C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia: Themes and Analysis

Introduction to The Chronicles of Narnia

Having sold millions of copies around the world, C.S. Lewis's series The Chronicles of Narnia can certainly be acknowledged as a hallmark of children's literature. The series contains seven novels addressing various subjects, ranging from Christian themes to tales drawn from different parts of the world. The main characters in most of the novels are children, and the story revolves around their visits to the mythological land of Narnia, where unexplained things happen. The novels generally present the classical battle between right and wrong, and how evil forces are eventually defeated by good ones.

Lewis wrote the books between 1949 and 1954, creating intriguing storylines for the whole world to enjoy. Readers are presented with the complex world of Narnia as the writer relates the land's history. The magical world has had several rulers from the moment of its creation until its destruction. Lewis describes all of the leaders and episodes from each reign. The story is not presented in standard chronological order — an approach not uncommon in children's literature.

In spite of being obviously intended for children, the series can also be read and enjoyed by adults. Children can appreciate the books for their storylines and captivating action, while adults can enjoy them for the hidden messages scattered throughout. Many readers are reportedly surprised upon rereading the books in adulthood. Even with the obviously fictional character of the series, Lewis manages to give his stories an air of reality. The worlds of Narnia appear, in some respects, more vivid than the real world in which Lewis's characters actually live.

Reception, Controversy, and Tolkien's Criticism

The Chronicles of Narnia is clearly one of the most famous series in children's literature. However, the seven books are not universally admired — a significant number of readers regard the series as hollow, little more than a collection of meaningless happenings. J.R.R. Tolkien, the well-known British writer and one of Lewis's closest friends, reportedly hated The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and did not support Lewis's desire to continue writing it, much less publish it.^[1]

Lewis proved inspired in choosing to continue. The book later became a bestseller and one of his most praised publications. Similar to Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is now one of society's most admired works of fantasy. In an effort to shift public attention away from the book's Christian character, supporters have attempted to marginalize and even refute the notion that Lewis intended the novel to deliver a religious message.^[2]

It is not certain whether Tolkien had solid arguments to support his conviction that the book would fail. What is certain is that events proved him wrong, as readers became passionate about the story. One reasonable motive for Tolkien's lack of appreciation may have been that the relationship between the two writers was strained at the time. Another reason for his disapproval is that Tolkien did not support the idea of incorporating religion directly into fiction; he reportedly went to great lengths to avoid even the slightest religious overtone in his own work.^[3]

When he observed that Tolkien did not approve of his writing style, Lewis did not give up and sought other opinions. Roger Lancelyn Green played a vital role in encouraging Lewis, considering the story excellent and urging him to finish The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Nevertheless, even Green found some elements excessive — in particular, he believed that the inclusion of Father Christmas in the plot was an exaggeration.^[4]

It would appear that part of Tolkien's disapproval also stemmed from his belief that Lewis had disparaged certain groups in his writings. As an Anglican, Lewis was writing from a tradition that Tolkien, a Roman Catholic, believed indirectly attacked certain Catholic principles. The book's issues extend beyond inter-Christian disagreement: its content is arguably supportive of discrimination on several other grounds, leading some to conclude that Lewis's first Narnia book amounts to religious propaganda intended to confuse its audience.^[5]

Christian Allegory and the Character of Aslan

While some of Lewis's supporters strongly contest the idea, it is relatively easy for attentive readers to observe correspondences between the lion Aslan and Jesus Christ. What is curious, however, is that Lewis chose to represent this religious figure differently from how he is typically portrayed by other writers. Where many authors incline toward representing heroic figures as small or powerless creatures, Lewis did the exact opposite with Aslan. He incorporated the concept of muscular Christianity into his book, presenting the Christ-equivalent as a powerful, athletic lion determined to impose his authority.^[6]

The matter remains controversial, with readers both embracing and rejecting this interpretation. If Lewis did indeed intend Aslan as a reference to Jesus Christ, it might have been more parable-like to have titled the book The Lamb, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Lewis seems to have considered this concept, as Aslan appears before Lucy and Eustace as a lamb in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, and changes into a cat in The Horse and His Boy — though he regains his lion form in both books before long.^[7]

With all of the obvious clues present, it is difficult not to recognize that Lewis intended Aslan as an allusion to Jesus Christ. At one point, Lucy fears she will never see Aslan again, but the lion comforts her by claiming that he is present in her world as well.^[8] Most Christian readers are likely to make the connection between Aslan and Christ.^[9] Critics, however, can argue that readers from other religious traditions may interpret The Chronicles of Narnia in an entirely different way.

Another obvious reference to Christianity occurs when Aslan declares that his father is an emperor over the sea — yet this emperor never appears in any of the books.^[10] Lewis makes good use of metaphor throughout the series, with certain layers becoming visible only through careful analysis. A further reason for Tolkien's disapproval may have been that the books portray various imperfect features of society. While religious readers might regard the books as a celebration of Christianity, non-religious readers may feel that children — the intended audience — are being exposed to material that confuses rather than enriches them.

Conclusion

Sammons, Martha C. A Guide Through Narnia. Regent College Publishing, 2004.