Out of the Silent Planet is a very intentional, highly symbolic novel. It doesn't rely, as much science fiction does, on theoretical developments in technology along with extensive explanation of its workings. It might almost be considered "space fantasy" in the vein of The Chronicles of Narnia, although it is less strikingly allegorical in nature. Various sources have attributed its conception to a conversation with Lewis's friend J.R.R. Tolkien, in which, while lamenting the state of contemporary fiction, each resolved to write a new type of story. Lewis's Space Trilogy owes debts to both Lindsay's A Voyage to Arcturus and the work of near-contemporary science fiction writer H.G. Wells.
Lewis's novel, however, bears only a slight resemblance to Wells's traditional novels. Rather than relying on science to drive an entertaining yet ultimately pessimistic plot line, Lewis utilizes space travel and alien life to beautifully illustrate his own optimistic view of reality, sketched with philosophy and colored with theology. Each of his characters is symbolic and incredibly important to the message of the novel, which delivers a stinging cultural critique while celebrating the truths of Christianity and the wonders of life.
Dr. Weston is the novel's main antagonist. His name is no accident: "Weston" acts as a representative of "Western" culture in all of its imperialist, capitalist, individualist glory. He does not act for his own material, individual interest, however; he represents that modern trend of utilitarianism in the world of academia and industry. He justifies taking life for the purpose of experimentation that will lead to "progress" for the greater good of humanity. This philosophy of Man as the ultimate good to be preserved encapsulates Enlightenment philosophy, the traces of which are still evident and rampant in today's culture. By contrasting the man-centered Weston with the gentle eloquence of the selfless Oyarsa, Lewis provides a compelling argument against Western ideals of progress.
Devine's symbolism is perhaps a bit more obvious and less grandiose. He also represents a certain aspect of Western culture: materialistic greed. Even his name reflects this: "dives, divitis" is a Latin adjective meaning "rich." His only motivation in making the voyage to Malacandra is to acquire precious materials that will make him rich on Earth. His discourse with Ransom reveals that he views all other ways of life with a lens of harsh cynicism and flippant sarcasm, valuing only money above all things. His motivation is far more selfish than that of Weston, but even more perverted.
Ransom, in contrast to the other humans in the novel, is an inherently good character. His name is highly symbolic as well; it is reminiscent of Jesus Christ, the figure who "gave his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28, Mark 10:45) by the process of substitutionary atonement, giving his own perfect life to atone for the sins of humanity, dying so that men may live. Ransom certainly serves as the Christ-figure in this novel: at the very beginning, he interferes with Weston's plans and takes the place of Harry, the innocent boy who would have been taken to Malacandra as a sacrifice to the sorns. Ransom inserts himself (albeit unwittingly) and saves the life of the boy, sending himself instead. In this act of substitution, he turns the punishment upside down in the same way Jesus did to death: instead of remaining in death, he takes initiative while dwelling with the natives to work everything out for the ultimate good. He condemns the evil men with whom he came on the voyage, and at the end, he returns to Earth with a message of salvation for the world.
