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The Chronicles of Narnia
The big movie for Christmas 2005 was Disney’s brand new version of ‘The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe’. Starring Tilda Swinton, Jim Broadbent, Sophie Winkleman, and the voices of Rupert Everett, Liam Neeson, Ray Winstone and Dawn French, the film is a visual feast mixing state of the art animation and live action to bring this classic tale to the big screen.
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. (Clive Staples) Lewis are some of the best loved classic children’s books in the English Language. By far the best known is ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’, which almost all British children will encounter at some point in their school career. They are enchanted by the stories of this magical world and many go on to read and re-read the whole series of books.
Fifty five years after they were first published the stories can still enrapture children, as I can verify having read ‘The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe’ to my own children in anticipation of watching the film. I was begged to continue reading the series – I loved them so much that they were some of the few children’s which books I had kept!
Lewis published the first book of the series in 1950 and the subsequent six books annually until 1956. He is quoted as saying that ‘I wrote the books which I should have liked to read’, and explained that he could not find the books that he wanted, so he wrote them himself.
Lewis’ Christian beliefs infuse all his works to a greater or lesser degree. His book ‘The Screwtape Letters’ are a series of letters from an old devil to a much younger one, suggesting ways in which he might successfully tempt mankind. The purpose of the book was of course to warn the reader of the temptations which may be put in their way.
‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ has the most obvious Biblical parallels; Aslan, son of a more powerful Lion who is never seen, is put to death to save the life of traitor Edmund. However a greater magic works to bring Aslan back to life and banish the evil White Witch for ever. The subsequent books are more subtle in their approach, and rather than a straight retelling of bible stories, Lewis alludes to biblical themes and shows Aslan constantly testing the faith and strength of his followers, both Human and Narnian. If they fail, they are forgiven and Aslan always love them.
The books were not an instant success; however their popularity grew by word of mouth until they all became best sellers. With the release of this new movie, a whole new generation of children have been introduced to the magical world of Narnia.
About the Author: Jacqui O’Brien is the editor of eParenting.
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