I have another blog devoted to science fiction called That Strange Western Galaxy. The title comes from a line from Out of the Silent Planet. At any rate I have a recent essay on Galaxy about That Hideous Strength. Rather than repost, I’ll just link here. I’ll write more on the Space Trilogy at some … Continue reading “That Hideous Strength featured on That Strange Western Galaxy”
Those who call for Nonsense will find that it comes. (370) I won’t belabor this last chapter. After all, long goodbyes are “neither good mirth nor good sorrow” (375). But I’ll probably come back around in the next few weeks and do some followup essays on some of the broader themes which I’ve tried to … Continue reading “That Hideous Strength – Chapter Seventeen (Last) – Venus at St. Anne’s”
“Eh? Blotcher bulldoo?” muttered Jules. (342) Now is the time for action. SUMMARY The Dance begins – Jules’s remarks – Securing the erebation of all prostundiary initems – The crowd grows interested – Wither “clarifies” – Laughter – Chaos – Massacre – Mark blacks out – Mr Bultitude and Mr Maggs – A donkey disappears … Continue reading “That Hideous Strength – Chapter Sixteen – Banquet at Belbury”
“See thou do it not!” he had said. “Have you forgotten that they are our fellow servants?” (318) The title of this chapter reminds me of Wagner’s Gotterdammerung, or the Twilight of the Gods. But other than the title, there isn’t a lot in common. These aren’t actual “Gods,” but “fellow servants,” as referenced above. … Continue reading “That Hideous Strength – Chapter Fifteen – The Descent of the Gods”
Goodness occurred and he tasted it. And that was all. (303) “Real Life is Meeting” The title of this chapter is in quotation marks in the book. It comes from a book by Martin Buber. (Pointed out to me on this really cool website which makes me question the existence of Mr Bultitude’s Musings.) (Or … Continue reading “That Hideous Strength – Chapter Fourteen – “Real Life is Meeting””
Their own strength has betrayed them. They have gone to the gods who would not have come to them, and pulled down Deep Heaven on their heads. Therefore, they will die. (291) SUMMARY The Magician and the Pendragon – Talking birds – “Three questions, if you dare” – Next steps at Belbury – The company … Continue reading “That Hideous Strength – Chapter Thirteen – They Have Pulled Down Deep Heaven on Their Heads”
It is idle to point out to the perverted man the horror of his perversion: while the fierce fit is on, that horror is the very spice of his craving. It is ugliness itself that becomes, in the end, the goal of his lechery; beauty has long since grown too weak a stimulant. (265) The … Continue reading “That Hideous Strength – Chapter Twelve – Wet and Windy Night”
His “scientific” outlook had never been a real philosophy believed with blood and heart. It had lived only in his brain, and was part of that public self which was now falling off him. (244) SUMMARY Stumbling into the dark – Stumbling into religion – A tramp – What to do about Mark – A … Continue reading “That Hideous Strength – Chapter Eleven – Battle Begun”
Your revolver in your hand, a prayer on your lips… (225) SUMMARY The Mystery of the Missing Wallet – Informal Accusations – Momentous decision – The presence of a lady – Ultimatum – Escape – Spectral? – At the Pub at Courthampton – Empty home – A new man – Interview with a college professor … Continue reading “That Hideous Strength – Chapter Ten – The Conquered City”
“If you two quarrel much more,” said the Director, “I think I’ll make you marry one another.” (197) SUMMARY Jane sees the Head – Mark’s reaction – The morning after – Mark’s letter interrupted – the Fairy strikes – DD? – Mark makes a break – Foiled! – Talking with McPhee – A brief summation … Continue reading “That Hideous Strength – Chapter Nine – The Saracen’s Head”
Mr. Bultitude's Musings 