Section 3 The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and the Chronicles of Narnia Flashcards
What is the role of Susan and Lucy during the “passion” of Aslan. Other parallels to Scripture? They are there as observers, like our gospel writers
Someone had to make a record of what happened to tell the world. They play the roles both of the disciples and the disciples at Gethsemane and the Marys at the foot of the cross (the mice can be thought of the ones at the deposition from the cross to the waiting arms of the girls where they are in the position of the pieta). Biblical roles of women at foot of cross, Mary and Daughters of Jerusalem along the way to the cross. Also first witnesses of the resurrection like Mary. Other parallels include breaking of table like the 10 commandments.
The Main Theme: Frozen to Thawed (Lindskoog, 101). What was frozen and then thawed?
Narnia, not the rest of the world. This is a perfect garden that was frozen over by the devil (I always think about the lowest circle of Hell in Dante’s Inferno) but then warmed by the mere presence of Aslan. Stone to flesh was thawed.(Ezekiel: replace the heart of stone with a heart of flesh?) Edmunds heart was thawed.
What biblical themes do you find, e.g., p. 71, “a very truthful girl”?
The girl’s uncertainty at Aslan’s resurrection like the disciples were. (Doubting Thomas?)
They thought maybe the body was stolen.
What role does prophecy play in this book?
The coming of Aslan, the attributes of Aslan, the coming of new kings (cf. David, Solomon, Christ). It predicts the outcome of Aslan’s murder and of the fate of the white witch. The entire story arc follows what was predicted in the prophecy.
How much of Christ’s life do you find?
We find his incarnation, his suffering and death, his resurrection, his victory. Vicarious atonement for Edwin, breaking of the stone table is meant to be the breaking of the power of the Law (tablets of stone) over us and it is like the tearing of the curtain in the temple.
How would the non-Christian handle the parts of Christ’s life?
They would treat them as mere story. Without knowledge of the referent, they wouldn’t make the connection–but Lewis’ goal is to have the reader accept the ideology of LWW so that they will be more open to the real story (life of Christ) later on.
How do you?
The true story of God, who loves me and wants me to be saved.
What examples of foreshadowing can you find? Tension?
Lots of foreshadowing of Aslan’s return “he’s on the move”, tension between the witch and Edmund, tension in the chase of the children. Tumnas’ characterization of the witch early on foreshadowed her cruel and oppressive behaviour later on, and her ultimately evil nature foreshadowed that she would not understand the good (Aslan’s sacrifice) which led to her downfall (Aslan returning with reinforcements which he “resurrected” from stone). Seeds of Edmund going bad are foreshadowed with the tension between him and Peter.
How does Lewis describe the human conscience?
As a very real combat within one’s head, full of discussion. One that deals with guilt and knows he’s going wrong. Like Edmund knew he was wrong and had feelings of going back and not betraying them. How te children hear the name of Aslan shows their character or guilt in Edmunds case.
What does Lewis say about school? Can you discover any other references to C. S. Lewis’s life?
He plays on the nastiness of school. It’s obvious that he liked home life but did not enjoy school. He has references in The Magician’s Nephew to his sick mother. Professor Kirke is much like Kirkpatrick, willing to debate and use strong reasoning in dealing with the “lies” of Lucy.
How does the Gospel play out for Edmund?
Edmund is forgiven his sins after confession, and is sanctified. Aslan also made the sacrifice without his approval, request or knowledge
How do the power of God and the actions of the four children relate to one another? In other words, when and how is God at work? When and how are the children active?
Father (Christmas) gives gifts to the children which they use to good effect (sanctification). Each gift is different and useful on the whole (different members of the body of Christ).
How would a Christian school use this book in a reading class? At what level?
This book could be used as a general overview of the life of Christ. They are probably best aimed at grades 4-5. By that age the children are old enough to understand metaphors and can do the abstract reasoning required to connect Lewis’ stories to their lives and to Christ. Aimed at/written for grade 5, 10 y.o. Use for confirmation class?
Where does the Stone Table come from and what does it mean?
From Exodus. The stone table of Moses (10 commandments). The breaking of the table is the idea that the condemning law had no power over Aslan. Also it could be considered the altar of Abraham from when Isaac was about to be sacrificed. The table was also where the witch would kill every traitor (all of us sinners, rebels) so when it was broken, all traitors could be forgiven in the future without the killing power of the witch. All of us are alive in Christ.
The Trinity in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Where are the three?
Father over the sea, Aslan, and Father Christmas. Not clear. Wasn’t written as Biblical allegory. Doesn’t have to be there.
