This is the blog -- the electronic home -- for Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition for the class of two-thousand eleven at Gloucester (MA) High School.
Throughout C.S. Lewis’s famed piece, “Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”, many allusions to early Christian traditions and biblical happenings are included within the story line. While the work is entirely interpretive, it is clear to see the work as an interpretation of the story of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. Also, many other biblical allusions occur within the underlying detail of the characters actions and personalities as well as the progression of the plot. However, the principle characters of the White Witch and Aslan are probably the most prominent connections. For instance, the White Witch is seen as the ruler of the land of Narnia, even though it is the lion, Aslan, who created Narnia. In Christian teachings, the Devil is seen as the dark prince of our “human world”, while God is seen as the creator of it. The White Witch is also seen as the Devil in the fact that she only uses people by tricking them to get what she wants, as in the way she used Edmund as a slave to get an insider with the Pevensie children, and get rid of them for good. This can be said the same for the Devil, who seems good on the outside, but is tricky and malevolent, only deceiving those who he wishes to gain something from, as explained in the Bible itself “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” 2 Corinthians 11:14 On the other hand, Aslan is portrayed as the son of God, Jesus Christ, in several ways. Not only was he seen as the creator of Narnia and the “savior” for it’s inhabitants, but Aslan ended up dying to save Edmund’s life. The mourning of his death proved he was an immense lost to Narnia, but Aslan in fact had died only to be resurrected again. Much like Jesus has said to have died for human kind’s sins, only in turn to be resurrected himself. “While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. “In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” Then they remembered his words.” –Luke 24:4-8
“Her face was white—not merely pale, but white like snow or paper or sugar icing, except for her very red mouth. It was a beautiful face in other respects, but proud and cold and stern… I—I opened a door and found myself here your Majesty said Edmund… “A door. A door from the world of men! I have heard of such things. This may wreck all. But he is only one, and he is easily dealt with.” (Lewis, 31-35)
The Narnia series has always intrigued me; ever since I read the first book and watched the movies. What else could be more magical or fascinating than a wardrobe that opened to another world of mystical creatures and perpetual fantasy?! For me, that was all it took to get me hooked. However, as I have grown I have come to be more aware of the connections C.S. Lewis made in his novels in relation to Bible stories, or more specifically, the Life of Christ. In the first couple of chapters a connection that I have made between these two books is the figure: Satan. In the above quote, the White Witch is introduced into the story. Edmund, one of the four humans who enter into Narnia, meets the White Witch after trying to find his sister Lucy whom he followed into the wardrobe. However, the White Witch disguises herself, hiding who she truly is in order to gain the control and side of Edmund. Satan performs that exact same thing. Often in the Bible he would appear to be something good or appealing to others in hopes of tempting them and drawing them nearer to himself, rather than Christ. In Corinthians, it says, “For even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” In Jesus’s life he was tempted in the desert by Satan, being told that his power would still be enough to sustain him despite being tired and weary. Though they are not exactly alike, the White Witch in Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe definitely parallels Satan in the Bible. And, though I have read this book before (however, quite long ago) I’m interested to discover more ways in which the White Witch is compared with Satan.
ps. I wrote this yesterday, but had trouble posting it on the blog... But that prolly doesn't matter just as long as do four before the deadline:)
The biblical parallels in C.S. Lewis’s “Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe” are seen even clearer through the Gospel of Matthew, which was our original comparison reading for this novel. Through Matthew, not only can we see physical comparisons between the two stories, but we also can interpret our own meanings based on the parallel similarities of the teachings and life experiences of both Jesus and Aslan. For instance, physically, we can see the comparisons in the story of Jesus’s crucifixion. Just as Judas was a traitor to Jesus in pointing out his identity to the Romans, Edmund betrayed his siblings in doing the same to the White Witch. This betrayal caused much strife between Edmund, his siblings, and the other Narnians, just as it caused great commotion between the other Apostles and followers of Jesus and the enemies of Jesus. However, when Edmund came to term with his betrayal, he felt great remorse at first, but eventually found his place within the bonds of his siblings once more. Whereas Judas’s great remorse led to his own suicide. Here, different interpretations between the comparisons of Judas and Edmund can be devised. However, the clear fact is there, that Edmund betrayed just as Judas had. Aside from this manner, we can see how the death of Aslan followed through similarly to that of Jesus. As previously discussed, because of Edmunds betrayal, Aslan died to save him, much like Jesus died for sinners. In Matthew 27:32-56, the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ, we can see more physical relations to “Narnia”. Jesus died on a cross, just as Aslan died on “the Stone Table”. Also, as Jesus went to Paradise after he died, bringing the believers of God from the dead into Heaven (Matthew 27:52), it is the same as the statues that were once living creatures were brought back to life after Aslan breathed onto them. One of the last comparisons between the death of Jesus and the death of Aslan, is the mourning after the death of each respective followers’ savior. The women of Jerusalem mourned the death of Jesus after he died and were the ones who tended to his body and were the first ones to see his resurrection. This is the same for Susan and Lucy, who did the same for Aslan. In all of these physical comparisons, we can see a biblical allegory of the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Christ through “Narnia”.
Jesus was the savior to all of his followers and the kingdom of God, just as Aslan was to his followers and the kingdom of Narnia. Through both stories we can see human complexities in relation to supernatural or spiritual divinities. Betrayal, compassion, forgiveness, courage, failure, evil, goodness, and triumph were all explored throughout C.S. Lewis’s novel. Likewise, these reoccurring themes are explored deeply as well throughout much of the Bible, especially through Jesus’s teachings. The fact that Jesus died for our sins in the same way that Aslan died to save a sinner is very interesting. Only an entity based on true compassion and utter selflessness would have the passion within them to commit such a glorious and saving act. Because of this act of true savior qualities, both were resurrected from the dead, to come once more for their people in their time of need. Through the resurrection of Christ, the religion of Christianity gained a savior for their sins, and eternal paradise in Heaven. This is the same through Aslan’s resurrection, as Narnia was given a rebirth of life and a savior for its people from the White Witch. Both scripture and C.S. Lewis’s work describe these happenings of resurrection as a glorious act of revolution. However, Lewis seems to describe Aslan’s resurrection in a more colorful and descriptive manner, whereas scripture desribes Jesus’s rise from the dead as an emotional and magnificent act of rebirth and revelation. These differences are clear to understand due to the act that “Narnia” is a children’s book, wheras the Bible is a sacred religious text for one of the world’s biggest religions. Nonetheless, the manifestations and messianic state that both resurrections brought to the followers of their saviors is seen clearly through both texts.
To be completely honest, before this project, I never was able to notice the similarities between the life of Jesus Christ through the scripture of the Bible in comparison to the events in C.S. Lewis’s “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”. I read C.S. Lewis’s book quite a while ago as a child, and having been brought up in the Christian faith all my life, I have been constantly been taught the morals of Christ as well as the story of his life, death, and resurrection. However, I really just didn’t notice the clear similarities; they went right over my head. Usually when I read, I tend to focus solely on the story at hand, instead of analyzing it’s content in comparison to another work, so that could be a contributing factor in my obliviousness. However, my age at the time of reading “Narnia” could be one as well. Nevertheless, it was only now did I ever truly see the parallel stories, and I have to say, it’s quite interesting how C.S. Lewis tells his tale. C.S. Lewis takes the story of Christ through a supernatural, fantasy style route. He takes the story of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection into a land where animals talk, brothers betray siblings, and a constant corrupted land of winter that can only be saved by an anthropomorphic lion. This isn’t surprising at all really. For many writers have taken the teachings surrounding the fact that sinners may be forgiven and saved granting them an eternal life through a messiah through all sorts of routes. What is the real surprising notion however, is that some readers of C.S. Lewis’s work reject the possibility of his writings to be in any relation to Christian teachings at all. While I am always the one to preach a work of literature is up for interpretation, I see it very hard to not see the comparisons here, that is, if you haven’t been taught the story of Christ’s death beforehand. The similarities are very present, as well as the emotions behind them. Aslan was a savior to the Pevensie children in the same way that Jesus was to his followers. And just as Aslan died to save Edmund’s life for his sins, Jesus died to save all sinners. Believe it if you want, but I can safely say I have been convinced that C.S. Lewis’s work is an allegory of the story of the passion of Christ. These two works cohesively tell a tale of bravery, confliction, forgiveness, compassion, and redemption. One of the key facts however that I saw within both works, is that even in our darkest hours, even when all hope seems lost, there is a shining light within all of us that can hold out for liberation, for saving, be it by our own motives or the faith that lies within a savior, the faith is there. Both Jesus and Aslan gave their lives to save their followers, only to be resurrected and come again to save their people once more. It’s truly an amazing thing to see two completely different genres of writing tell their own story in different yet similar ways.
“There are only three possibilities. Either your sister is telling lies, or she is mad, or she is telling the truth. You know she doesn’t tell lies and it is obvious that she is not mad. For the moment then and unless any further evidence turns up, we must assume that she is telling the truth… But do you really mean sir, said Peter, that there could be other worlds—all over the place—just around the corner—like that? Nothing is more probable, said the Professor.” (Lewis, 49-50)
This part of the novel the two older siblings of the four, Peter and Susan, are talking to the professor who owns that house where they are staying, and of course the wardrobe. Lucy has told her brother and sister of going into the wardrobe and all that she has seen in there. Like any sane person would, they thought Lucy was telling lies or going mad. The quote shows parallels to the theme of “Truth” in the Bible. After reading it, it reminded me of this passage in the Bible, “1 John 1:8 --If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” Peter and Susan did not believe Lucy although they did say before that she never lies. Though this may seem far-fetched, I think in this quote, it is almost as if Peter and Susan are saying that they do not sin. And by that, they can’t know the truth or understand it. The reader knows that Lucy is telling the truth but just because it seems like it can’t be true doesn’t mean that it isn’t. I think that is why a lot of people don’t believe in God and His word. Just because they can’t see or touch Him, they don’t believe. Sometimes people just have to believe.
While they were looking at this they heard a sound of music in there right; and turning in that direction, they saw what they had come to see. Aslan stood in the center of the crowd of creatures who had grouped themselves round him in the shape of a half –moon… For when they tried to look at Aslan’s face they just caught the glimpse of the golden mane and the great, royal, solemn, overwhelming eyes; and then they found they couldn’t look at him and went all trembly.” (Lewis, 126-128)
This scene in the story I would have to say is one of my favorites! When Aslan is described this quote gives a great and beautiful image of this magnificent Lion. Aslan is introduced not only to the reader but to the rest of the Pevensie children. (Note that Edmund is still being held by the White Witch.) I’m sure you may have guessed by now, but in relation to the Bible, Aslan parallels God especially God the Son. In the Bible, God is often depicted as being too overwhelming to see. Take Moses for example. When he came down from Mount Sinai his face was glowing and his hair, white for he had seen the face of God. The quote “the glimpse of the golden mane and the great, royal, solemn, overwhelming eyes; and then they found they couldn’t look at him and went all trembly”, definitely portrays a parallel to God in that He is so perfect and great, that looking at him is too much! Later on in this book, Aslan also dies for Edmund to save his life from the Witch. Here, Aslan shows comparisons to Jesus. Jesus also took the place of those He loved by dying for them. Again, though they aren’t totally similar, for Jesus died for all and Aslan for Edmund, they both display that of true love; laying down your life for your friends. As a Christian, this is one of the most encouraging facts of life. It thrills me to know that despite my sinful nature and constant failure, Jesus made the way for me to still have eternal life with Him even though I don’t deserve it! (Bible reference: Luke 23-24.)
“That night, they slept where they were. How Aslan provided food for them all I don’t know; but somehow or other they found themselves all sitting down on the grass to a fine high tea…” (Lewis, 179)
In the final pages of the Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe, Aslan and His army, including Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy all defeat the Witch during the battle between good and evil. The triumphant ending to this novel has definitely reassured me of the promise God has made to His children. That of eternal life where there will be no more death, or fear, or evil. Being a Christian, the excitement I feel or awe when I feel and see God working is truly amazing and I know because of His Word that paradise for my life and my brothers and sisters in Christ will come. This final quote in relation to the Bible reminded me of the story where Jesus feeds the 5,000. Matthew 14 says, “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish…Bring them here to me,” he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.” It was a miracle that Aslan could feed His army and satisfies them after the battle. To the Pevensies, it was a mystery. The disciples too were in disbelief of the miracles of Jesus. Imagine 5,000 people and only a small amount of food that filled each of them! It blows my mind, the amazing works of Jesus Christ and the many promises of God through His Son. Or course I struggle, but I know that I am still loved beyond belief by my Powerful and Wonderful Maker who made it possible for me to, live guilt free from my wrong doings and to live eternally with Him!
Tom M.
ReplyDeleteBlock F
Throughout C.S. Lewis’s famed piece, “Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”, many allusions to early Christian traditions and biblical happenings are included within the story line. While the work is entirely interpretive, it is clear to see the work as an interpretation of the story of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. Also, many other biblical allusions occur within the underlying detail of the characters actions and personalities as well as the progression of the plot. However, the principle characters of the White Witch and Aslan are probably the most prominent connections. For instance, the White Witch is seen as the ruler of the land of Narnia, even though it is the lion, Aslan, who created Narnia. In Christian teachings, the Devil is seen as the dark prince of our “human world”, while God is seen as the creator of it. The White Witch is also seen as the Devil in the fact that she only uses people by tricking them to get what she wants, as in the way she used Edmund as a slave to get an insider with the Pevensie children, and get rid of them for good. This can be said the same for the Devil, who seems good on the outside, but is tricky and malevolent, only deceiving those who he wishes to gain something from, as explained in the Bible itself “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” 2 Corinthians 11:14
On the other hand, Aslan is portrayed as the son of God, Jesus Christ, in several ways. Not only was he seen as the creator of Narnia and the “savior” for it’s inhabitants, but Aslan ended up dying to save Edmund’s life. The mourning of his death proved he was an immense lost to Narnia, but Aslan in fact had died only to be resurrected again. Much like Jesus has said to have died for human kind’s sins, only in turn to be resurrected himself. “While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. “In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” Then they remembered his words.” –Luke 24:4-8
Moriah
ReplyDeleteF Block
“Her face was white—not merely pale, but white like snow or paper or sugar icing, except for her very red mouth. It was a beautiful face in other respects, but proud and cold and stern… I—I opened a door and found myself here your Majesty said Edmund… “A door. A door from the world of men! I have heard of such things. This may wreck all. But he is only one, and he is easily dealt with.” (Lewis, 31-35)
The Narnia series has always intrigued me; ever since I read the first book and watched the movies. What else could be more magical or fascinating than a wardrobe that opened to another world of mystical creatures and perpetual fantasy?! For me, that was all it took to get me hooked. However, as I have grown I have come to be more aware of the connections C.S. Lewis made in his novels in relation to Bible stories, or more specifically, the Life of Christ. In the first couple of chapters a connection that I have made between these two books is the figure: Satan. In the above quote, the White Witch is introduced into the story. Edmund, one of the four humans who enter into Narnia, meets the White Witch after trying to find his sister Lucy whom he followed into the wardrobe. However, the White Witch disguises herself, hiding who she truly is in order to gain the control and side of Edmund. Satan performs that exact same thing. Often in the Bible he would appear to be something good or appealing to others in hopes of tempting them and drawing them nearer to himself, rather than Christ. In Corinthians, it says, “For even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” In Jesus’s life he was tempted in the desert by Satan, being told that his power would still be enough to sustain him despite being tired and weary. Though they are not exactly alike, the White Witch in Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe definitely parallels Satan in the Bible. And, though I have read this book before (however, quite long ago) I’m interested to discover more ways in which the White Witch is compared with Satan.
ps. I wrote this yesterday, but had trouble posting it on the blog... But that prolly doesn't matter just as long as do four before the deadline:)
Tom M.
ReplyDeleteBlock F
The biblical parallels in C.S. Lewis’s “Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe” are seen even clearer through the Gospel of Matthew, which was our original comparison reading for this novel. Through Matthew, not only can we see physical comparisons between the two stories, but we also can interpret our own meanings based on the parallel similarities of the teachings and life experiences of both Jesus and Aslan. For instance, physically, we can see the comparisons in the story of Jesus’s crucifixion. Just as Judas was a traitor to Jesus in pointing out his identity to the Romans, Edmund betrayed his siblings in doing the same to the White Witch. This betrayal caused much strife between Edmund, his siblings, and the other Narnians, just as it caused great commotion between the other Apostles and followers of Jesus and the enemies of Jesus. However, when Edmund came to term with his betrayal, he felt great remorse at first, but eventually found his place within the bonds of his siblings once more. Whereas Judas’s great remorse led to his own suicide. Here, different interpretations between the comparisons of Judas and Edmund can be devised. However, the clear fact is there, that Edmund betrayed just as Judas had. Aside from this manner, we can see how the death of Aslan followed through similarly to that of Jesus. As previously discussed, because of Edmunds betrayal, Aslan died to save him, much like Jesus died for sinners. In Matthew 27:32-56, the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ, we can see more physical relations to “Narnia”. Jesus died on a cross, just as Aslan died on “the Stone Table”. Also, as Jesus went to Paradise after he died, bringing the believers of God from the dead into Heaven (Matthew 27:52), it is the same as the statues that were once living creatures were brought back to life after Aslan breathed onto them. One of the last comparisons between the death of Jesus and the death of Aslan, is the mourning after the death of each respective followers’ savior. The women of Jerusalem mourned the death of Jesus after he died and were the ones who tended to his body and were the first ones to see his resurrection. This is the same for Susan and Lucy, who did the same for Aslan. In all of these physical comparisons, we can see a biblical allegory of the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Christ through “Narnia”.
Tom M.
ReplyDeleteBlock F
Jesus was the savior to all of his followers and the kingdom of God, just as Aslan was to his followers and the kingdom of Narnia. Through both stories we can see human complexities in relation to supernatural or spiritual divinities. Betrayal, compassion, forgiveness, courage, failure, evil, goodness, and triumph were all explored throughout C.S. Lewis’s novel. Likewise, these reoccurring themes are explored deeply as well throughout much of the Bible, especially through Jesus’s teachings. The fact that Jesus died for our sins in the same way that Aslan died to save a sinner is very interesting. Only an entity based on true compassion and utter selflessness would have the passion within them to commit such a glorious and saving act. Because of this act of true savior qualities, both were resurrected from the dead, to come once more for their people in their time of need. Through the resurrection of Christ, the religion of Christianity gained a savior for their sins, and eternal paradise in Heaven. This is the same through Aslan’s resurrection, as Narnia was given a rebirth of life and a savior for its people from the White Witch. Both scripture and C.S. Lewis’s work describe these happenings of resurrection as a glorious act of revolution. However, Lewis seems to describe Aslan’s resurrection in a more colorful and descriptive manner, whereas scripture desribes Jesus’s rise from the dead as an emotional and magnificent act of rebirth and revelation. These differences are clear to understand due to the act that “Narnia” is a children’s book, wheras the Bible is a sacred religious text for one of the world’s biggest religions. Nonetheless, the manifestations and messianic state that both resurrections brought to the followers of their saviors is seen clearly through both texts.
Tom M.
ReplyDeleteBlock F
To be completely honest, before this project, I never was able to notice the similarities between the life of Jesus Christ through the scripture of the Bible in comparison to the events in C.S. Lewis’s “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”. I read C.S. Lewis’s book quite a while ago as a child, and having been brought up in the Christian faith all my life, I have been constantly been taught the morals of Christ as well as the story of his life, death, and resurrection. However, I really just didn’t notice the clear similarities; they went right over my head. Usually when I read, I tend to focus solely on the story at hand, instead of analyzing it’s content in comparison to another work, so that could be a contributing factor in my obliviousness. However, my age at the time of reading “Narnia” could be one as well. Nevertheless, it was only now did I ever truly see the parallel stories, and I have to say, it’s quite interesting how C.S. Lewis tells his tale. C.S. Lewis takes the story of Christ through a supernatural, fantasy style route. He takes the story of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection into a land where animals talk, brothers betray siblings, and a constant corrupted land of winter that can only be saved by an anthropomorphic lion. This isn’t surprising at all really. For many writers have taken the teachings surrounding the fact that sinners may be forgiven and saved granting them an eternal life through a messiah through all sorts of routes. What is the real surprising notion however, is that some readers of C.S. Lewis’s work reject the possibility of his writings to be in any relation to Christian teachings at all. While I am always the one to preach a work of literature is up for interpretation, I see it very hard to not see the comparisons here, that is, if you haven’t been taught the story of Christ’s death beforehand. The similarities are very present, as well as the emotions behind them. Aslan was a savior to the Pevensie children in the same way that Jesus was to his followers. And just as Aslan died to save Edmund’s life for his sins, Jesus died to save all sinners. Believe it if you want, but I can safely say I have been convinced that C.S. Lewis’s work is an allegory of the story of the passion of Christ. These two works cohesively tell a tale of bravery, confliction, forgiveness, compassion, and redemption. One of the key facts however that I saw within both works, is that even in our darkest hours, even when all hope seems lost, there is a shining light within all of us that can hold out for liberation, for saving, be it by our own motives or the faith that lies within a savior, the faith is there. Both Jesus and Aslan gave their lives to save their followers, only to be resurrected and come again to save their people once more. It’s truly an amazing thing to see two completely different genres of writing tell their own story in different yet similar ways.
Moriah
ReplyDelete“There are only three possibilities. Either your sister is telling lies, or she is mad, or she is telling the truth. You know she doesn’t tell lies and it is obvious that she is not mad. For the moment then and unless any further evidence turns up, we must assume that she is telling the truth… But do you really mean sir, said Peter, that there could be other worlds—all over the place—just around the corner—like that? Nothing is more probable, said the Professor.” (Lewis, 49-50)
This part of the novel the two older siblings of the four, Peter and Susan, are talking to the professor who owns that house where they are staying, and of course the wardrobe. Lucy has told her brother and sister of going into the wardrobe and all that she has seen in there. Like any sane person would, they thought Lucy was telling lies or going mad. The quote shows parallels to the theme of “Truth” in the Bible. After reading it, it reminded me of this passage in the Bible, “1 John 1:8 --If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” Peter and Susan did not believe Lucy although they did say before that she never lies. Though this may seem far-fetched, I think in this quote, it is almost as if Peter and Susan are saying that they do not sin.
And by that, they can’t know the truth or understand it. The reader knows that Lucy is telling the truth but just because it seems like it can’t be true doesn’t mean that it isn’t. I think that is why a lot of people don’t believe in God and His word. Just because they can’t see or touch Him, they don’t believe. Sometimes people just have to believe.
While they were looking at this they heard a sound of music in there right; and turning in that direction, they saw what they had come to see. Aslan stood in the center of the crowd of creatures who had grouped themselves round him in the shape of a half –moon… For when they tried to look at Aslan’s face they just caught the glimpse of the golden mane and the great, royal, solemn, overwhelming eyes; and then they found they couldn’t look at him and went all trembly.” (Lewis, 126-128)
ReplyDeleteThis scene in the story I would have to say is one of my favorites! When Aslan is described this quote gives a great and beautiful image of this magnificent Lion. Aslan is introduced not only to the reader but to the rest of the Pevensie children. (Note that Edmund is still being held by the White Witch.) I’m sure you may have guessed by now, but in relation to the Bible, Aslan parallels God especially God the Son. In the Bible, God is often depicted as being too overwhelming to see. Take Moses for example. When he came down from Mount Sinai his face was glowing and his hair, white for he had seen the face of God. The quote “the glimpse of the golden mane and the great, royal, solemn, overwhelming eyes; and then they found they couldn’t look at him and went all trembly”, definitely portrays a parallel to God in that He is so perfect and great, that looking at him is too much! Later on in this book, Aslan also dies for Edmund to save his life from the Witch. Here, Aslan shows comparisons to Jesus. Jesus also took the place of those He loved by dying for them. Again, though they aren’t totally similar, for Jesus died for all and Aslan for Edmund, they both display that of true love; laying down your life for your friends. As a Christian, this is one of the most encouraging facts of life. It thrills me to know that despite my sinful nature and constant failure, Jesus made the way for me to still have eternal life with Him even though I don’t deserve it! (Bible reference: Luke 23-24.)
Moriah
ReplyDelete“That night, they slept where they were. How Aslan provided food for them all I don’t know; but somehow or other they found themselves all sitting down on the grass to a fine high tea…” (Lewis, 179)
In the final pages of the Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe, Aslan and His army, including Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy all defeat the Witch during the battle between good and evil. The triumphant ending to this novel has definitely reassured me of the promise God has made to His children. That of eternal life where there will be no more death, or fear, or evil. Being a Christian, the excitement I feel or awe when I feel and see God working is truly amazing and I know because of His Word that paradise for my life and my brothers and sisters in Christ will come. This final quote in relation to the Bible reminded me of the story where Jesus feeds the 5,000. Matthew 14 says, “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish…Bring them here to me,” he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.” It was a miracle that Aslan could feed His army and satisfies them after the battle. To the Pevensies, it was a mystery. The disciples too were in disbelief of the miracles of Jesus. Imagine 5,000 people and only a small amount of food that filled each of them! It blows my mind, the amazing works of Jesus Christ and the many promises of God through His Son. Or course I struggle, but I know that I am still loved beyond belief by my Powerful and Wonderful Maker who made it possible for me to, live guilt free from my wrong doings and to live eternally with Him!