Once a King and Queen in Narnia …
Image by Jenneth from Pixabay
This month I’m diving into Narnia, one of the crown jewels of children’s literature and a great example of fantastic fiction – ‘fantastic’ in the original meaning of the word, ‘imaginary’ or ‘related to fantasy’, hence the variation on the noun ‘fantastical.’
I imagine that most ACW members are aware of Narnia and have probably read The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe – or have read it to their children. Many Christians are fans of the fantasy worlds of CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien, which is hardly surprising given the Christian themes in both. How many of you have read all seven Chronicles of Narnia? *shoots own hand up* I read them all as a child and am currently on a reread. I’m halfway through The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, one of my favourites.
Reading Narnia as an adult hits differently. I can see what Lewis is doing with his story and his imaginary world, and where he’s going with it. I don’t mind that Prince Caspian sounds rather like an English schoolboy from the 1950s, aka Edmund Pevensie and Eustace Scrubb. Lewis’s imaginary world is so rich and compelling and frankly so much FUN, that he is able to sell this to the reader. Well, he sells it to ME – and millions of others have been convinced as well. For me, he makes everything work … just as Tolkien’s hobbits, Edwardian anachronisms in a quasi-medieval world, fit beautifully in their particular universe. I love the eccentric mix of mythical creatures who are the original Narnians, and I like the Pevensies, and the reformed Eustace, and many others. Narnia also has some dark and genuinely chilling moments, which always add something extra to a good fantasy tale.
And then there’s Aslan, that magnificent character inspired by the Lion of Judah himself …
Not everyone agrees with me about Lewis, and that’s fine. I suppose there might be Christians out there who don’t like Narnia, and that’s allowed! (Although you’re missing out …) Not everyone likes Tolkien either (poor benighted souls – I jest, not everyone gets on with fantasy, including Christians). Our reading tastes are, after all, subjective. But Narnia (and Middle-earth) have greatly enriched my life, my imagination and my spirituality, and I look forward to some cracking conversations with their creators in the new creation … I imagine there’ll be quite a queue, if queues are still a thing.
I don’t write for children, although I wouldn’t rule that possibility out. Writing for children is a great art form and I’ve written before on the blog about the great children’s classics that inspire me and teach me about the art of good writing.
Just one thing though – the fate of Susan Pevensie. It surprised and disappointed me as a child, and as an adult I find it quite appalling. Many people have given Lewis a hard time over this. For those of you who know what I’m talking about, perhaps you can suggest some good ways to redeem poor Susan (who loses her entire family) in the comments …
I’m a Licensed Lay Minister in the Diocese of Rochester. I have also worked for the United Reformed Church since 2007. I wrote a devotional for the anthology Light for the Writer’s Soul, published by Media Associates International, and my short story ‘Magnificat’ appears in the ACW anthology Merry Christmas Everyone.
Hi Philippa, I’m with you on Narnia and Middle Earth. Narnia was my escape world as a child, and I re-read the books in my twenties. I read The Lord of the Rings aged 13, when it was republished, and adored it. I too was baffled by Lewis’ treatment of Susan. In fact thinking about it, the whole train crash thing was a bit of a cop-out & a weak ending. I wish he had redeemed Susan.
ReplyDeleteI simply love the Narnia books and devoured them as a child, and re read them as an adult. You're quite right about Susan. At the time, when I got to The Last Battle, I was a bit shocked by the change in tone. It gets so much darker. But then I suppose it would. Some of it still makes me laugh out loud and the characterisation is superb. My favourites are probably The Magician's Nephew (Uncle Andrew meeting the Witch is hilarious) and the Silver Chair (Puddleglum!) I'll be right behind you in that queue, Philippa (Ruth)
ReplyDeleteLovely post, Philippa! Thanks. I watched the film, but never read the books. I loved the film. I didn't have the opportunity to read CS Lewis and Tolkien while in Africa. Your post motivates me to create my fantasy world and see where it leads! Blessings.
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