Yes, indeed. What struck me was Lewis’s initial dehumanizing of Eliot. He stood for something that Lewis opposed so he was nothing more than something to oppose. I think that same dynamic drives about 90 of American politics these days.
Exactly ! And social media has only amplified this. Because now I can do it to whole groups and do it publicly so the culture feeds off of it. It’s a terrible phenomenon.
Loved the wonderful details on their connection. I remember Eliot's poem because of the line "I have measured out my life in coffee spoons", and it was such a surprise to read Lewis' response to the "etherised" line with his own poem. Thanks for your continued, insightful expositions!
Read this at 4:30 am and it perked me up almost like my first cup of coffee. Didn’t know a post about rivalry and grief could do this. And also a welcome reminder of how writing often paves the way to shared mourning and healing. Thank you.
Eliot, a devout Anglo-Catholic, and having later written such an intense religious poem like Four Quartets it’s not surprising Lewis might become more tolerant of his early literary nuances. They shared a deep Faith. My understanding is that Eliot was transformed by his second marriage, becoming genuinely happy according to some. A more likable trait I'd say. I also think the two wives made a difference. Thanks again for another thoughtful post.
What an insightful and inspiring article! It’s a reminder and rebuke everyone of us needs. I often think about how we love those we set our affection on who have ideas we abhor, but because we love them they’re valuable and garner our devotion. We have our personal examples of how to “love the unlovable” along with our Elder Brother, Christ Jesus, as the best exemplar—let’s keep striving to be like Him!
I never thought of those two as overlapping in terms of their connections. But they were contemporaries and it makes sense that they would have met. It’s good that they ultimately got along with each other. They were both talented men who made significant contributions in their own ways.
Lewis and George Orwell were also contemporaries with perhaps negative opinions of each other. Orwell thought Lewis was too conservative, too old guard. Lewis read and enjoyed Animal Farm but thought that 1984 was a poor book.
Two poets trashing each other... so good to see that today’s rappers keep up this tradition. I always imagined that the writers of old, who would get together in a tavern to read their works and poems to each other was akin to, again, rappers doing the same on a street corner, or even some club. I definitely witnessed something of the sort (rappers) in high school during lunch breaks and gym classes.
So much our culture can learn from!!
Yes, indeed. What struck me was Lewis’s initial dehumanizing of Eliot. He stood for something that Lewis opposed so he was nothing more than something to oppose. I think that same dynamic drives about 90 of American politics these days.
Exactly ! And social media has only amplified this. Because now I can do it to whole groups and do it publicly so the culture feeds off of it. It’s a terrible phenomenon.
Loved the wonderful details on their connection. I remember Eliot's poem because of the line "I have measured out my life in coffee spoons", and it was such a surprise to read Lewis' response to the "etherised" line with his own poem. Thanks for your continued, insightful expositions!
That “coffee spoons” line is exquisite. And you’re welcome! It’s nothing but fun to do.
Fascinating!
Yes, I read past parts of this story for years. Leslie Baynes pointed me to the George Musacchio article. That opened it all up.
Brilliant!
Thanks, George!
Read this at 4:30 am and it perked me up almost like my first cup of coffee. Didn’t know a post about rivalry and grief could do this. And also a welcome reminder of how writing often paves the way to shared mourning and healing. Thank you.
That makes me happy to hear! Thanks for reading.
Loved this
Thanks, Jessica!
Eliot, a devout Anglo-Catholic, and having later written such an intense religious poem like Four Quartets it’s not surprising Lewis might become more tolerant of his early literary nuances. They shared a deep Faith. My understanding is that Eliot was transformed by his second marriage, becoming genuinely happy according to some. A more likable trait I'd say. I also think the two wives made a difference. Thanks again for another thoughtful post.
I’m not surprised to hear that but about his marriage. It’s transformative.
What an insightful and inspiring article! It’s a reminder and rebuke everyone of us needs. I often think about how we love those we set our affection on who have ideas we abhor, but because we love them they’re valuable and garner our devotion. We have our personal examples of how to “love the unlovable” along with our Elder Brother, Christ Jesus, as the best exemplar—let’s keep striving to be like Him!
Thanks, Kim. And I’ll take that exhortation!
I never thought of those two as overlapping in terms of their connections. But they were contemporaries and it makes sense that they would have met. It’s good that they ultimately got along with each other. They were both talented men who made significant contributions in their own ways.
Lewis and George Orwell were also contemporaries with perhaps negative opinions of each other. Orwell thought Lewis was too conservative, too old guard. Lewis read and enjoyed Animal Farm but thought that 1984 was a poor book.
Lovely! Thank you for this.
My pleasure! Thanks for reading!
Two poets trashing each other... so good to see that today’s rappers keep up this tradition. I always imagined that the writers of old, who would get together in a tavern to read their works and poems to each other was akin to, again, rappers doing the same on a street corner, or even some club. I definitely witnessed something of the sort (rappers) in high school during lunch breaks and gym classes.