The Discarded Image: An Introduction to Medieval and Renaissance Literature

"The Discarded Image: An Introduction to Medieval and Renaissance Literature" is a non-fiction book by the renowned Christian author C.S. Lewis. The book was first published in 1964 and is a study of the medieval and Renaissance worldview as it is reflected in literature.

The book is divided into three parts. The first part discusses the medieval cosmology and how it influenced the literature of the time. The second part explores the medieval view of history and how it was reflected in literature. The final part of the book focuses on the Renaissance worldview and its impact on literature.

Throughout the book, Lewis argues that the medieval and Renaissance worldviews were fundamentally different from our own modern worldview. He explains that the medieval worldview was characterized by a sense of hierarchy and order, with a clear division between the natural and supernatural worlds. This worldview was reflected in the literature of the time, which often featured allegorical and symbolic elements.

Lewis also argues that the medieval and Renaissance view of history was cyclical rather than linear. The idea of progress, which is central to the modern worldview, was not part of the medieval and Renaissance understanding of history. Instead, events were seen as repeating themselves in cycles, with each cycle ending in a catastrophic event that would usher in a new cycle.

In the final part of the book, Lewis explores the impact of the Renaissance on literature. He argues that the Renaissance worldview was characterized by a growing sense of individualism and a fascination with the natural world. This new worldview was reflected in the literature of the time, which featured more realistic and humanistic themes.

Overall, "The Discarded Image" is a fascinating exploration of the medieval and Renaissance worldview and its impact on literature. Lewis's writing is clear and engaging, and his insights into the literature of the time are both insightful and thought-provoking. The book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in medieval and Renaissance literature or the history of ideas.