Out of the Silent Planet

On Malacandra, the three humans at the center of Out of the Silent Planet encounter a world full of unknowns. At the start, all three men are naturally fearful of the dangers that might be concealed on this strange planet. Lewis uses the character of Ransom to acknowledge that this kind of self-protective fear is natural to a degree, particularly for someone who has spent a lifetime being fed the idea that other planets are home to “insatiable cruelty” (37). However, the contrasting character arcs of Ransom and his captors make the point that this instinctive fear can and should be overcome by opening oneself to new experiences and connections.

Weston and Devine never attempt to understand Malacandra or its creatures. They view the planet through the lens of their Earthly prejudices, and, as a result, they are unable to see that it is a beautiful place full of harmless creatures. Their fear stops them from appreciating Malacandra’s many cultural virtues and leads them into trouble time and time again. Because their own intentions are bent and violent, they assume that the Malacandrian hnau must also intend them harm. This misconception leads them to kill