DOCSLIB.ORG

'Further up and Further

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
'Further up and Further ‘Further Up and Further In’ Biblical Themes and Imagery in C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia Name: James Hannan BA. ID No: 0811181 University: Mary Immaculate College. Award: Master of Arts by Research and Dissertation. Supervisor: Dr. Jessie Rogers. Internal Examiner: Dr. Eamonn Conway. External Examiner: Dr. Michael Howlett. Word Count: 59,358. Submitted to the University of Limerick, September 2013 0 ABSTRACT Clive Staples Lewis is one of the most popular and renowned authors and lay theologians of the twentieth century. Lewis is best known for The Chronicles of Narnia series, which has sold more than 100 million copies worldwide. As a committed Anglican who was well versed in the Bible, Lewis wrote extensively on the subject of Christianity. Lewis’ thoughts on the subject were not confined to just his academic writings; his fictional work which also includes The Screwtape Letters and The Space Trilogy has biblical allusions permeating the narratives. This dissertation comprehensively explores biblical themes in The Chronicles of Narnia. I have identified the allusions throughout the Narnian heptalogy and have catalogued and analyzed them within the overarching themes of Christology, Creationism, the Trinity and Eschatology. This literary study has been enhanced by researching authorial intention in that I have also corroborated Lewis’ theological stance as expressed within his academic writings. In light of the patterns discerned in Lewis’ use of the Bible, I conclude that Lewis uses a Christocentric reading of both Old and New Testaments and that he follows a Christian reading of the canonical biblical metanarrative. Although biblical allusion is pervasive, the primary reason for it is to fill out the figure of Aslan and establish him as the Christ figure in Narnia. i DECLARATION I declare that this dissertation – ‘Further Up and Further In’: Biblical Themes and Imagery in C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia - is my own work. All quotations from other sources are duly acknowledged and referenced. _______________________________ James J. Hannan. _______________________________ 13 September 2013. ii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I wish to thank my advisor Jessie Rogers for her help throughout the writing of this dissertation. Thank you for making yourself so available for meetings and for replying quickly to the hundreds of emails which I inundated you with. For reading through several drafts and guiding me throughout the process. I would also like to thank Dr. Eamonn Conway for his advice and encouragement along the way and providing me with an opportunity for postgraduate study. A huge thank you and all my love to my wife Emily Hannan for giving me the time and the quiet house I needed to read and write and also for her uncompromising support throughout the process. I love you most of all. Also a special thank you to Reverend Michael Biven who as a lifelong follower of the writings of C.S. Lewis, had amassed a large library of his work which he so graciously shared with me. Thank you to my mother in law Janet Ray and my son Fíonn for their love and prayers. My sincerest thanks to all of you, without your assistance and your support this dissertation would have been almost impossible. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract ....................................................................................................................................... i Declaration................................................................................................................................. ii Acknowledgments .................................................................................................................... iii Chapter 1 - Introduction ......................................................................................................... 1 1.1 - Methodology ................................................................................................................. 2 1.2 - C.S. Lewis as a Reader of Scripture. ............................................................................. 4 1.3 - C.S. Lewis’ Bible ........................................................................................................ 12 1.4 - Literary Allusion ......................................................................................................... 14 1.5 - The Chronicles of Narnia Synopsis ............................................................................. 16 Chapter 2 - Aslan as Jesus: Christological Themes ........................................................... 26 2.1 - Lewis on Aslan as Christ ............................................................................................. 27 2.2 - Symbolic Associations of Lions .................................................................................. 30 2.3 - Aslan as Redeemer ...................................................................................................... 33 2.4 - Brief Appearances of Aslan ........................................................................................ 44 2.5 - Aslan References ......................................................................................................... 51 Chapter 3 - The Chronicles of Narnia and Genesis 1-3 ..................................................... 55 3.1 - Genesis 1-3 .................................................................................................................. 56 3.2 - Lewis on Genesis ........................................................................................................ 60 3.3 - The Creation of Narnia ................................................................................................ 60 3.4 - Narnia and Genesis 3................................................................................................... 70 3.5 - The Influence of Milton’s Paradise Lost .................................................................... 76 Chapter 4 - Echoes of the Trinity in Narnia ....................................................................... 84 4.1 - The Emperor-Beyond-the-Sea..................................................................................... 86 4.2 - The Holy Spirit in Narnia ............................................................................................ 88 4.3 - Father Christmas ......................................................................................................... 91 4.4 - Myself ......................................................................................................................... 95 iv Chapter 5 - Eschatology in Narnia ....................................................................................... 99 5.1 - The Beast and the False Prophet ............................................................................... 100 5.2 - Narnia and the Olivet Discourse ............................................................................... 101 5.3 - Emeth – The Anonymous Narnian ............................................................................ 107 5.4 - The End of Narnia ..................................................................................................... 109 5.5 - Lewis on Purgatory and Heaven ............................................................................... 112 5.6 - Lewis on Eschatology ............................................................................................... 119 Chapter 6 - Minor Themes ................................................................................................. 122 6.1 - Mosaic Themes in Narnia ......................................................................................... 122 6.2 - Remembering Commandments ................................................................................. 129 6.3 - Temptation in Narnia ................................................................................................ 130 6.4 - Communion/Eucharist in Narnia ............................................................................... 135 6.5 - Pride .......................................................................................................................... 138 6.6 - Water Which Quenches Thirst .................................................................................. 142 Chapter 7 – Lewis’ Use of the Bible: Approach, Stance and Filter ................................ 144 7.1 - Approach ................................................................................................................... 148 7.2 - Stance ........................................................................................................................ 159 7.3 - Filter .......................................................................................................................... 161 Chapter 8 - Conclusion ....................................................................................................... 165 8.1 - Patterns Discerned in Lewis’ Use of Scripture. ........................................................ 168 8.2 - Where Lewis Uses the Bible ..................................................................................... 173 8.3 – The Function of the Biblical Allusions .................................................................... 174 Bibliography ......................................................................................................................... 179 Appendices ..........................................................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S Lewis. Introduction
    The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S Lewis. Introduction Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie are four siblings sent to live in the country with the eccentric Professor Kirke during World War II. The children explore the house on a rainy day and Lucy, the youngest, finds an enormous wardrobe. Lucy steps inside and finds herself in a strange, snowy wood. Lucy encounters the Faun Tumnus, who is surprised to meet a human girl. Tumnus tells Lucy that she has entered Narnia, a different world. Tumnus invites Lucy to tea, and she accepts. Lucy and Tumnus have a wonderful tea, but the faun bursts into tears and confesses that he is a servant of the evil White Witch. The Witch has enchanted Narnia so that it is always winter and never Christmas. Tumnus explains that he has been enlisted to capture human beings. Lucy implores Tumnus to release her, and he agrees. Lucy exits Narnia and eagerly tells her siblings about her adventure in the wardrobe. They do not believe her, however. Lucy's siblings insist that Lucy was only gone for seconds and not for hours as she claims. When the Pevensie children look in the back of the wardrobe they see that it is an ordinary piece of furniture. Edmund teases Lucy mercilessly about her imaginary country until one day when he sees her vanishing into the wardrobe. Edmund follows Lucy and finds himself in Narnia as well. He does not see Lucy, and instead meets the White Witch that Tumnus told Lucy about. The Witch Witch introduces herself to Edmund as the Queen of Narnia.
    [Show full text]
  • Following Narnia® Volume 1: the Lion's Song
    Following Narnia® Volume 1: The Lion’s Song Writing Lessons in Structure and Style Student Book by Laura Bettis Third Edition, January 2016 Institute for Excellence in Writing, L.L.C. Narnia, The World of Narnia, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and Narnia.com are trademarks of C.S. Lewis Pte. Ltd. The Chronicles of NarniaSample is a U.S. Registered Trademark of C.S. Lewis Pte. Ltd. These are Sample Pages for preview only. Copyrighted Material. Also by Laura Bettis Following Narnia® Volume 1: Writing Lessons in Structure and Style Teacher’s Manual The purchase of this book entitles its owner to a free downloadable copy of The Student Resource Notebook and the Following Narnia Volume 1: The Lion’s Song Reproducible Checklists e-book. (See the blue page for complete download instructions.) Copyright Policy Following Narnia® Volume 1: The Lion’s Song Writing Lessons in Structure and Style Third Edition, January 2016 Copyright © 2012, 2016 Laura Bettis. All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-62341-238-8 Our duplicating/copying policy for this Student Book: All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the author, except as provided by USA copyright law and the specific policy below: Home use: The purchaser may copy this Student Book for use by multiple children within his or her immediate family. Small group or co-op classes: Each participating student or family is required to purchase a Student Book.
    [Show full text]
  • The Horse and His Boy
    Quick Card: The horse and his boy The Horse and His Boy, by C. S. Lewis. Reference ISBN: 9780007588541 Shasta, a Northerner enslaved to a Calormene fisherman, dreams of escape to the free North of Archenland. With the help of a talking horse named Bree, Shasta flees, meeting another pair of fugitives along the way: Plot Aravis and her talking horse Hwin. As they journey northwards, the four uncover a plot by Rabadash, the prince of Calormene, to conquer Archenland and threaten the peace of the northern lands. They race to warn the Archenlanders and rally the Narnians to their aid. This story is set during the Golden reign of the Pevensie children: Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy. Calormene- A land South of Narnia, it is home to cruel, pagan slave lords: the Tarquins. Setting Narnia- Home of the four kings and queens of legend and kingdom of the lion Aslan, the Son of the King Beyond the Sea. Archenland- Borderland between Calormene and Narnia, populated by free people whose loyalty is to Narnia and Aslan. Shasta- The protagonist of the piece is a young boy, uneducated and neglected. Though he is immature, he has an inbred longing for freedom and justice and an indomitable hope to escape to the free North. Bree recognizes at once that he must be “of true Northern stock.” Bree- Pompous and self-important, the Narnian horse brags about his knowledge of the North and plays the courageous war-horse though he is really a coward at heart. Despite his boorish tone, he is a loyal friend.
    [Show full text]
  • The Shifting Perils of the Strange and the Familiar’: Representations of the Orient in Children's Fantasy Literature
    ‘The shifting perils of the strange and the familiar’: representations of the Orient in children's fantasy literature by Farah Ismail Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Magister Artium (English) In the Faculty of Humanities University of Pretoria Pretoria 2010 Supervisor: Ms. Molly Brown © University of Pretoria Acknowledgments I would like to thank: Ms. Molly Brown, for her guidance and support My parents, Suliman and Faaiqa Ismail, for their support and encouragement Mrs Idette Noomé, for her help with the Afrikaans translation of the summary Yvette Samson, whose boundless enthusiasm has been an immense inspiration © University of Pretoria Summary This thesis investigates the function of representations of the Orient in fantasy literature for children with a focus on The Chronicles of Narnia as exemplifying its most problematic manifestation. According to Edward Said (2003:1-2), the Orient is one of Europe’s ‘deepest and most recurring images of the Other… [which]…has helped to define Europe (or the West) as its contrasting image, idea, personality, experience.’ However, values are grouped around otherness1 in fantasy literature as in no other genre, facilitating what J.R.R. Tolkien (2001:58) identifies as Recovery, the ‘regaining of a clear view… [in order that] the things seen clearly may be freed from the drab blur of triteness or familiarity.’ In Chapter One, it is argued that this gives the way the genre deals with spaces and identities characterized as Oriental, which in Western stories are themselves vested with qualities of strangeness, a peculiar significance. Specifically, new ways of perceiving the function of representations of the Other are explored in the genre of fantasy.
    [Show full text]
  • An Introduction to Narnia - Part II: the Geography of the Chronicles
    Volume 2 Number 3 Article 5 Winter 1-15-1971 An Introduction to Narnia - Part II: The Geography of the Chronicles J. R. Christopher Follow this and additional works at: https://dc.swosu.edu/mythlore Part of the Children's and Young Adult Literature Commons Recommended Citation Christopher, J. R. (1971) "An Introduction to Narnia - Part II: The Geography of the Chronicles," Mythlore: A Journal of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams, and Mythopoeic Literature: Vol. 2 : No. 3 , Article 5. Available at: https://dc.swosu.edu/mythlore/vol2/iss3/5 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Mythopoeic Society at SWOSU Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Mythlore: A Journal of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams, and Mythopoeic Literature by an authorized editor of SWOSU Digital Commons. An ADA compliant document is available upon request. For more information, please contact [email protected]. To join the Mythopoeic Society go to: http://www.mythsoc.org/join.htm Mythcon 51: A VIRTUAL “HALFLING” MYTHCON July 31 - August 1, 2021 (Saturday and Sunday) http://www.mythsoc.org/mythcon/mythcon-51.htm Mythcon 52: The Mythic, the Fantastic, and the Alien Albuquerque, New Mexico; July 29 - August 1, 2022 http://www.mythsoc.org/mythcon/mythcon-52.htm Abstract Part two is an overview of the geography of Narnia based on textual clues and maps. Speculates on the meaning of the geography in theological and metaphysical terms. Additional Keywords Lewis, C.S. Chronicles of Narnia—Geography This article is available in Mythlore: A Journal of J.R.R.
    [Show full text]
  • Trncfjanti NG THT I MAG I NATION
    trNCFJANTING THT IMAG I NATION ln TheLion, TheWitch and the Wardrobe,the first book writerJ.R.R.Tolkien; the two men began Lewiswrote aboutNarnia, four British children aresent a writing-and-discussiongroup called to live with an old professorduring the bombings the Inklings. Tolkien and other Inklings of London in World War II. Each of the children is a played alargerole in helpingLewis came little like all of us: Lucy has a childlike trust and the face-to-facewith the claimsof the Gospel wonder of innocence,Edmund carriesthe resentment ofJesusChrist. As a Christianapologist, and one-upmanshipof ordinary selfishness,Susan Lewis wrote some of the 20th century's representsthe skepticismof the almost-grown,and Peter most important books on faith (The showsthe impartialityand valor to which eachof us Screw tape Letter s, MereChristianity, longs to be called. SutyrisedbyJoy, The Great Divorce) as c.s. tEwls ATHts DESK StorySummary THE LEWISFAMILY WARDROBE well as the sevenNarnia Chronicles. While exploringthe house,Lucy the youngest,climbs through a magicwardrobe Why Did Lewis Write the Chronicles? into Narnia,a land of talking animalsand m;,thicalcreatures who areunder the Lewis himselfstated that the taleswere not allegoriesand thereforeshould not evil White Witch'sspell of endlesswinter. When Lucy returns,her brothersand be "decoded."He preferredto think of them as "supposals,"as he explainedin 'supposing sisterdont believeher tale.Edmund entersNarnia a few dayslater and meetsthe this letter to a young woman namedAnne: "I askedmyself, that White Witch, who feedshim TurkishDelight and promisesto makehim a prince therereally was a world like Narnia and supposingit had (like our world) gone of Narnia if he will bring his siblingsto her.
    [Show full text]
  • The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden
    Quick Card: The Magician’s Nephew The Magician’s Nephew, by C.S. Lewis. Reference ISBN: 978-0439861342 Digory’s Uncle Andrew, a magician, gives him a magical ring that sends him, together with his neighbor friend Polly, to a bridge between worlds. Through this portal, the children enter the dying world of Charn and Plot awaken its malicious Queen Jadis, inadvertently leading her into another world, newly created Narnia. Can Digory rescue Narnia from the queen’s subversive plans? London, England - The Victorian era The Wood Between the Worlds – a bridge between various mythical lands Charn – a dying world in which the children encounter the malevolent Setting Queen Jadis. Narnia – a magical land, newly created, ruled by its creator, Aslan. A single, day in London in Digory’s childhood Digory Kirke, (protagonist) A 13-year-old boy, whose mother is suffering from an unknown illness. They live in London with his Aunt Letty and Uncle Andrew. Polly Plummer, Digory’s next door neighbor and friend. Uncle Andrew, an amateur magician whose cowardice and ulterior motives put Digory, Polly, and more than one world in real danger. Aunt Letty, Uncle Andrew’s spinster sister, who runs the household and dutifully and selflessly cares for everyone in it. Characters Jadis, ambitious and cruel queen of the dying world, Charn. Cabby and Nellie, hard-working English country folks inadvertently affected by the drama with Jadis. They become the first humans and royalty in Narnia. Mrs. Kirke, Digory’s beloved, sick mother. Strawberry (aka Fledge), the cabby’s cab horse, who is selected by Aslan as one of the first of Narnia’s talking beasts.
    [Show full text]
  • An Introduction to the Chronicles of Narnia
    Table of Contents Introductory Material Meet the Author ............................................................................................................. 4 An Introduction to The Chronicles of Narnia .......................................................... 5 Using This Teacher’s Guide ..........................................................................................6 Creating a Journal ...........................................................................................................7 The Magician’s Nephew Introduction ..................................................................................................................10 Worksheets and Activities ..........................................................................................11 Final Test ........................................................................................................................38 The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Introduction ..................................................................................................................39 Worksheets and Activities ..........................................................................................40 Final Test ........................................................................................................................67 The Horse and His Boy Introduction ..................................................................................................................68 Worksheets and Activities ..........................................................................................69
    [Show full text]
  • Filozofická Fakulta Univerzity Palackého
    UNIVERZITA PALACKÉHO V OLOMOUCI FILOZOFICKÁ FAKULTA Katedra anglistiky a amerikanistiky A Comparative Analysis of Two Czech Translations of The Chronicles of Narnia with Focus on Domestication and Foreignization Diplomová práce Autor: Bc. Kateřina Gabrielová Studijní obor: Angličtina se zaměřením na tlumočení a překlad Vedoucí: Mgr. Ondřej Molnár Olomouc 2016 Prohlašuji, že jsem tuto diplomovou práci vypracovala samostatně a uvedla úplný seznam citované a použité literatury. V Olomouci dne ............................ Podpis:............................ Motto: What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Acknowledgement I would like to express my gratitude to my supervisor Mgr. Ondřej Molnár for his supportive and patient guidance, as well as to my family and friends for their endless support. Abstract This Master’s thesis aimed at comparing translating of proper names in two Czech translations of The Chronicles of Narnia from the point of view of domestication and foreignization. Domestication and foreignization are global translations strategies dealing with to what degree texts are adjusted to the target culture. One of the challenges related to domestication and foreignization is translation of proper names. In the research, proper names are analyzed via the two translation strategies. The translations used for the analysis were performed by the translators Renata Ferstová and Veronika Volhejnová respectively. Key words domestication, foreignization, naturalization, alienating, translation of proper names, The Chronicles of Narnia Anotace Tato diplomová práce se zabývá komparativní analýzou překladu vlastních jmen ve dvou českých překladech Letopisů Narnie z pohledu domestikace a exotizace. Domestikace a exotizace jsou definovány jako globální překladatelské strategie, které řeší do jaké míry je překlad přizpůsoben cílové kultuře. Jeden z fenoménů, který je zahrnut do problematiky domestikace a exotizace je překlad vlastních jmen.
    [Show full text]
  • In Search of Narnia on a Platonic Map of Progressive Cognition
    Volume 22 Number 1 Article 3 10-15-1997 In Search of Narnia on a Platonic Map of Progressive Cognition Samuel T. Joeckel Follow this and additional works at: https://dc.swosu.edu/mythlore Recommended Citation Joeckel, Samuel T. (1997) "In Search of Narnia on a Platonic Map of Progressive Cognition," Mythlore: A Journal of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams, and Mythopoeic Literature: Vol. 22 : No. 1 , Article 3. Available at: https://dc.swosu.edu/mythlore/vol22/iss1/3 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Mythopoeic Society at SWOSU Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Mythlore: A Journal of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams, and Mythopoeic Literature by an authorized editor of SWOSU Digital Commons. An ADA compliant document is available upon request. For more information, please contact [email protected]. To join the Mythopoeic Society go to: http://www.mythsoc.org/join.htm Mythcon 51: A VIRTUAL “HALFLING” MYTHCON July 31 - August 1, 2021 (Saturday and Sunday) http://www.mythsoc.org/mythcon/mythcon-51.htm Mythcon 52: The Mythic, the Fantastic, and the Alien Albuquerque, New Mexico; July 29 - August 1, 2022 http://www.mythsoc.org/mythcon/mythcon-52.htm Abstract Discusses Plato’s allegory of the cave and theory of Forms in relation to the physical and mental progression in the Chronicles of Narnia—from our world, to Narnia, to the Real Narnia, the transformed garden of the Western Wild, and beyond. Additional Keywords Lewis, C.S. Chronicles of Narnia; Plato.
    [Show full text]
  • Feels Like Always Winter but Never Christmas at Your House?
    Feels like always winter but never Christmas at your house? Then it’s time for you to follow the Red Robin through the woods to your very own… N ARNIAC FINA L EXA M F O R LITT LE O N E S 5)))))))))))))))%How to Take this Test 1. Miss Prizzle says: “Class, this exam covers all seven Chronicles. Sit up straight, think hard, and do not blub. You may, however, suck your paw.” 2. Dr. Cornelius says: “Do not write in this book for the simple reason that you or someone else might want to take the same test later. Instead, you should download a copy from RoarofNarnia.com. Or you could make a photocopy of these pages or simply write your answers on a separate sheet.” 3. Pattertwig says: “Look! Look! You can look in the books for help as you go! If you want!” 4. Glimfeather the Owl says, “Whoo, whoo, wh-when you’re done, find the correct answers starting on page 439. Then add up your total score and claim your honors (see end of this test)!” 5. Aslan says, “I love you, little one. Have fun!” Narniac Final Exam for Little Ones 317 Feels like always winter but never Christmas at your house? Then it’s time for you to follow the Red Robin through the woods to your very own… N ARNIAC FINA L EXA M F O R LITT LE O N E S 5)))))))))))))))%How to Take this Test 1. Miss Prizzle says: “Class, this exam covers all seven Chronicles.
    [Show full text]
  • Prince Caspian, the Calormenes Son of Caspian IX, Narnia Prince Col, in Telmar Behave Born
    DRAFT G INTERIOR des3.qxd 11/10/07 15:50 Page 1 Prince Caspian, The Calormenes son of Caspian IX, Narnia Prince Col, in Telmar behave born. Caspian IX From Beginning younger son of very wickedly and The Pevensies murdered by his to End King Frank V of Aslan turns them hunt the White brother Miraz, Caspian X Narnia, leads into dumb beasts. Stag and vanish who usurps the defeats the followers into The country lies out of Narnia throne Northern Giants Archenland in waste. King Outbreak of and becomes Gale of Narnia outlaws in first King of delivers the Lone King Peter raids Prince Caspian Lantern Waste. that country Islands from a Northern Giants. escapes from his Towers built to dragon and is Queen Susan and uncle Miraz. Civil guard that region made Emperor by King Edmund war in Narnia. Creation of their grateful The Pevensies visit the Court of Caspian summons Narnia. Beasts inhabitants The White arrive in Narnia. Calormen. King the Pevensies The Queen killed Rebellion of Shift made able to talk. Pirates from our Witch, Jadis, The treachery of Lune of back to Narnia by a serpent. the Ape. King Digory plants the world take returns into Edmund. The Archenland with Queen Rilian disappears Tirian rescued by Tree of Protection. Outlaws from The empire of possession of Narnia out of the sacrifice of Aslan. discovers his long- Susan’s magic Eustace and Jill. The White Witch, Archenland fly Calormen spreads Telmar far north The White Witch lost son Prince The Telmarines horn. Aided by Narnia in the Jadis, enters across the mightily.
    [Show full text]