The Great Divorce

He steps off the bus in the 'Bright Country' and struggles to walk on the hard grass, showing his lack of spiritual 'substance.'

Narrator (C.S. Lewis)

Even ordinary souls must learn to grow in holiness before fully entering Heaven.

Lesson from Narrator

Explains to the narrator why people reject Heaven—because they cling to sin and pride.

George MacDonald (Teacher)

There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, 'Thy will be done,' and those to whom God says, 'Thy will be done.'

Quote from George MacDonald

Clarifies free will as central to Lewis's vision of salvation.

Lesson from George MacDonald

He insists he has his 'rights' and refuses Heaven because he feels he deserves better treatment.

The Big Man (Ghost)

Pride blinds him to grace; Heaven cannot be earned, only accepted.

Lesson from The Big Man

Dismisses both Heaven and Hell as scams, claiming the system is 'rigged.'

The Hard-Bitten Ghost

Cynicism and distrust prevent openness to truth and joy.

Lesson from The Hard-Bitten Ghost

A bishop who debates theology endlessly but refuses Heaven because he values intellectual pride over truth.

The Episcopal (Cultured) Ghost

Relativism and 'endless questioning' without faith become barriers to salvation.

Lesson from The Episcopal Ghost

Talks to a Spirit about art, saying he wants to paint scenes of Heaven so others will admire him. When told that in Heaven beauty exists for itself, not for human glory, he resists.

The Artist Ghost

Idolatry of art—seeking fame over truth—leads him away from God.

Lesson from The Artist Ghost

Obsessed with her son Michael, she demands that God return him to her, saying, 'I only want my boy.' She refuses to love God first.

Pam (Mother Ghost)

Possessive love becomes idolatry if it is not rooted in God.

Lesson from Pam

Hides behind a tree, embarrassed at being seen in her ghostly state, whispering that she is 'not worthy.' She flees rather than accept mercy.

The Shame-Filled Ghost

False humility and despair can be as destructive as pride.

Lesson from The Shame-Filled Ghost

The Dwarf Husband drags around the Tragedian puppet, demanding pity from Sarah Smith. When she refuses to indulge his manipulations, he fades away.

Frank (Dwarf and Tragedian)

Self-pity and emotional manipulation destroy true love.

Lesson from Frank

The Ghost allows an angel to kill the red lizard of lust on his shoulder. After painful struggle, the lizard is transformed into a powerful stallion, which he rides into the mountains of Heaven.

The Lustful Ghost (with the Lizard)

When sin is surrendered, it is not destroyed but redeemed and transformed into strength.

Lesson from The Lustful Ghost

He is seen wandering alone in his mansion in Hell, pacing endlessly and blaming everyone else—Josephine, generals, the English—for his failure.

Napoleon

Blame and self-justification trap souls in isolation.

Lesson from Napoleon

Appears radiant and surrounded by a joyful procession of heavenly beings, though she was unknown on Earth.

Sarah Smith (from Golders Green)

True greatness lies in hidden, ordinary love, not worldly success.

Lesson from Sarah Smith