C.S. Lewis' 'Till We Have Faces' and Middle School Education: A Fit for High School or Not?

In recent discussions, educators and parents have debated the appropriateness of recommending C.S. Lewis' Till We Have Faces for middle school students. Given its rich themes and profound messaging, particularly in connecting a person's relationship with God to that of Christ, it is important to consider if this novel is adequately suited for this younger demographic. This article explores the suitability of Till We Have Faces for middle school students and offers alternative suggestions for literary integration that still achieve the desired educational and spiritual goals.

Understanding the Complexity of 'Till We Have Faces'

Till We Have Faces, while a beloved novel, is known for its depth and complexity. It is more than just a straightforward narrative; it is a complex allegory that explores the nature of love and faith through the perspective of a goddess named Orual. The book delves into profound questions about the relationship between a person and God, utilizing a mythological framework to explore these ideas.

While Till We Have Faces is highly regarded for its thoughtful imagery and thematic richness, it is also acknowledged for its mature themes and philosophical exploration. These elements contribute to its significance in literature and its resonance with adult readers and those in high school. For middle school students, however, the complexity and depth might be challenging, requiring advanced comprehension and a more developed understanding of abstract concepts.

Educational Goals and Expectations

The primary goal of recommending a book for middle school students is to encourage reading, foster critical thinking, and enhance their understanding of complex themes. C.S. Lewis' literary works, including Narnia series, are often chosen for their ability to engage students on multiple levels—emotional, imaginative, and intellectual. The Narnia books, such as Voyage of the Dawn Treader, present similar themes but in a more accessible manner, making them suitable for younger audiences.

Voyage of the Dawn Treader offers a compelling introduction to the journey of faith and the search for meaning, with characters facing trials and learning important lessons about trust, love, and sacrifice. These themes are conveyed in a way that is comprehensible to middle school students without overwhelming them with complex philosophical arguments. By using simpler narratives and more explicit moral lessons, C.S. Lewis can still instill valuable life lessons and theological insights in a format that is more digestible for younger readers.

Illustrating the Concepts with Suitable Literature

In addition to Voyage of the Dawn Treader, several other C.S. Lewis works and other literary pieces can be used to introduce the same concepts to middle school students. For instance:

The Chronicles of Narnia: The entire Narnia series can serve as a starting point to build a foundation of understanding faith, morality, and ethical behavior. Books like The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and The Horse and His Boy provide lighter introductions to these ideas, allowing students to grasp the fundamental concepts before moving on to more complex works. The Great Divorce: Although The Great Divorce is more mature in its exploration of good and evil, its core message can be simplified and enriched with discussions that make it more accessible to middle school students. Teachers can focus on the characters' journeys and the choices they make, which are easier for younger readers to grasp and relate to. The Screwtape Letters: While The Screwtape Letters is more philosophical, its correspondence format can be simplified to discuss the dynamics of temptation and the importance of moral integrity in a way that is engaging and relevant to middle school students.

Conclusion

While C.S. Lewis' Till We Have Faces is a profound and timeless work of literature, it might be too complex for middle school students to fully appreciate its depth and thematic richness. Instead, educators might consider using Voyage of the Dawn Treader and other accessible works by C.S. Lewis to introduce and explore the same spiritual and philosophical concepts in a format that is more appropriate for this age group. This approach not only ensures that the students can engage with the material meaningfully but also paves the way for a deeper understanding of C.S. Lewis' works in the future.

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