008 - Canto VIII

from Dymer · host C. S. Lewis

Dive into the world of Dymer, a captivating narrative poem by C.S. Lewis, crafted in his teenage years and published during his tenure as a tutor at Oxford under the pseudonym Clive Hamilton, a nod to his own first name and his mother’s maiden name. The poem opens in The Perfect City, a setting that resonates with todays audience as an iconic dystopia. At nineteen, Dymer rebels against the oppressive laws of this city, embarking on a solitary journey into the wilderness in search of meaning, identity, and the fulfillment of his deepest longings. Despite its initial lukewarm reception and its challenging complexity, this enigmatic work offers rich rewards, especially for those familiar with Lewis later writings and the influence of his mentor, George MacDonald. Prepare for an engaging and thought-provoking experience as you explore Dymers profound transformation throughout his quest.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jan 17, 2026

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008 - Canto VIII

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Dymer - C.S. Lewis - Full Audiobook C.S. Lewis This is a narrative poem written by C.S. Lewis, begun in his teen years and published when he was a tutor at Oxford. It appeared in print under the pseudonym of "Clive Hamilton," which is the author's own first name and his mother's maiden name.The story begins in "The Perfect City," a place instantly recognizable to a modern audience as a classic dystopia. Dymer lives in this city until the age of nineteen, when he suddenly rebels, breaking the laws of the city and striking out into the wilderness alone. The rest of the story tells of his search for meaning, identity, and the fulfillment of his longings.This book was not well received at the time of its publication and remains largely unknown. Many reasons for this have been suggested, but perhaps the simplest is just that the poem is difficult to understand. It is a complex work, and Dymer's character changes in some profound ways throughout the story. Especially for those who are familiar with Lewis' other wo Dymer by C.S. Lewis C.S. LEWIS Dymer Is a narrative poem by C.S. Lewis that follows the journey of a young man named Dymer, who rebels against the oppressive, conformist society of "The Perfect City." After committing a murder in a moment of rebellion, Dymer flees into the wilderness, seeking freedom and a deeper understanding of life.During his journey, Dymer encounters a mysterious woman who seduces him, but she later vanishes, leaving behind a monstrous child. This creature symbolizes the dark consequences of Dymer’s actions and the unresolved aspects of his nature. Dymer continues his quest, grappling with the duality within himself and the meaning of his existence.In a climactic battle, Dymer confronts the monstrous child, representing his inner struggle to reconcile his darker impulses with his desire for transcendence. He ultimately achieves a form of spiritual liberation, but

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This episode was published on January 17, 2026.

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