Act 1, Scene 5 Summary

Scene 5 opens in the study as Lewis and Warnie prepare for Douglas and Joy's visit. Lewis is defensive about wanting to see her in the face of Warnie's skepticism about her character and expectations. The guests arrive and Warnie prods at Joy about her poetry. She and Lewis banter about other authors like old friends, giving her the confidence to recite one of her poems. Lewis is surprised by its quality and touched by its intention. They continue to discuss writing and end up talking about Lewis' Mother's death of cancer when he was eight years old. They feel a bit awkward after the serious conversation and Joy prepares to leave. It is at this point that Lewis asks Joy and Douglas to come for Christmas. She is hesitant at first, feeling as if she might be overstepping her bounds and...