Head to Head: The Narnia Chronicles - Seven Timeless Classics

Although published over half a century ago the Narnia Chronicles have a timeless quality. Still enjoyed by children and adults in a modern, complex society the books offer an uncomplicated, even naïve approach to an imaginary world entwined with profound moral and religious statements. While many argue that they should be read simply as highly imaginative, effective thoroughly enjoyable adventure stories with decidedly loveable characters, others explore the Christian and moral statements behind the adventures.

Having recently re-read the series I rediscovered the love for the stories which I had as a child. The simple narrative and uncomplicated characters in a richly imaginative world served to absorb me thoroughly in the plot, and I found myself once again excited at the prospect of turning the page. The best-selling book of the series, ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’, succinctly captures much of the excitement and adventure of the other chronicles, and it is completely understandable why adults and children alike often cite it as their favourite. The story, with success, failure, tragedy and jubilation, has all the components of a highly emotive, effective chronicle. This, alongside the successful application of a detailed, imaginative setting and many recognisable characters, both to love and hate, creates the success which the book has seen over many years. The simplistic, uncomplicated nature of the characters serves to emphasise, not detract from, the profound sense of tension and excitement, and they allow the reader easier identification with, and a greater sense of attachment to, the characters. Mr and Mrs Beaver, for example, represent a stereotypical middle-aged couple whose aim is simply to help the children and to assist in the return of Aslan and Christmas. Mr Tumnus promotes the reader’s sense of sympathy and forgiveness: he shows remorse and the children show forgiveness.

However many explore the allegorical quality of the stories and claim that C.S. Lewis used the books to describe his perfect, untainted view of Christianity. In Aslan, Lewis expresses his idea of a majestic and powerful God, who also has a sense of glory, tenderness and even humour. Lewis believed in a God both glorious and approachable; a God where children could run and wrap their arms around him; a God whose people could also be his saviour. The simple moral messages throughout the chronicles represented Lewis’ basic beliefs about how a Christian should live. He believed strongly that a child was more likely to understand these values through reading about their loved and admired characters discovering basic aspects of Christian humanity than they would through lessons and services.

Olivia Bailey
Ranelagh School, Bracknell