Reading C.S. Lewis's The Inner Ring, right after Stargirl gave me quite a bit to think about. I wanted to hear some other peoples thoughts. I hope I can arrange mine in a way that will make sense!
Stargirl is NOT an "Inner Ringer". By definition, an "Inner Ringer" is someone who seeks validation from peers in increasing levels as they try to climb the totem pole. Stargirl is anything but an "Inner Ringer".
But what about everyone else in the book? Is is true that almost every person in High School is in a ring of some sort? I would say that the whole Mica High (with the exception of Stargirl, Dorry, and possibly Leo) are "Inner Ringers". So the question is; is Leo one of the esoteric, or not?
Archie asks Leo this very question, "Who's affection do you value more, hers or the others?" (Stargirl, pg. 104) May I change the quotation to fit the context, but keep the general meaning? "Who's validation do you value more, the 'Inner Ringers' or not?"
I think this shows very well the paths that Leo could take. He could follow the crowd, OR he could break free of the limiting chains of popularity. Sadly, he chose to follow the crowd. That decision was one he regretted for the rest of his life. Leo was an "Inner Ringer"
That is my conclusion. If anyone else has thoughts or comments, I would love to hear them. I think Stargirl is the perfect book to study Inner Rings and their effects in High Schools.
Cool connection. You are right - that is pretty much what the book is about. It makes you wonder why we are so sad when we see Stargirl choosing the inner ring for a while. Maybe it is such a strong instinct in all of us, but so is the desire to resist it (or watch someone else resist it).
ReplyDeleteThat's true! It is a very natural man thing to choose the inner ring. Your motives are a big part of choosing the inner ring or not. That came up a lot during my comparison of star girl and Pollyanna. Their motives and purposes.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!!