Out of the Silent Planet is a science fiction by the famous English writer, C.S. Lewis. It is a little different genre from the Lewis and involves alien themes, exploration and science fiction. However, the central idea behind the book revolves around human conscience and actions, that ultimately lead to pain and suffering in our lives.
When a philologist is kidnapped by two mercenaries to a foreign planet, he finds a way to escape. However, he finds himself in the middle of extraterrestrial life where he gets to know them and their ways. Surprisingly, he came to know their truths which were very different to humanity and this was the theme of the book.
A Different Alien Story: Out of the Silent Planet
In most books or content involving aliens, there are stereotypes of them being the bad guys who eat people alive. However, in the book, Out of the Silent Planet, things are the opposite. Here, the people are invading the alien planet named, Malacandra in search of precious metals. Thus, they are willing to wage war on foreign species to conquer their lands and resources.
Premises of the Book
The major premise of the book revolves around the fact that human civilization has strayed away from its origin. It is said in a sense that we don’t respect our creator and do horrific things. Similar to what the kidnappers did to the protagonist, along with their plans to invade an alien species for their benefit. However, this is not the case for the aliens living on Malacandra as they respect their creators and the hierarchy of life.
Human Condition Explored
Secondly, the book explores different human conditions and compares them to the alien species of the Malacandra. Lewis’s love for language and its exploration is visible in Out of the Silent Planet, as compares the two worlds using metaphors. Lastly, the theme of the book is very theological when you think about it in that sense as well.
Evil Lies Within
Third, evil lies within the human species. We often sometimes think of the brutality of different species, consider animals for example. One can see that animals are ruthless and primal in their approach. However, they don’t have a conscious like human beings, and they act on their instincts. Human beings on the other hand are conscious and still, we don’t get along with each other. As a result, we have waged endless wars on each other on different matters, whether it’s religion, land or politics.
Final Thoughts on Out of the Silent Planet
Out of the Silent Planet is a different book than then one used by C.S. Lewis. But still, it has an independent existence in the realm of contemporary literature, making it a great read and a literature to think about. Thus, make sure to check it out as its story will surely entertain.
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)
Why did C.S. Lewis write Out of the Silent Planet?
After having a chat with J.R.R Tolkien, Lewis decided to delve into contemporary fiction with his understanding and ideas.
What is the plot of the book Out of the Silent Planet?
A philologist named Elwin Ransom was drugged by two malicious men and was taken to a different planet for sacrifice to aliens. However, he escaped the evil men and found himself stuck on the planet where learned a lot about aliens and their differences between the human race.
Should I read Out of the Silent Planet?
Yes, Out of the Silent Planet is a great read as it carries a clever message, wrapped in a contemporary dictionary tale. One will surely enjoy the story and can get a lot of Lewis’s love of language, which is brilliantly explored in the book plot.
