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Smith's son Ned was a craftsman, but not an imaginative creator like his father. I think that applies to Christopher as well - he gathered, edited and published his father's work but did not really wander on the paths of fantasy himself.
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This exactly how I would read the relationship,
Estelyn. At the same time, however, part of me wants to say, "Wow, what a heavy trip (if I may be allowed that ancient expression
to lay on a son".
What were Christopher's motivations in preserving his father's papers? Was he trying to grasp a bit of Faerie for himself? Was he proving himself? Do you know when Christopher began his work compiling his father's writing? I suspect there are many ways to interpret the relationship.
Greetings,
Guinevere. Your point about Tolkien's comment on allegory is a good reminder, but I agree with Estelyn that it needs to be seen in context with the introduction to LOTR, where Tolkien was denying that WWII inspired the Quest. And in place of allegory, Tolkien posited 'applicability.' I would say that his hesitations over allegory relate to a reductive way of interpreting it rather than a rejection of it as a form of narrative.
No time for more in this interesting discussion.
Bethberry