A dogmatic belief in objective value is necessary to the very idea of a rule which is not tyranny or an obedience which is not slavery.
C. S. LewisRead
And she never could remember; and ever since that day what Lucy means by a good story is a story which reminds her of the forgotten story in the Magician's Book.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A good story resonates with personal memories and emotions, often reminding one of deeper, forgotten narratives.
In this quote, C. S. Lewis reflects on the nature of storytelling through Lucy's perspective, suggesting that a meaningful story is not just about its content but the emotional connections it evokes, particularly those tied to forgotten memories or experiences. This emphasizes the idea that stories have the power to unlock our thoughts and feelings, bridging the gap between the present and our past.
Themes
StoryMemoryConnectionNarrativeEmotion
In practice
Example use cases
During a literary discussion, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of personal connections in storytelling.
More from C. S. Lewis
All quotes →I enjoyed my breakfast this morning, and I think that was a good thing and do not think it was condemned by God. But I do not think myself a good man for enjoying it.
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Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.
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Forgiving and being forgiven are two names for the same thing. The important thing is that a discord has been resolved.
C. S. LewisRead
I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because I'm helpless. It doesn't change God - it changes me.
C. S. LewisRead
The instrument through which you see God is your whole self. And if a man's self is not kept clean and bright, his glimpse of God will be blurred
C. S. LewisRead
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