Michael Hemmer: The Influence of Evelyn Underhill

      C.S. Lewis was influenced by many writers, including Evelyn Underhill. One particular way I see Underhill's influence played out in the fiction of Lewis can be seen in the concept of Joy and longing or sehnsucht. In Underhill's book Mysticism: A Study in the Nature and Development of Man's Spiritual Consciousness, she outlines three essential longings of the human heart which can only be satisfied in mythic truth. The first of these longings was the longing of the pilgrim or wanderer, to find a perfect home or country in which to dwell. The second was the longing of the lover for the perfect mate to share yourself with. The third was the longing of the ascetic for inward perfection or purity achieved through self-mastery.

    With a critical reading of most of Lewis' fiction, one can find many examples of each of these that stir up longing within the reader. Although each of the three longings outlined by Underhill are felt by most to some extent, some people will primarily experience one or two of these longings more so than the others. By covering the full range, Lewis is able to impact a wider audience.

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