Introduction: “On Being Human” by C. S. Lewis
“On Being Human” by C. S. Lewis was first published in 1942 in the collection Poems, reflecting his philosophical and theological interests, exploring the unique nature of human existence in comparison to angelic beings. It highlights the human capacity for sensory experience, emotion, and a relationship with the physical world, contrasting it with the purely intellectual understanding of angels. The poem’s rhythmic structure and vivid imagery contribute to its contemplative and thought-provoking tone.
Text: “On Being Human” by C. S. Lewis
Angelic minds, they say, by simple intelligence
Behold the Forms of nature. They discern
Unerringly the Archtypes, all the verities
Which mortals lack or indirectly learn.
Transparent in primordial truth, unvarying,
Pure Earthness and right Stonehood from their clear,
High eminence are seen; unveiled, the seminal
Huge Principles appear.
The Tree-ness of the tree they know-the meaning of
Arboreal life, how from earth’s salty lap
The solar beam uplifts it; all the holiness
Enacted by leaves’ fall and rising sap;
But never an angel knows the knife-edged severance
Of sun from shadow where the trees begin,
The blessed cool at every pore caressing us
-An angel has no skin.
They see the Form of Air; but mortals breathing it
Drink the whole summer down into the breast.
The lavish pinks, the field new-mown, the ravishing
Sea-smells, the wood-fire smoke that whispers Rest.
The tremor on the rippled pool of memory
That from each smell in widening circles goes,
The pleasure and the pang –can angels measure it?
An angel has no nose.
The nourishing of life, and how it flourishes
On death, and why, they utterly know; but not
The hill-born, earthy spring, the dark cold bilberries.
The ripe peach from the southern wall still hot
Full-bellied tankards foamy-topped, the delicate
Half-lyric lamb, a new loaf’s billowy curves,
Nor porridge, nor the tingling taste of oranges.
—An angel has no nerves.
Far richer they! I know the senses’ witchery
Guards us like air, from heavens too big to see;
Imminent death to man that barb’d sublimity
And dazzling edge of beauty unsheathed would be.
Yet here, within this tiny, charmed interior,
This parlour of the brain, their Maker shares
With living men some secrets in a privacy
Forever ours, not theirs.
Annotations: “On Being Human” by C. S. Lewis
| Stanza | Annotation |
| 1 | Angels, with their innate intelligence, perceive the fundamental essence and perfect forms of nature, including truths and realities that humans struggle to grasp directly. |
| 2 | They perceive the essence of things clearly and purely, such as the nature of earth and stone, and the foundational principles underlying them. |
| 3 | Angels understand the essence of trees, including their connection to the earth and the transformative process of sunlight into energy, but they lack the human experience of physical sensation, like feeling the coolness of shade. |
| 4 | While angels perceive the form of air, humans experience it in a sensory way, taking in the smells and sensations of summer, the freshness of cut grass, the sea breeze, and the comforting aroma of wood smoke. |
| 5 | Angels comprehend the mechanics of life and death, but they miss out on the earthly delights such as the taste of wild berries, the warmth of freshly picked peaches, the pleasure of a foamy tankard of ale, or the tang of an orange. |
| 6 | Despite their richness in understanding, angels lack the sensory experiences that enrich human life, such as the protection and enjoyment provided by the senses, which safeguard humans from overwhelming experiences of vastness and beauty. |
| 7 | Lewis suggests that while humans are shielded from the overwhelming vastness of the universe by their senses, they also have a unique privilege: the ability to experience certain aspects of existence in a way that even angels cannot access. |
Literary And Poetic Devices: “On Being Human” by C. S. Lewis
| Literary Device | Example | Explanation |
| Alliteration | ” With living men some secrets in a privacy” | Repetition of initial consonant sounds for musical effect. |
| Allegory | “The Tree-ness of the tree” | Symbolic representation of abstract concepts or moral messages. |
| Amplification | “The blessed cool at every pore caressing us” | Emphasizing a point by repeating or expanding on it. |
| Anaphora | “An angel has no skin. / An angel has no nose. / An angel has no nerves.” | Repetition of a phrase or word at the beginning of successive clauses. |
| Archetype | “The Forms of nature” | Universal symbols or images that appear across cultures and time. |
| Enjambment | “The Tree-ness of the tree they know-the meaning of / Arboreal life” | Carrying a sentence or phrase over to the next line without a pause. |
| Epistrophe | “An angel has no…” | Repetition of a phrase or word at the end of successive clauses. |
| Hyperbole | “The whole summer down into the breast” | Exaggeration for emphasis or effect. |
| Imagery | “The solar beam uplifts it; all the holiness / Enacted by leaves’ fall and rising sap;” | Vivid descriptions of sensory experiences. |
| Irony | “Far richer they! I know the senses’ witchery / Guards us like air, from heavens too big to see;” | Contrast between what is expected and what actually occurs. |
| Juxtaposition | “The hill-born, earthy spring, the dark cold bilberries. / The ripe peach from the southern wall still hot” | Placing two or more elements or ideas side by side for comparison or contrast. |
| Metaphor | “The Tree-ness of the tree” | Comparing two unlike things without “like” or “as.” |
| Personification | “The solar beam uplifts it” | Attributing human qualities or actions to non-human entities. |
| Repetition | “On Being Human” repeated throughout the poem | Repeating words or phrases for emphasis or unity. |
| Rhyme | “breast” and “rest” | Similar sounds in words, usually at the end of lines. |
| Simile | “Like air, from heavens too big to see” | Comparing two unlike things using “like” or “as.” |
| Symbolism | “The Tree” | Using objects, colors, or other elements to represent abstract ideas or concepts. |
| Synecdoche | “The senses’ witchery” | Using a part of something to represent the whole. |
| Understatement | “Far richer they!” | Downplaying or minimizing something for effect. |
| Enthymeme | “I know the senses’ witchery / Guards us like air, from heavens too big to see;” | A logical argument or syllogism. |
| Oxymoron | “dazzling edge of beauty unsheathed” | Combining two words or phrases that are opposite in meaning. |
Themes: “On Being Human” by C. S. Lewis
- The Limitations of Angelic Knowledge: In “On Being Human,” C.S. Lewis explores the idea that while angels possess profound intelligence and understanding of universal truths, they lack the sensory experiences that enrich human existence. Lewis contrasts the angelic perception of abstract forms and principles with the human experience of sensory delights, such as the scent of flowers, the taste of fruit, and the sensation of warmth from a fire. Through examples like the “lavish pinks” of summer and the “wood-fire smoke that whispers Rest,” Lewis highlights the depth of human experience that transcends mere intellectual comprehension. Angels may grasp the essence of air, but they cannot appreciate its fragrance or the tangible comfort it brings. This theme underscores the unique richness of human existence, shaped by the interplay between intellect and sensation.
- The Sanctity of Physical Embodiment: Another theme present in “On Being Human” is the sanctity and significance of the human body. Lewis emphasizes that angels, devoid of physical form, miss out on the tactile and sensory experiences that define human life. While angels perceive the essence of trees and understand the processes of life and death, they cannot taste a ripe peach, feel the coolness of shade, or savor the warmth of freshly baked bread. By contrasting the angel’s lack of physicality with the human ability to enjoy sensory pleasures, Lewis underscores the inherent value and importance of embodiment, suggesting that physical sensations contribute uniquely to the richness of human existence.
- The Complexity of Human Experience: C.S. Lewis delves into the intricate layers of human experience, highlighting the multifaceted nature of sensation, memory, and emotion. While angels may comprehend the overarching principles governing life and death, they cannot grasp the nuances of human perception and emotion. Lewis portrays human experience as a tapestry woven from sensory impressions, memories, and emotional responses. For example, while angels may understand the concept of nourishment and growth, they cannot appreciate the simple joy of a foamy-topped tankard of ale or the tingling taste of oranges. Through these examples, Lewis suggests that human experience encompasses not only intellectual understanding but also a rich tapestry of sensory and emotional engagement.
- The Privilege of Human Existence: Finally, “On Being Human” celebrates the unique privilege of human existence, characterized by the ability to engage fully with the sensory richness of the world. Lewis suggests that while angels may possess greater intellectual insight, humans enjoy a special intimacy with the physical world, experiencing its beauty and complexity in a deeply personal way. Despite the limitations imposed by the senses, Lewis argues that these sensory experiences are integral to human identity and provide a unique lens through which to perceive and interact with the world. By affirming the value of human embodiment and sensory perception, Lewis underscores the profound significance of the human experience in all its dimensions.
Literary Theories and “On Being Human” by C. S. Lewis
| Literary Theory | Example from the Poem | Explanation |
| Platonism | “Angelic minds… Behold the Forms of nature” | The poem reflects Platonic ideas by contrasting the imperfect, sensory world with the perfect, eternal realm of Forms or Archetypes. |
| Romanticism | “The lavish pinks, the field new-mown, the ravishing / Sea-smells, the wood-fire smoke that whispers Rest” | The poem’s focus on sensory experience, nature, and the emotional response to beauty are characteristic of Romanticism. |
| Christian Allegory | “The Tree-ness of the tree… The nourishing of life, and how it flourishes / On death, and why” | The poem can be seen as an allegory for the Christian understanding of humanity’s relationship with God, with the Tree representing spiritual growth and the cycles of life and death. |
Note: These theories are not mutually exclusive, and the poem may be interpreted through multiple lenses.
- Platonism: C. S. Lewis was influenced by Platonic philosophy, which is reflected in the poem’s contrast between the imperfect, sensory world and the perfect, eternal realm of Forms or Archetypes.
- Romanticism: The poem’s focus on sensory experience, nature, and the emotional response to beauty are characteristic of Romanticism, a literary movement that emphasized the individual’s emotional experience and the beauty of nature.
- Christian Allegory: The poem can be seen as an allegory for the Christian understanding of humanity’s relationship with God, with the Tree representing spiritual growth and the cycles of life and death. This interpretation is consistent with C. S. Lewis’s Christian worldview and his use of allegory in other works.
Critical Questions about “On Being Human” by C. S. Lewis
- How does C.S. Lewis use contrasting imagery to illustrate the limitations of angelic knowledge compared to human sensory experience in “On Being Human”?
- Lewis juxtaposes the abstract understanding of angels with the tangible sensations experienced by humans, emphasizing the richness of human existence. For instance, while angels perceive the “Form of Air,” humans delight in the “lavish pinks” of summer and the “wood-fire smoke that whispers Rest.” How does this stark contrast between abstract perception and sensory immersion contribute to the poem’s exploration of human identity and experience?
- In what ways does “On Being Human” challenge traditional notions of spiritual hierarchy and superiority?
- Lewis suggests that while angels possess superior intellect, humans enjoy a unique privilege through their embodiment and sensory engagement with the world. Despite angels’ profound understanding of universal truths, they lack the capacity to experience the physical pleasures and sensations that enrich human life. How does this subversion of traditional hierarchies contribute to a deeper understanding of the value and significance of human existence within the broader theological framework presented in the poem?
- How does C.S. Lewis navigate the tension between intellectual comprehension and sensory immersion in “On Being Human”?
- Lewis portrays angels as beings of pure intellect who lack the physical sensations and emotional experiences that define human life. Through examples like the “ripe peach from the southern wall still hot” and the “tingling taste of oranges,” Lewis underscores the depth and complexity of human sensory perception. How does this exploration of the interplay between intellect and sensation contribute to a nuanced understanding of human identity and the nature of existence?
- In what ways does “On Being Human” challenge the traditional dichotomy between the spiritual and the physical?
- Lewis suggests that the human experience is not limited to intellectual understanding but encompasses a rich tapestry of sensory engagement and emotional response. By celebrating the sensory pleasures of earthly existence, such as the taste of fruit and the warmth of sunlight, Lewis elevates the physical realm as an integral aspect of human identity and spirituality. How does this reevaluation of the spiritual significance of physical sensation enrich our understanding of the relationship between the material world and the divine?
Topics, Questions and Thesis Statement about “On Being Human” by C. S. Lewis
| Topic | Question | Thesis Statement |
| The Nature of Humanity | What does the poem reveal about the human condition and our place in the world? | “Through its exploration of the limitations and potential of human experience, the poem ‘On Being Human’ presents a nuanced and multifaceted understanding of humanity, highlighting both our fragility and our capacity for connection with the divine.” |
| The Relationship between the Human and Divine | How does the poem portray the relationship between human beings and a higher power or spiritual realm? | “The poem ‘On Being Human’ depicts a symbiotic relationship between the human and divine, suggesting that our imperfect, sensory experiences are intimately connected with the perfect, eternal realm of Forms or Archetypes, and that this connection is essential to our understanding of ourselves and the world.” |
| The Role of Sensory Experience | What significance do sensory experiences hold in the poem, and how do they relate to our understanding of the world and ourselves? | “In ‘On Being Human,’ sensory experiences are presented as a crucial aspect of human existence, providing a gateway to the divine and facilitating our understanding of the world, while also highlighting the limitations and impermanence of human perception.” |
| The Tension between Impermanence and Eternity | How does the poem address the tension between the impermanence of human life and the eternity of the divine or spiritual realm? | “The poem ‘On Being Human’ reconciles the tension between impermanence and eternity by suggesting that our fleeting, sensory experiences are intimately connected with the eternal, perfect realm of Forms or Archetypes, and that this connection is what gives human life meaning and significance.” |
Literary Works Similar to “On Being Human” by C. S. Lewis
- “The Human Abstract” by William Blake: Blake’s poem explores the dual nature of human morality, drawing parallels between abstract virtues and the tangible experiences that shape human behavior. Like “On Being Human,” it delves into the complexities of human existence and the interplay between abstract concepts and lived reality.
- “To Autumn” by John Keats: Keats’s ode celebrates the sensory richness of the autumn season, immersing the reader in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. Similar to “On Being Human,” it emphasizes the importance of sensory experience in shaping human perception and understanding of the world.
- “Ode to a Nightingale” by John Keats: Keats’s poem reflects on the contrast between the transcendent beauty of the nightingale’s song and the ephemeral nature of human existence. Like “On Being Human,” it explores the tension between abstract ideals and the tangible experiences that define human life.
- “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Eliot: Eliot’s modernist poem delves into the existential angst of the modern individual, grappling with questions of identity, purpose, and the passage of time. Like “On Being Human,” it offers a nuanced exploration of human consciousness and the complexities of human experience.
- “The Waste Land” by T.S. Eliot: Another work by T.S. Eliot, “The Waste Land” is a fragmented modernist poem that reflects on the disillusionment and fragmentation of post-World War I society. Similar to “On Being Human,” it delves into themes of identity, meaning, and the search for redemption in a fragmented world.
Suggested Readings: “On Being Human” by C. S. Lewis
- Books:
- Lewis, C. S. Transposition and Other Addresses. Geoffrey Bles, 1949.
- Articles:
- Duriez, Colin. “The Original Hybrids: C. S. Lewis on Being Human.” CSLewis.com, 2021, www.cslewis.com/the-original-hybrids-c-s-lewis-on-being-human/.
- Websites:
- Poem Analysis. “On Being Human by C. S. Lewis – Poem Analysis.” Poem Analysis, 2023, poemanalysis.com/c-s-lewis/on-being-human/.
- The Imaginative Conservative. “On Being Human.” The Imaginative Conservative, 2015, https://theimaginativeconservative.org/2015/11/on-being-human.html
Representative Quotations from “On Being Human” by C. S. Lewis
| Quotation | Context | Theoretical Perspective |
| “Angelic minds, they say, by simple intelligence / Behold the Forms of nature.” | The poem’s opening lines, introducing the idea of angelic perception vs. human experience. | Platonism: Reflecting Platonic ideas of eternal, perfect Forms vs. imperfect, sensory world. |
| “The Tree-ness of the tree they know—the meaning of / Arboreal life, how from earth’s salty lap / The solar beam uplifts it;” | Describing angelic understanding of natural phenomena. | Romanticism: Highlighting the beauty and wonder of nature, emphasizing the emotional response. |
| “But never an angel knows the knife-edged severance / Of sun from shadow where the trees begin,” | Contrasting angelic and human experiences of nature. | Existentialism: Emphasizing the human experience of boundaries and limitations. |
| “The nourishing of life, and how it flourishes / On death, and why, they utterly know;” | Describing angelic understanding of life and death. | Christian Allegory: Suggesting spiritual growth and the cycles of life and death as a means to understanding God. |
| “The lavish pinks, the field new-mown, the ravishing / Sea-smells, the wood-fire smoke that whispers Rest.” | Describing human sensory experiences. | Sensory Theory: Highlighting the importance of sensory experiences in shaping human understanding. |
| “Far richer they! I know the senses’ witchery / Guards us like air, from heavens too big to see;” | Reflecting on the human condition and the role of senses. | Poststructuralism: Suggesting that human perception is filtered through sensory experiences, limiting our understanding. |
