I have enjoyed that particular book by Lewis (The Great Divorce) more than once. On occasion in life, I have encountered people who (for better or worse) resemble one or another of the personalities in Lewis’ work.
I am aware that the matter of purgatory is debated —and is also debatable. According to the Dictionary of Christianity in America, the doctrime of purgatory “relies chiefly on church tradition for its authority and content” --though they note that speculation about it began early one…and that some have used apocryphal and biblical texts (Matthew 5:26 and 12:32 and 1 Cor 3:11-15) to give the doctrine some level of support. It’s an interesting speculation. But then there are statements like “once to die and then the judgment” as well as others. Lewis’ work is a great teaching tool, great literature, and filled with interesting details and conversation topics (such as “does all hell fit into a crack in the sidewalk of heaven”?).
It works as great literature and as a point of discussion on many levels. But there are also statements in the biblical text like “once to die and then the judgment” and that harrowing story of the man who calls out from hell asking for someone/anyone (please!) to go to earth and warn his brothers not to end up here. The issue of purgatory and of maybe moving from one level to another on one’s own— does not fit in with the imagery of Jesus’ parable., Yes of course, Jesus likely was not describing something that happened (though I have read at least one commentator who supposed the account is really true). It is just possible that Jesus told that story to convey a larger truth about death and life after. Maybe Lewis’ work could also be looked at in that way.
In short, the biblical text is not terribly specific on the details of the afterlife — remarks like a place “where their worm dieth not” notwithstanding —beyond assuring us that life after death includes some harrowing locales that go on for eternity— and you don’t want to end up there.
Enjoy the discussion.