SuitabookThe Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe
C.S. Lewis
- Reading
- Consider reading it aloud or alongside the child, pausing after the Witch’s cruelty, the battle and the sacrifice. Afterwards, discuss both the adventure and the Christian symbolism without assuming one interpretation.
- Themes
- Forgiveness and moral change: Edmund initially acts dishonestly and unkindly towards his siblings and aids the Witch, then is described as recognising his error and changing. The book links this with a positive outcome.
- Christian allegory and sacrifice: The story is described as Christian allegory, with Aslan interpreted as representing Jesus and the Witch as representing an evil figure; Aslan is sacrificed and returns. The Christian symbolism is central to one reading of the story, while the adventure can also be approached on other levels.
- Power, courage and gender roles: The book addresses power, courage and gender roles; the detail of how it is developed remains unclear. The story gives children important roles in the struggle while also presenting traditional expectations about who should fight.
- Worth knowing
- Give particular attention to the contrast between thrilling adventure and scenes involving frightening creatures, cruelty, injury, death and grief. Traditional gender expectations and brief references to alcohol, smoking and insulting language may also merit notice.