C. S. Lewis
1898–1963
A British writer, academic, and theologian, C. S. Lewis is recognised for his work in literary criticism, medieval literature, and Christian apologetics, as well as his fiction.
What the Wiki Takes From Lewis
C. S. Lewis's An Experiment in Criticism offers a profound framework for understanding the nature of engagement with art, particularly literature. The wiki takes from Lewis the crucial distinction between 'using' and 'receiving' a text, which underscores the importance of Attention and the surrender of one's own subjectivity to the work itself. His proposal to invert the process of literary criticism, judging books by the quality of reading they permit, provides a robust basis for discussing Judgement and The Education of Taste. By delineating the characteristics of 'The Few' who engage with literature in a transformative manner, Lewis offers insights into the cultivation of a refined aesthetic sensibility. His nuanced discussion of 'realism' and 'fantasy' further informs the wiki's understanding of how different modes of artistic presentation contribute to the overall experience and the development of taste.