

[Mary Reilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a huge Lewis fan and this was an enjoyable book of short essays from a variety of people about an interesting topic. Enjoyable read and great for my lunch hour where I could read one or two a day.

[James Prothero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful collection of essays on Lewis and the whole issue of women. Recommended.

[Suzana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this interesting story about C.S. Lewis and his scholarship.