Model
Digital Document
Publisher
Florida Atlantic University
Description
In his writings C.S. Lewis expresses a distinctly individual concept of
the significance, nature, and relevance of the romance genre. Viewing the
primary function of literature as the presentation of a transcendent,
absolute reality, he believes that romance fulfills that function better than
any other literary genre. It does so because that reality is best
apprehended by the Imagination, and romance, as o type of mythopoelc
literature. Is the genre which Is most dominated by the imagination. The
distinguishing elements of Lewis's concept of romance include the presence
of the marvelous, reollsm of presentation, the engagement of the reader’s
emotions, the primacy of "story" the typal nature of the characters, and the
importance of setting. These elements Interact to create a kind of romance
which serves a healing function in contemporary society—revealing
meaning, giving wonder, and conveying moral truths.
the significance, nature, and relevance of the romance genre. Viewing the
primary function of literature as the presentation of a transcendent,
absolute reality, he believes that romance fulfills that function better than
any other literary genre. It does so because that reality is best
apprehended by the Imagination, and romance, as o type of mythopoelc
literature. Is the genre which Is most dominated by the imagination. The
distinguishing elements of Lewis's concept of romance include the presence
of the marvelous, reollsm of presentation, the engagement of the reader’s
emotions, the primacy of "story" the typal nature of the characters, and the
importance of setting. These elements Interact to create a kind of romance
which serves a healing function in contemporary society—revealing
meaning, giving wonder, and conveying moral truths.
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