Genre
Science fiction, fantasy
Setting and Context
Modern (twentieth-century) England and the planet Venus
Narrator and Point of View
The novel begins from the first-person perspective of Lewis (the narrator) relating fictional events in which he has a part. For the majority of the novel, however, the story follows Dr. Elwin Ransom, a philologist, in a third-person account of his adventure on the planet of Perelandra.
Tone and Mood
Wonder-filled, optimistic, intellectual, reasonable
Protagonist and Antagonist
Protagonist: Dr. Elwin Ransom, a philologist with a good heart and a mission to Venus. Antagonist: Dr. Weston, the physical host of Satan and Tempter of Perelandra's Eve.
Major Conflict
The "black archon" (Satan) is about to launch an attack on the young paradise of Perelandra in a similar manner to his temptations in the Earthly Garden of Eden. Dr. Ransom must travel to Perelandra and foil this dastardly attempt.
Climax
Ransom physically attacks the Tempter (in the body of Weston), and there ensues a long battle across and under the landscape of Perelandra. In the end, Ransom triumphs over his foe, resulting in a great celebration and a ceremony in which the Oyéresu of Malacandra and Perelandra hand guardianship of the planet to the King and Queen.
Foreshadowing
The storm at the beginning of the novel foreshadows all the difficulties that arise later, as well as the revelation of the darkness of men's souls on Earth.
Understatement
“He even went so far – under extreme pressure – as to say that life appeared to him, in that condition, as a ‘coloured shape’. Asked ‘what colour?’, he gave a curious look and could only say ‘what colours! yes, what colours!’ But then he spoiled it all by adding, ‘of course it wasn’t colour at all really. I mean, not what we’d call colour,’ and shutting up completely for the rest of the evening." (Ch. 3)
The statements by Ransom are necessarily understatement, as the experiences he is attempting to relate transcend human language and understanding.
Allusions
There are many allusions throughout the novel to the central story and teachings of Christianity, as it is considered to be true and immediately applicable to all characters.
Imagery
Insofar as recurring themes of beauty can be called imagery, it is present everywhere throughout Perelandra. Perelandra is a striking contrast to Thulcandra (Earth); it is a sinless paradise of life and harmony, and it is accordingly quite beautiful. Its landscape is stunning, the colors vibrant, and even the inhabitants are prepossessing. Tinidril herself is described as being remarkably beautiful, as is her husband. The beauty seems to be more than visual as well; the water and atmosphere give Ransom a wonderful clarity for seeing the beauty in everything around him.
Paradox
As discovered in Ransom's interactions with Tinidril, the perfect state of human nature is not omniscience but complete innocence and dependence on God. The paradox is that he can only discover this as a piece of information, making a return to this state impossible.
Parallelism
The journey of Ransom to save Perelandra strongly parallels the referenced journey of Maleledil to save the inhabitants of Earth (the Christian story of Jesus's sacrifice).
Metonymy and Synecdoche
“Come down Thursday if possible. Business.” (Ransom's note to Lewis)
Clearly this "business" is a vague descriptive term being used to refer to the actual event, which involves packing Ransom up into an icy coffin and watching him fly to Venus.
Personification
“[The floating carpet-like mass of vegetation] rushed up the slope of the opposite wave and over the summit and out of sight.” (Ch. 3)
