Reflections on the Psalms

Lewis states his intention to start with aspects of the Psalms that are “at first most repellent” (6). What might be his reason for this? Offer evidence from the text.

In Chapter 1, Lewis characterizes himself as writing “as one amateur to another” (2) and likens his method to schoolchildren comparing notes. What consequences does this popular approach have on his style and procedure in the book? Discuss this with examples from the text.

As a literary critic, Lewis treats the Psalms much like any other ancient or mythic text. Discuss ways in which this literary, rather than theological, starting point influences Lewis’s conclusions.