In C.S. Lewis's The Great Divorce, the lizard transforms into a magnificent stallion because the ghost, who represents a soul clinging to the "lies of lust," consents to an angel destroying this corrupted desire. This act of permission allows for the purification and redirection of the soul's affections, transforming a destructive impulse into a noble and useful force for journeying towards Heaven.
The Symbolism of Transformation
The metamorphosis of the lizard into a horse is one of the most poignant and visually striking moments in The Great Divorce, serving as a powerful allegory for spiritual liberation and the redirection of fallen desires.
- The Lizard's Meaning: The lizard clinging to the man's shoulder is a vivid representation of an enslaving sin, specifically identified as the "lies of lust." It symbolizes an impure, self-centered desire that drains life and prevents true joy and freedom. This desire, though seemingly small, holds the man captive, making him unable to fully embrace the reality of Heaven.
- The Man's Reluctance: Initially, the man is unwilling to part with the lizard. This illustrates how individuals often cling to their vices, even when they recognize the harm they cause, fearing the pain of separation or the unknown that lies beyond. The angel cannot simply eliminate the lizard; the ghost's free will and permission are essential.
- The Act of Permission: The turning point occurs when the man, after much agonizing, finally allows the angel to seize and seemingly "kill" the lizard. This act signifies a profound surrender of the will—a crucial step in spiritual conversion where one chooses to let go of a beloved sin, no matter how painful it might initially seem.
- The Horse's Meaning: Upon the lizard's "death," it does not simply disappear but is transformed into a majestic stallion. This transformation reveals that the underlying energy or capacity for desire itself is not inherently evil, but rather becomes corrupted when directed wrongly. Once purified, this energy can be redeemed and employed for good. The stallion embodies:
- Redeemed Desire: The power previously wasted on lust is now channeled into something beautiful, strong, and noble.
- Means of Progress: The man, who himself transforms into a "huge man," mounts the stallion, indicating that this purified desire becomes the very vehicle by which he can progress deeper into the joy and reality of Heaven. It suggests that a rightly ordered passion is essential for the soul's journey.
The Journey Towards Heaven
The transformation is not just an end in itself but a means to a greater end. The former ghost, now a robust man, is able to ride the magnificent stallion, indicating his readiness and ability to journey further into the "real country" of Heaven. This vividly illustrates the Christian concept that relinquishing sin does not diminish life but amplifies it, leading to true freedom, strength, and joy. It highlights that the very qualities that bound us can, when redeemed, become the instruments of our highest calling.
| Element | Before Transformation | After Transformation |
|---|---|---|
| Lizard/Desire | Lies of lust, enslaving | Magnificent stallion, noble, useful |
| Ghost/Man | Frail, hesitant, bound | Huge man, strong, free, progressing |
| Condition | Bound by vice, unable to enter Heaven fully | Empowered, able to ride towards Heaven |
This profound episode underscores a central theme of The Great Divorce: that true repentance and the embrace of divine grace lead to a flourishing of the soul, turning even our most stubborn vices into virtues that aid our spiritual ascent. For more insights into this allegorical journey, exploring resources on C.S. Lewis's work can be highly beneficial.
