Classics:
* Homer: Lewis deeply admired Homer's epics, particularly The Odyssey, which he considered "the greatest story ever told." He saw in Homer a powerful blend of adventure, myth, and morality.
* Virgil: Lewis saw parallels between The Aeneid and his own The Chronicles of Narnia, finding echoes of Christian themes and the struggle against evil.
* Shakespeare: Lewis was a lifelong admirer of Shakespeare's plays, particularly Hamlet, which he saw as a profound exploration of human nature and faith.
Modern Writers:
* G.K. Chesterton: A close friend and mentor to Lewis, Chesterton's influence is evident in Lewis's own writing, particularly his use of wit, paradox, and his embrace of traditional Christian thought.
* J.R.R. Tolkien: Lewis and Tolkien were close friends and members of the Inklings literary discussion group. They both explored fantasy worlds with strong moral themes, though Tolkien's approach leaned towards Norse mythology and folklore, while Lewis drew inspiration from Christian tradition.
* George MacDonald: This Scottish author was a major influence on Lewis's spiritual and literary development. MacDonald's imaginative stories explored themes of faith, redemption, and the nature of good and evil, strongly resonating with Lewis's own interests.
* W.H. Auden: Though a poet, Auden's works also explored themes of faith and morality, which resonated with Lewis. Lewis even dedicated a book to Auden, acknowledging his impact.
Beyond the Classics:
Lewis also looked to the works of William Blake, George Eliot, Jane Austen, and Charles Dickens, among others. He admired their ability to explore complex characters, moral dilemmas, and the nuances of human relationships.
While these are just a few examples, it's important to remember that Lewis was a voracious reader and drew inspiration from a wide range of authors. He engaged with literature as a means of exploring the big questions of life and faith, finding resonance in stories that touched upon the complexities of human experience and the eternal struggles between good and evil.