"That Hideous Strength" by C. S. Lewis: Bragdon Wood and the NICE

Bragdon Wood

We will continue studying chapter 1 of the novel "That Hideous Strength" by starting with Bragdon Wood and how it is represented in chapter 1. After re-reading the description of Bragdon Wood, discuss and take notes on these questions:

1. How does Lewis create the impression of age in the description of how to get into the Wood?
2. Fine three examples of Lewis' description of the Wood itself. What do they suggest?
3. What people does Lewis associate with the Wood? Why does he do this?
4. What do we learn about Merlin and Merlin's Well from the description?
5. How could this be linked to Jane's dream earlier in the chapter?

The NICE

In the next section of chapter 1 we find Mark Studdock attending a meeting of Bracton College at which, after many other items, the "Sale of College Property" is discussed. This is the title of the chapter itself so is important. Consider these questions:

1. How dot he Progressive Element ensure that the sale of Bragdon Wood to the NICE is passed by the College?
2. Who opposes them, if at all? How is this described and dealt with by the narrator?
3. What do we learn, at this point about the mysterious NICE from this section?

The Dimbles

In this section, we meet Dr Dimble and Mrs or Mother Dimble.

1. What do we learn about Dr and Mrs Dimble in this section?
2. What does their first meeting with Jane reveal about Jane herself?
3. What are Dr. Dimble's views on the past and how are these presented?

C. S. Lewis

I would like us to create a display about C. S. Lewis for my room. We will use some of this afternoon to work on this if we can get access to computers in the library etc. The display could focus on:

• Biography
• Lewis' other fiction
• Lewis as a lay theologian
• The Cosmic or Space Trilogy
• That Hideous Strength itself
• Photos and pictures are always good
• Quotations from Lewis' work including That Hideous Strength

Homework

1. Find out about the story of the Tower of Babel. Check here for starting points (Wikipedia).
2. Research the legend of Merlin and King Arthur. You can try these links:

• Merlin at Wikipedia
• Merlin at Kingarthursknights.com
• Merlin at Legends of Camelot

3. Who was the Fisher King?

Image: Merlin by Alan Lee.