What If Ransom Insisted on Truth from Oyarsa in 'Out of the Silent Planet'? A Critical Analysis

"Out of the Silent Planet" by C.S. Lewis, published in 1943, delves into complex themes and philosophical questions. Ransom’s interactions with Oyarsa, the ruling figure of Malacandrian Honor, spark profound conversations about reality and knowledge. This essay explores the potential ramifications of Ransom insisting on Oyarsa divulging every truth about the universe, as opposed to the actual plot.

Ransom's Disadvantages

At the outset, Ransom is in a significant disadvantage when interacting with Oyarsa. Firstly, he lacks the positional power to demand any information. Unlike Weston, who asserts himself through threat, Ransom’s conversations are marked by civility. Ransom acknowledges his inferiority, recognizing Oyarsa’s moral, social, metaphysical, and physical superiority. This realization constrains the depth and breadth of the discussion.

The Nature of the Questions

Secondly, even if Ransom were to insist, the world around him would be foreign, and his knowledge would be mismatched. Oyarsa may be willing to share the universe’s secrets, but Ransom’s limited perspective would constrain the conversation. For instance, if he were to ask technical questions like “Is general relativity correct? How should quantum mechanics be interpreted?” Ransom, a philologist, would have no context to understand these inquiries effectively. Oyarsa, on the other hand, would struggle to answer questions related to human history and culture.

Philosophical Conversations

Thirdly, even when addressing philosophical concepts, Ransom and Oyarsa would face significant challenges. For example, if Ransom were to ask, “How does mind connect with body? What is the answer to the mind/body problem?” Oyarsa might respond with practicalities such as, “What do you find difficult about this?” or express frustration by stating, “There are no handholds in your mind for an answer to that.” This indicates the vast disparity in their worlds, making communication about such concepts extremely difficult.

The Realistic Outcome

It is likely that such discussions would not advance the plot. Instead, Oyarsa would probably prioritize Ransom’s return to Earth and his mission to prevent Weston and Devine from colonizing Perelandra. In essence, the existential quests of the characters in Out of the Silent Planet would be compromised if Ransom insisted on an exhaustive, philosophical conversation.

Aftermath and Continuation

Even though the main narrative in Perelandra revolves around Ransom on Earth, it is possible that Oyarsa and Ransom continue their discussions privately. The limited glimpses of these conversations suggest that Oyarsa provides language lessons and engages in more profound discussions that are not captured in the main narrative.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Ransom’s relentless pursuit of truth might seem appealing, it would be impractical and potentially detrimental to the overall plot. The realistic scenario, as depicted by C.S. Lewis, shows a balance between philosophical exchange and the urgency of the mission. This highlights the challenges and complexities of interstellar communication and the importance of context in understanding profound philosophical and scientific questions.