Prince Caspian--C.S. Lewis Part 1

Hello all! I am finally getting to a book review! I'm only going to cover chapters 1-5 today. Be sure to read the other Narnia posts, if you haven't done so already!

Title: Prince Caspian: The Return to Narnia
Author: C.S. Lewis

Published: Originally published in 1951, it has been re-printed many times over the years. The particular copies I am reviewing are the same ones Dad read to us over the years, they are pretty old and falling apart! :-) (My brother Andrew has a newer copy with all the books in one collected version, however, I am still reading the old ones. :-)) Anyway, this particular copy is printed from Collier Books sometime in the 1970s.

Background Information: See other posts on C.S. Lewis and Narnia. Also, overall I like Prince Caspian, but it probably isn't my favorite in the series. Still has lots of humor though! :-)

Prince Caspian...
Here is how the first couple of pages start...

"Once there were four children whose names were Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy, and it as been told in another book called The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe how they had a remarkable adventure. They had opened the door of a magic wardrobe and found themselves in a quite different world from ours, and in that different world they had become Kings and Queens in a country called Narnia. While they were in Narnia they seemed to reign for years and years; but when they came back through the door and found themselves in England again, it all seemed to have taken no time at all. At any rate, no one noticed that they had ever been away, and they never told anyone except one very wise grown-up. That had all happened a year ago, and now all four of them were sitting on a seat at a railway station with trunks and playboxes piled up round them. They were, in fact, on their way back to school. They had travelled together as far as this station, which was a junction; and here, in a few minutes, one train would arrive and take the girls away to one school, and in about half an hour another train would arrive and the boys would go off to another school. The first part of the journey, when they were all together always seemed to be part of the holidays; but now when they would be saying good-bye and going different ways so soon, everyone felt that the holidays were really over and everyone felt their term-time feelings beginning again, and they were all rather gloomy and no-one could think of anything to say. Lucy was going to boarding school for the first time." (p. 1-2)

After this, we learn that the railway station where they are is basically empty except for the kids. Lucy suddenly cries out (the book describes it as "like someone who has been stung by a wasp" (p 2)). Soon all of the children are crying out and feel as if they are being "pulled" Edmund says that it must be magic, and all the children hold hands and suddenly the railway station disappears and they are in a "woody place." Lucy wonders if they are in Narnia! After some difficulty they get out of the wooded area and find themselves on an island. They are delighted and begin wading in the water. After a bit, Susan points out that they need to "make some plans." A lengthy discussion ensues about what food they have and how they will find food, the four of them then do some exploring and they find a stream and some apple trees. They determine that the island must have been inhabited at one time. Soon they find some ancient ruins of a house and begin exploring, and they all have the feeling that somehow this place is familiar. They realize that it reminds them of their old castle at Cair Paravel!

They realize it is getting late and begin making preparations for the night, building a fire and eating the apples. Susan goes to get a drink from the well and comes back with a chess piece, and they recognize it as one of their old pieces from when they used to reign in Narnia. Peter says: "Now, it's about time we four started using our brains." (p. 16) Peter tells them that they are at the ruins of Cair Paravel! They discuss this at length and Edmund points out that they've only been gone a year though.

They remember that there should be a door, if they are at the right place, after some exploring and tearing down some ivy, they create an opening and with Edmund's new "electric torch" (flashlight) they go in! After going down some stairs, they find themselves in the treasure chamber. They recognize things and realize that that they really are at Cair Paravel! Remembering that they don't want to waste the battery, they gather up their gifts, Peter's sword/shield, Susan's arrows, and Lucy's bottle. Lucy notices that Susan's special horn is not there though. Susan says: "Oh bother, bother bother, I remember now. I took it with me the last day of all, the day we went hunting the White Stag. It must have got lost when we blundered back into that other place--England, I mean." (p. 24) (I love how she says "blundered back into that other place--England I mean" :-) ) They feel disappointed by this, as they are sure the horn would've come in handy for them. Peter wonders if Susan's bow strings still work, and Susan tests them, and they do! Peter looks at his sword, and remembers how he killed the wolf with it, then they all remember again about the battery and go back up the stairs. They all get settled on the ground for the night.

Chapter 3 begins:

"The worst of sleeping out of doors is that you wake up so dreadfully early. And when you wake you have to get up because the ground is so hard that you are uncomfortable. And it make matters worse if there is nothing but apples for breakfast and you have had nothing but apples for supper the night before. When Lucy had said--truly enough--that it was a glorious morning, there did not seem to be anything else nice to be said. Edmund said what everyone was feeling. "We've simply got to get off this island."" (p.26)

They begin discussing how to leave the island, swimming is suggested, however Lucy and Edmund can't swim well. Lucy wonders if since they were able to swim in Narnia last time if they would remember how to now. The rest are doubtful though, since they were grownups back then. Something occurs to Edmund and begins talking about how that it's only been a year since they left, but it looks like it has been hundreds of years since anyone lived at Cair Paravel, and when they got back home the last time, hardly any time had passed. He concludes by saying: "And that means, that once you're out of Narnia, you have no idea how Narnian time is going. Why shouldn't hundred of years have gone past in Narnia while only one year has passed for us in England?" (p.28)

The others are excited about this idea and agree with it. They are interrupted when they see a boat with two soldiers inside and someone tied up. The children hide and watch what happens. The soldiers are about the throw the tied up person (a Dwarf) overboard, when Susan shoots an arrow. Both soldiers are so frightened that they leave the Dwarf in the boat and swim away!
Peter and Susan rush into the water to bring the boat to shore and Edmund cuts the Dwarf loose. When the Dwarf is free he says: "Well, whatever they say, you don't feel like ghosts." (p. 30) He also tells them that he is "obliged" to them. Lucy wonders why they would be ghosts. The Dwarf then tells them that there has been rumors of ghosts on this island for years, which is why the soldiers left as fast as they did. :-)

The children ask why they were going to drown the dwarf, and he tells them that it is a long story and asks about having some breakfast. They inform him that all they is apples, and the Dwarf suggests fish. Peter is somewhat disgusted with himself for not thinking of that before. So, they all go in the boat, and catch some fish, and then have a somewhat messy breakfast of fish and apples. :-) The children also take the time to show/tell him about the castle ruins. Finally breakfast is finished and the children asks him for his story. He tells them that he is a messenger of King Caspian, the children want to know who he is, and says "Caspian the Tenth, King of Narnia, and long may he reign!" (p. 35) Then the Dwarf says "That is to say, he ought to be King of Narnia and we hope he will be. At present he is only King of us Old Narnians----" (p. 35) The children interrupt and the Dwarf tries to explain. The Dwarf finally realizes that he is not explaining it well, and starts at the beginning. Chapters 4-7 then change gears and we begin learning about Caspian.

The Dwarf begins his tale, he starts out when Caspian is little, and we learn that Prince Caspian lives in a castle with Uncle King Miraz and his Aunt Queen Prunasprismia. (how would you like a name like that girls?? :-)) His parents are dead and the book says "the person whom Caspian loved best was his nurse" (p. 37) We also learn that Caspian does not care much for his Aunt and Uncle. He takes walks with his uncle about twice a week, and during one of these walks, his Uncle tells him that soon they must teach him to "ride and use a sword" (p. 38) When his Uncle asks how he would like that, Caspian, isn't sure. and tells his Uncle that he wishes he "could have lived in the Old Days" (p. 38). His Uncle is surprised by this, and questions him further, and Caspian says,

"When everything was quite different. When all the animals could talk, and there were nice people who lived in the streams and the trees. Naiads and dryads they were called. And there were dwarfs. And there were lovely little Fauns in all the woods. They had feet like goat.

And--" (p. 38-39) The King interrupts and tells him that's all nonsense, and stuff for babies. He tells him that "At your age you ought to be thinking of battles and adventures, not fairy tales." (p. 39) Caspian disagrees, and begins going on some more about Aslan, the White Witch, the Kings and Queens (Peter, Susan Edmund, and Lucy) his Uncle interrupts him again, and wants to know who has been telling him "all this nonsense." Caspian doesn't want to tell, but is forced to admit that it is his Nurse. The next day, Caspian learns that his Nurse was sent away and now he is to have a "Tutor."

We learn about how Caspian is very upset about his Nurse being sent away, and is convinced he won't like this Tutor. However, he surprised to learn that he does! The book describes the tutor as: "the sort of person it is almost impossible not to like. He was the smallest, and also the fattest, man Caspian had ever seen. He had a long, silvery, pointed beard which came down to his waist, and his face, which was brown and covered with wrinkles, looked very wise, very ugly, and very kind. His voice was grave and his eyes were merry so that, until you got to know him really well, it was hard to know when he was joking and when he was serious. His name was Doctor Cornelius." (p. 41)

We also learn that Caspian liked his History lessons the best from Doctor Cornelius. We learn more about Caspian's ancestors, and that they aren't native Narnians, but are Telmarines. Caspian begins asking many questions and Caspian gets the idea that the "Old Narnia" stories about talking animals are true, but Doctor Cornelius doesn't admit this, because it is too dangerous, the lessons turns from History to Grammar. Caspian is excited and thinks that Cornelius will tell him more another time.

A few days later, Cornelius takes Caspian out at night to give him an Astronomy lesson. For a couple of pages the book goes on about the Astronomy thing Cornelius took Caspian to see, and then Cornelius tells him that there was another reason he brought him up there. Before he begins talking thought, he tells Caspian that they can never discuss what he is about to say anywhere but at this place, "the very top of the Great Tower." (p. 46) Doctor Cornelius then tells Caspian that everything he has heard about the old Narnia is true! But the Telmarines have now silenced the talking beasts and "are now trying to cover up even the memory of them." (p. 47) Cornelius makes a comment at one point, and after some discussion, Caspian is shocked to realize that his Tutor is actually...a dwarf! Caspian is delighted and Cornelius tells him that he is "not a pure Dwarf. I have human blood in me too." (p. 48)

Cornelius then tells Caspian why he told him these things. One reason is because he has wanted to tell someone for a long time and second reason is "that when you become King you may help us, for I know that you also, Telmarine though you are love the Old Things." (p. 49) Caspian then learns some more things, and we also learn that the Telmarines are afraid of the sea because "they can never quite forget that in all stories Aslan comes from over the sea. They don't want to go near it and they don't want anyone else to go near it So they have let great woods grow up to cut their people off from the coast. But because they have quarrelled with the trees they are afraid of the woods. And because they are afraid of the woods they imagine that they are full of ghosts." (p. 50-51) Cornelius talks some more, and then tells Caspian that they must to back to bed. Caspian is disappointed, but complies.

In chapter 5 we learn more about how Caspian and Cornelius have more secret conversations, and how Caspian begins learning sword-fighting, riding, etc. in addition to his lessons with Cornelius. Caspian also begin observing things about how his Uncle is reigning Narnia, and that the people seem unhappy. One night, Cornelius wakes Caspian up and tells Caspian to leave. Caspian is confused, and Cornelius explains that his Aunt, the Queen, has just given birth to a son and his Uncle will be wanting to kill Caspian! Caspian is very confused, and Cornelius explains how Miraz is a usurper and that Caspian should be the true King. Cornelius goes into some detail how Mirax accomplished getting rid of "all the great lords who had known your father." (p. 55) The only part I'll quote, since it comes up later, is when Cornelius says: "And finally he persuaded the seven noble lords, who along among all the Telmarines did not fear the sea, to sail away and look for new lands beyond the Eastern Ocean, and as he intended, they never came back." (p. 56)

Some more discussion occurs, and Caspian learns that Miraz also killed his father. Caspian has to go on his own, since it would be too dangerous for Cornelius to come too. Cornelius gives him several things, one of which is a horn. Cornelius tells him that it was Queen Susan's and tells him: "It is said that whoever blows it shall have strange help--no one can say how strange. It may have power to call Queen Lucy and King Edmund, and Queen Susan and the High King Peter back from the past and they will set all to rights. It may be that it will call up Aslan himself." (p. 58) Caspian is further instructed to use it in his greatest need.

Caspian heads off and for the next couple of pages it goes into some detail about his ride, a storm, etc. Caspian eventually Caspian rides into a tree, hits his head, and becomes unconscious.

When Caspian eventually wakes up, he hears voices talking about his and how they should kill him. Caspian asks that they be kind to his horse, and he is informed that his horse rode away before they found him. Caspian soon realizes that he is in a cave and there is a (talking) Badger name Trufflehunter, who is the nicest, a Dwarf named Nikabrik, who wants to kills Caspian, and another Dwarf named Trumpkin. A good deal of talking goes on for several pages, and Caspian eventually explains that he wants to stay and that the King wants to kill him. Nikabrik gets upset when he learns that Miraz is Caspian's Uncle and is about to kill him when Trumpkin tells him to behave, or Trufflehunter and himself will "sit on his head" :-) (p. 65)

More discussion happens, and after some arguing, it is decided to let Caspian stay.

I will try to get to some more of the book later this week, but no guarantees! Hope you have a great week!

Discussion Questions on The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe

I'd love to hear from those of you who have read "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe." Or, if you haven't read it, let me know your thoughts on the review. Here are a few questions to get you thinking.

Do you have a favorite part or quote in the book?
Who is your favorite character, and why?
What do you like or dislike about the book?
Do you disagree with anything in there?
What do you think of talking animals and the whole "fantasy" idea? Does it weird you out? Or do you enjoy reading things like that? Explain your reasoning. :-)
What stands out to you that seems like the book was written in the 1950s and not in recent years? Did any of the English terminology confuse you?
Do you like the writing style of the book?
Do you see any Biblical analogies in the book? (not perfect ones of course, but maybe one or two that seem familiar)
How would you compare the 2005 movie with the book? Or the 2005 movie with the old British movie? Give me some of the pros and cons of both. :-) (or the cartoon version too!)
Were there any differences that I didn't mention from the movie vs. the book, that you noticed or would like to point out?
Do you dislike any of the changes that were made in the 2005 movie, if so which ones, and why? If you didn't mind the changes, explain your reasoning.
Do you think movie producers today, take too much liberty in changing books into movies?
If you've read the book, when was the first time you read it? If you read the book when you were "young" and then re-read it when you were "older," what are some of the things that you forgot, or stood out to you more the second time you read it?
Any other thoughts or comments?

I'd love to hear your thoughts! Have a great day!

Poll Results--10/18/08--10/25/08

Hello all! Thanks again for participating in my last poll! Oh, and by the way, I never vote on my own polls, in case you wondered. :-) Here are the results... :-)

Continuing on with Narnia Polls...
Okay! Here are a few more Narnia Polls. I will post more polls about the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe when I actually review it. In the meantime...

Trivia: Have you ever tried Turkish Delight? (yes, it is a real dessert)
Total of 5 votes

Yes!....................................................0 votes (0%)
No!.......................................................4 votes (80%)
I had it, and it was terrible!.................1 vote (20%)
I had it, and I loved it!...........................0 votes (0%)

Interesting! Well, I'm not surprised that most of you have never tried Turkish Delight. Mom bought it once from the grocery store. (my sister Sarah voted that it was terrible :-)) I honestly can't remember if I tried it. :-) Sarah, Mom, and I think Josh, all tried it. Sarah and Mom thought it was so horrible, that I think I wasn't brave enough to taste it. :-) (we won't go into the dramatic details of what Sarah did) It was a rose flavored Turkish Delight. If I remember correctly, they declared it to taste like soap or lotion, something horrible. :-) So, if you ever want to try it...I recommend you go with a different flavor other than rose!

Which of the following Narnia movie productions have you seen?
You were able to pick more than one on this poll, and there were a total of 5 voters

The most recent ones...................................................5 votes (100%)
The old British ones......................................................4 votes (80%)
Some random cartoon one they had ages ago..............3 votes (60%)
None of them.................................................................0 votes (0%)

Wow! I'm impressed that 3 of you have seen the cartoon one! I could barely remember if they really made one or not. :-) I believe I've seen all of the productions. (not that I remember them all that well) :-)

Which of the Narnia movie productions did you like best?
Total of 5 votes

The most recent ones.............................................3 votes (60%)
The old British ones....................................................1 votes (20%)
Some random cartoon one they had ages ago..............1 votes (20%)
I've never seen any of them............................................0 votes (0%)
All the productions are terrible!.....................................0 votes (0%)

Interesting! I'm not surprised that the most recent movie productions won! :-) I am surprised someone liked the cartoon so well though. :-)

Comparing the new & old movie productions, would you say:
Total of 3 votes

The new productions are better and "way cooler"
with all the graphics, better actors, etc................................2 votes (66%)
The old British films are better because
they stayed closer to the books (i.e. were more accurate).........1 vote (33%)
Narnia is timeless, any production is good!.................................0 votes (0%)

Interesting, this is sort of hard question, so I'm glad I didn't have to vote on it. :-) I would probably have voted for "Narnia is timeless, any production is good!" I will have to re-watch the old movies again though, to actually have an accurate vote. :-) When I re-watch them, I'll let you know what I think. :-)

Thanks again for participating! Have a great week and look for more polls soon!

2005 Lion, Witch, & Wardrobe movie vs. the book

Hello! I'm excited about showing you some of the differences between the book and the movie! However, at the same time, I don't exactly know the best way to go about it, since I've never done any movie vs. book comparison before. :-) So, before I get started, let me give you a little history... :-)

My family and I went to see the movie on, December 19, 2005. I had just finished one of the busiest/craziest times in my life, and it was quite a treat to be able to go and see this after weeks of hectic rushing around. :-) As a general rule, we don't go to movie theaters very often, primarily because they are expensive, secondly, there is usually not a lot of stuff out there that is worth seeing, and thirdly, we would just assume wait until it comes out on dvd. :-) So, we only go out about twice a year as a family, maybe more if my sister and I decide to do a splurging/sister treat thing. :-) (come to think of it, the last time I went to a movie was to see Prince Caspian in May, while we were on our family vacation...)

Anyway, I was very excited about Narnia coming out, I've mentioned before how I've loved Narnia for a long time, so knowing it was coming out, I was eagerly waiting for the time we could go see it. :-) I was not disappointed in the movie either, it probably rates as one of my all time favorite movies I've seen in the theatres. :-)

Although there are several places where the movie is different from the book, I feel that over all they did an excellent job with and managed to capture the essence of the story. Of course, I am also very critical when movies come out based on my favorite books. So, while I enjoy the movie a lot. I do wish they had left some things out and put different stuff in. Example, while the movie uses some of C.S. Lewis wording from the book, I wish they had put more of the exact dialogue from the book into the movie. I love how some of the characters talk to each other, and I wish more of that was included. However, maybe some allowances must be made for 21st century viewers, who perhaps, don't appreciate the language of the 1950s. :-) One other thing, I always pictured Susan and Peter a little younger than how they are portrayed in the movie. The book never says how old they are, so I guess it's up to the reader to decide. :-)

I do think they did an excellent job portraying Aslan's death though, probably one of the more powerful scenes in the book, and I think they did a great job capturing that in the movie. Okay, so, let's see, here we go, I am going to start doing the "real" comparisons now! :-) One other thing, I won't be pointing out all of the differences, just most or a lot, if I did them all, this post would never end! If you really want to know all the differences, you can watch and read it for yourself. :-) Actually, it might be a good school project for some of you. :-)

First of all the movie starts out a lot different from the book. In the book, we just learn that the children were "sent away from London during the war because of air-raids." (p. 1) In the beginning of the movie, they go into about 20-30 minutes of "extra" detail. showing airplanes, and the children and their mother rushing to get into a bomb shelter. However, I think it was good that they did this, I'm sure when the book was written the statement, "sent away from London during the war because of air-raids" meant a whole lot more to the readers in the 1950s than it does to readers today. So, actually portraying the intensity of that time in the film, helps readers/viewers better understand it. However, what I don't like is how Peter and Edmund begin having arguments so soon, in fact, the entire movie portrays the children as much more argumentative and angry than what actually happens in the book, in my opinion at least. :-) (and we never see the mother mentioned at all, no sad goodbyes, etc...all that was added. :-) )

I do love how they have some music from the 1940s when the kids start to play hide and go seek. I think it's the Andrew's Sisters, but I'm not positive, I thought it was another great way to incorporate the time era. :-)

There are several differences on how they actually have the children get into Narnia, example, they make it seem like Lucy originally started the game of hide and go seek, however, that wasn't the original intent of the book, but it works well for the movie. Then when she comes out and runs into the Professor, that is different, in the book, Peter and Susan go to the Professor on purpose out of concern, not because he "made them." (oh yeah, and it's really too bad they didn't have Edmund pretending to blow his nose to hide his laughter, that might be in the old movie, but I don't remember)

There is also an added emphasis of "family" in the movie that is not in the book, Peter seems weighed down with the responsibility of taking care of his siblings, the Professor informs them that "they are family, try acting like one." Also, once they are in Narnia, there are several episodes of talking about their "Mum" and how at certain points Peter and Susan think they should go back. If you remember, most of the time while in Narnia, the characters have a tendency to forget about their "old" lives and just enjoy the time while they are there. So, I'm not sure the movie really needed to add that, but in general, it seems to work well.

Then there is Lucy meeting Mr. Tumnus, they did a good job of getting the "gist" of it, but I still wish they had included more exact dialogue, after all, it's hilarious to read! :-) The part in the movie where Aslan roars in the fire at Mr. Tumnus house is added, but I think it was a good addition. :-)

Let's see, oh yes, the part where they break the window and all hide in the closet, was added, but probably that was a good addition too, since it might have been confusing to try to explain the "tours" of the house. Also, they make the scene with Peter yelling at Edmund for lying to them, more intense than what it was in the book.

Another minor detail, I believe they changed the main "police wolf" name than what was in the book. We also have Susan much more "logical" and nervous in the movie, than how she is portrayed in the book. You always get the impression in the movie that she wants to go home, and with the exception of one part in the book, you never get that impression from reading.

I thought they did a good job with the beavers though, very funny. :-) However, the whole intense scene where the wolves chase the children and beavers from the house and go into the tunnel, all of this was added. After all, in the book, as soon as the realize Edmund is gone, they immediately start packing to head to the Stone Table, there is no going after Edmund and no "run for your lives the wolves are right on top of us" feeling in the book. :-) Also, Mr. Fox was added, but I like him, so I won't complain about that. :-) Then, when Edmund is in "prison" at the Witch's house and finds Mr. Tumnus in prison too, all of that is added, the whole conversation with the bread etc.

When Father Christmas gives the children their gifts, first of all the beavers got gifts too, which is left out in the movie, and secondly, they have Lucy get her gifts first and in reality, Peter is given his first. Actually, this seems to happen frequently in the book, Lucy is given things first but in the book, it is always Peter who is given them first. Also, when Father Christmas gives the girl's their gifts, he emphasizes the fact that they are not to fight in battle. This doesn't come across as much in the movie. (I suspect our "feministic" society/culture had something to do with the lack of emphasis there) Also, the whole "river scene" where the children and beavers are running on the frozen ice, all that is much more intense and added from what is actually in the book.

Let's see, what else. :-) How Edmund is taken away by the good Narnia animals is different from the book, they leave out the fact that the Witch turned herself and her cohorts invisible, by looking like a tree stump.

Aslan admonishing Peter to "clean his sword" is in the movie, but it does not portray the sense of shame and embarrassment Peter feels at his neglect of this duty, you feel his embarrassment more when you read the book. Again, I don't know if this has something to do with 21st viewers and the fact that it might not carry the same weight it did in the 1950s. Aslo, another thought on Peter, the movie constantly gives you the impression that he is insecure, can't imagine leading a battle, doesn't want to, all the conversations/taunts he gets from the wolf, etc. You never get this idea from the book. In fact, they completely leave out the part where Aslan gives Peter battle instructions. Again, maybe they did this for the benefit of viewers today, and we could relate to his struggle better. I'm not sure. :-) However, even though it works well for the movie, part of me wishes they didn't portray Peter like that, but, oh well. :-)

Also, in the book Edmund apologizes to his siblings, but you don't hear him actually say that in the movie. Also, the scene where the children are "practicing" with their swords, etc. isn't in the book, but it's a good addition. :-)

When the White Witch comes to demand Edmund back, the movie doesn't quite portray her the same way the book does. In the book she can barely look Aslan in the eye, and when she is done, she runs for her life, doesn't "sit" down in her chair. They also added several lines for the Witch that you don't find in the book.

Again, I do think they did a great job with portraying Aslan's death, I do wish they had included the "romp" the girls have with him in the book though. That's fun. I think the old one did that, but I can't remember. :-) Also, the strange, "whispering tree things" aren't in the book. They also leave out some of the fun scenes/conversations Aslan has when he changes all the stone animals back to life.

Okay, now for the battle scene. Right, ahem, well first of all, let me preface any further statements by the fact that I am not the kind of person who likes big, huge, dramatic battle scenes. :-) (one reason I don't care for the Lord of the Rings movies) So be forewarned! The battle, in the movie is portrayed as huge, I mean really, the book only has 4-6 pages maximum dedicated to the details of the battle! But, movie viewers these days like intense and dramatic battle scenes, so... :-)

One general/character in the movie tells Peter before the battle: "Numbers do not win a battle" and Peter replies: "No, but they help." :-) I enjoy that, even though it's not in the book. Oh, and Peter NEVER tells Edmund to leave the battle, in fact, they leave out the part where Peter is praising Edmund's courage to Aslan.

Also, the movie also doesn't have Aslan telling Lucy to stop helping Edmund and start helping the others that are wounded. That is a pretty significant part of the book, and it's sort of annoying how they made it seem like she thought of it herself.

At the end of the movie they have Mr. Tumnus telling Lucy that Aslan is not a "Tame Lion" in the book, it is Mr. Beaver telling all four of the children that.

Then the movie leaves out the hilarious dialogue of when the children are older and hunting for the white stag! But then again, half the viewers today would probably find it weird. :-) They still get the point across in the movie though.

Finally, when they all tumble out of the closet, rather than giving the children a chance to explain what happens to the Professor, the Professor walks in and they talk then. I also wish they had allowed the Professor to quote directly his last lines from the book, I think they're good. :-)

Anyway, so there are a few differences from the movie version with the book! Hope you enjoyed and were surprised by them! :-) Again, even though I mention a lot of the changes they made, I still like the movie. Overall it's good, just not exactly like the book. However, it has been said:

"Never judge a book by its movie." ~J.W. Eagan

A good thing to keep in mind while watching movie productions of books! :-) Have a great day and look for discussion questions soon!

The Lion, The Witch, & the Wardrobe--C.S. Lewis Part 3

Hello all! Here is the part 3! It will cover chapters 13-17. I will be watching the movie tonight and hopefully doing some comparisons tomorrow! (if I have time)

Title: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe
Author: C.S. Lewis
Published: Originally published in 1950, it has been re-printed many times over the years. The particular copies I am reviewing are the same ones Dad read to us over the years, they are pretty old and falling apart! :-) (My brother Andrew has a newer copy with all the books in one collected version, however, I am still reading the old ones. :-) ) Anyway, this particular copy is printed from Collier Books sometime in the 1970s.
Background Information: See other posts on C.S. Lewis and Narnia.

The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe...

Chapter 13, we find Edmund exhausted from walking. The Witch and the Dwarf discuss the situation and wonder if only having three of the four thrones would work and not fulfill the prophecy. The Dwarf wonders if it would make a difference now that he (Aslan) is in Narnia. The Dwarf and Witch also begin talking about how they "had better do what we have to do at once." (p. 131) Just then the wolf that had escaped from the good Narnia animals comes running up and tells them that the other wolf was killed. She also gives the wolf instructions to gather all the rest of her evil helpers. (evil helpers, is my terminology by the way :-) )

The Witch and the Dwarf begin to make preparations to kill Edmund! Before they can though, the other Narnia animals come to the rescue! However, the Witch and the Dwarf seem to have disappeared before the animals could capture them. After the Narnia animals leave, we learn that the Witch had made it appear that she and the Dwarf were a tree stump.

The next day, the other children learn that Edmund has been rescued. Aslan has had a talk with Edmund and tells the others: "there is no need to talk to him about what is past." (p. 136) Edmund apologizes to his siblings and they accept his apologies.

Soon we learn that the Witch's Dwarf has come to ask permission for the "Queen" to talk to Aslan. The Witch then comes and informs Aslan that he has a traitor in his midst. She reminds Aslan that "all traitors belong to her" and declares that Edmund's blood is her property. (Mr. Beaver also has some humorous comments he adds during the course of these conversations :-) ) Aslan agrees with what the Witch is saying is true and the two of them go off alone to discuss it further. Finally Aslan calls everyone back and tells them that the mattered is settled, but he doesn't go into details. Before the Witch leaves she asks: "But how do I know this promise will be kept?" (p. 141). Aslan's response is to roar at her and she runs for her life. :-)

Chapter 14--After the Witch leaves, Aslan tells everyone they must leave the Stone Table area and go to a different spot. During their journey Aslan gives Peter instructions for the upcoming battle. For the last part of the journey, Susan and Lucy are with Aslan the most and notice that he seems very sad. The evening is a somber one, as everyone notices Aslan's serious demeanor. That night, Susan and Lucy are unable to sleep and they end up getting up and following Aslan. We soon learn that Aslan is heading back to the Stone Table, and when he finds Susan and Lucy are following him, he agrees that they can come, because he would like the company. (with the stipulation, that they must leave when he tells them to)

The three of them finally reach the Stone Table, and Aslan tells the girls to go and not let themselves be seen. They walk away, but stay hidden to see what happens next. Soon the Witch and all of her evil helpers are there and begin taunting Aslan. Through the next couple of pages, we learn how they shave his mane, mock him so more, muzzle him, tie him up, kick and spit on him, and eventually kill him. Just before the Witch kills him she says:

"And now, who has won? Fool, did you think that by all this you would save the human traitor? Now I will kill you instead of him as our pact was and so the Deep Magic will be appeased. But when you are dead what will prevent me from killing him as well? And who will take him out of my hand then? Understand that you have given me Narnia forever, you have lost your own life and you have not saved his. In that knowledge, despair and die." (p. 152) (Susan and Lucy close their eyes when the actual killing occurs)

Chapter 15--The Witch and her followers leave, and with many tears Susan and Lucy go over to Aslan's body, they take the muzzle off, and then they notice a bunch of mice all over Aslan! The girls are horrified and first and then they realize the mice are chewing off the cords that are tied around Aslan! By morning, the girls finally start to leave and as they are heading back they hear a loud cracking noise. The girls nervously head back and when they get there the Stone Table is broken in two pieces and Aslan's body is gone! The girls at first think the Witch has taken Aslan's body. However, they are surprised to hear his voice and realize he is still alive! (and he's not a ghost either :-) ) The girls are delighted to see Aslan again and they talk for a little bit, trying to figure out how he can still be alive, he explains and concludes with how the Witch didn't know the whole story and that: "She would have known that when a willing victim who had committed no treachery was killed in a traitor's stead, the Table would crack and Death would start working backwards." (p. 160)

Aslan and the girls have a fun "romp" where they get to chase him. After playing around some, Aslan has them get on his back and they make the journey to the Witch's house. The book has this to say about their ride on Aslan's back: "That ride was perhaps the most wonderful thing that happened to them in Narnia. Have you ever had a gallop on a horse? Think of that; and then take away the heavy noise of the hoofs and the jingle of the harness and image instead the almost noiseless padding of the great paws." (p. 161-162) (the description goes on longer, but you get the idea) They finally arrive at the Witch's house and see all the statues.

Chapter 16--Once at the Witch's house, Aslan begins "breathing" on all of the statues and they come back to life! To learn more about all the exciting details you can read the book or the movie does a good job of "describing" it too. Lucy is thrilled to see Mr. Tumnus again and we get to meet the Gian Rumblebuffin. (who is a friendly giant) After some discussion, Aslan, the girls and all the newly restored Narnia animals run to help the others in the battle.

The girls see Peter and Edmund fighting, along with all the Witch's evil helpers, and Peter and the Witch are in a pretty intense fight. The girls get off Aslan's back and Alan gets into the battle and kills the Witch! (and some of the other evil creatures as well) Peter and his army all cheer as the battle comes to an end. :-)

Chapter 17--The battle ends and Peter and Aslan shake "hands" and Peter tells Aslan about how Edmund helped to get the Witch's wand broken, which helped turn the battle in their favor. However, in the course of all the fighting, Edmund has been wounded, and Aslan reminds Lucy about her Christmas gift, the bottle with the special "cordial" in it. She gives some to Edmund and is waiting to see what happens when Aslan tells her to help others, Lucy wants to wait, and Aslan asks her: "Must more people must die for Edmund?" (p. 177) Lucy apologizes and begins helping the others. When she finishes, Edmund is back to normal and "looking better than she had seen him look--oh, for ages; in fact ever since his first term at that horrid school which was where he had begun to go wrong." (p. 177)

Lucy also whispers to Susan at one point, wondering if Edmund knows what Aslan did for him, Susan says "of course not" and tells Lucy that they shouldn't tell Edmund. The next few pages go on a little more, and we learn how the four children are crowned Kings and Queens at Cair Paravel and at one point, Aslan leaves. The children finally notice he is gone and Mr. Beaver tells them Aslan will come and go and that "He's wild, you know. Not like a tame lion." (p. 180)

The story is close to then end now, we learn about how the children grow up and continue their reign as Kings and Queens and that they "governed Narnia well and long and happy was their reign." (p. 180) Peter becomes known as "King Peter the Magnificent" Susan as Queen Susan the Gentle" Edmund as "King Edmund the Just" and Lucy as "Queen Lucy the Valiant" (p. 181) We also learn that the children live in great joy and if they ever thought of their old life, it was more like a dream. One day, years, later, Mr. Tumnus comes and tells the Kings and Queens about a White Stag, this White Stag gives you wishes if you catch him, so they decide to "hunt" for it. We also learn that since the children are older, and Kings and Queens they talk differently now. :-) It's quite fun to read it. :-)

As they are searching for the White Stag, the four of them notice "a tree of iron" or "a pillar of iron with a lantern set on the top" (p. 184) (meaning the lamp post) They discuss the strangeness of seeing this in the woods and how it seems somehow familiar. They decide to go past the lamp-post and see what the can find. Soon they find themselves in a bunch of trees and then just after that they find themselves surrounded by coats!

Then the four of them come tumbling out of the closet and find themselves back where they started in the Spare Room! And barely any time has passed! (they weren't caught by Mrs. Macready by the way) I will add the last several paragraphs from the book, so you can read how it ends:

"And that would have been the very end of the story if it hadn't been that they felt they really must explain to the Professor why four of the coats out of his wardrobe were missing. And the Professor, who was a very remarkable man, didn't tell them not to be silly or not to tell lies, but believed the whole story. "No," he said, "I don't think it will be any good trying to go back through the wardrobe door to get the coats. You won't get into Narnia again by that route. Nor would the coats be much use by now if you did! Eh? What's that? Yes, of course you'll get back into Narnia again some day. Once a King in Narnia, always a King in Narnia. But don't go trying to use the same route twice. Indeed, don't try to get there at all. It'll happen when you re not looking for it. And don't talk too much about it even among yourselves. And don't mention it to anyone else unless you find that they've had adventures of the same sort themselves. What's that? How will you know? Oh, you'll know all right. Odd things, they say--even their looks--will let the secret out. Keep your eyes open. Bless me, what do they teach them at these schools?"
And that is the very end of the adventures of the wardrobe. But if the Professor was right it was only the beginning of the adventures in Narnia." (p. 185-186)

Hope you enjoyed it! Tomorrow there will hopefully be discussion questions too! Have a great day!

The Lion, The Witch, & the Wardrobe--C.S. Lewis Part 2

Hello again! I had hoped to finish the book today, but I've decided I need to do a third part. Today covers chapters 6-12. I also had forgotten that Queen Jadis, from the "Magician's Nephew" is the same person as the White Witch in this book! You can read an interesting article from the "Into the Wardrobe" site here: http://cslewis.drzeus.net/papers/lionwitchallegory.html
The article is entitled "The Lion, the Witch and the Allegory: An Analysis of Selected Narnia Chronicles" I didn't read the whole thing, but what I read was pretty interesting.

Title: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe
Author: C.S. Lewis
Published: Originally published in 1950, it has been re-printed many times over the years. The particular copies I am reviewing are the same ones Dad read to us over the years, they are pretty old and falling apart! :-) (My brother Andrew has a newer copy with all the books in one collected version, however, I am still reading the old ones. :-) ) Anyway, this particular copy is printed from Collier Books sometime in the 1970s.
Background Information: See other posts on C.S. Lewis and Narnia.

The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe...

The four children are cramped inside the wardrobe, and after some shoving they realize they are in a forest--with snow! Peter apologizes to Lucy for not believing her and after some debate they borrow four of the coats from the wardrobe and Lucy says: "We can pretend we are Arctic explorers." Peter replies: "This is going to be exciting enough without pretending" (p. 52). :-) Edmund accidentally says something that gives himself away and Peter realizes that Edmund had been there before, and had made it sound like Lucy was making the whole thing up. Peter is pretty upset, and calls Edmund a "beast" and leaves it at that. Peter lets Lucy lead the way and they set off to see Mr. Tumnus. However, when they arrive they find the house a disaster and a note from one of the Queen's Wolves saying that Mr. Tumnus has been arrested for: "harbouring spies and fraternising with Humans." (p. 55) (meaning, Lucy)

Susan thinks that they should go back, and Lucy insists that they can't and they have to help Mr. Tumnus. Edmund doesn't think they can do much, and Peter still being angry with Edmund, tells Edmund to be quiet. Eventually they decide they should look for Mr. Tumnus and they notice a robin, (note, robins=spring, and remember it is "always winter and never Christmas" in Narnia) the Robin seems to want the children to follow them, and so they do.
Peter and Edmund have a discussion at one point and Edmund suggests that maybe the Robin is not on the right side, Peter disagrees because robins are "good birds in all the stories I've ever read. I'm sure a robin wouldn't be on the wrong side." Edmund says:

"If it comes to that, which is the right side? How do we know that the fauns are in the right and the Queen (yes, I know we've been told she's a witch) is in the wrong? We don't really know anything about either." (p. 59) They discuss it a little further, but still end up following the Robin. The Robin leads them to a beaver. After more discussion, the children follow the Beaver. Mr. Beaver tells them that "Aslan is on the move" and takes the children to his home and introduces them to Mrs. Beaver. Several humours discussions occur and the children stay for dinner. After dinner the conversation turns to how they can help Mr. Tumnus and about Aslan, and how Aslan is the one who can help Mr. Tumnus. The children are curious about Aslan and ask several questions, Mr. Beaver tells them about Aslan, and Edmund asks if the White Witch can turn him into stone, Mr. Beaver tells him no, and also tells them of a Narnia rhyme which says:

"Wrong will be right, when Aslan comes in sight,
At the sound of his roar, sorrows will be no more,
When he bares his teeth, winter meets its death
And when he shakes his mane, we shall have spring again." (p. 74-75)

We learn that Aslan is a Lion and that "He is the King of the wood and the son of the great Emperor-Beyond-the Sea" (p. 75) and that he doesn't come very often to Narnia. Susan and Lucy are a little alarmed when they find out Aslan is a lion and they ask if he is "safe." Mr. Beaver replies: " 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you." (p. 76). We then learn that the children are going to meet him the next day at the Stone Table. We learn another rhyme in course of the conversation that says:

"When Adam's flesh and Adam's bone
Sits at Cair Paravel in throne,
The evil time will be over and done." (p. 75)

We learn that there are four thrones at Cair Paravel, and that they will be filled by two boys and two girls. We also learn more details about the Witch and her history. At one point, the children realize that Edmund is gone. At first they are alarmed and want to go find him, however, after some discussion with the Beavers, they realize Edmund must have already met the Witch, and has been deceived, and is going to her house now, to tell her about the meeting at the Stone Table. Soon, everyone is busy getting ready to leave and get away from the Witch before she find them.

Chapter 9--goes into detail about Edmund's journey to the White Witch's house. The book says: "You mustn't think that even now Edmund was quite so bad that he actually wanted his brother and sisters to be turned into stone. He did want Turkish Delight and to be a Prince (and later a King) and to pay Peter out for calling him a beast." (p.85) It goes on a little more, but you can read the book yourself to get all the details. :-) Anyway, he eventually gets to her house, and sees lots of stone animals, when he finally sees the Witch, she is very angry with him for not bringing his siblings.

Chapter 10--goes into more detail about the packing preparations of the Beavers and the other children, they eventually start on their journey to the Stone Table. On the way there, they meet Father Christmas and he tells them that "I've come at last." "She has kept me out for a long time, but I have got in at last. Aslan is on the move. The Witch's magic is weakening." (p. 103) He then gives everyone presents, Mrs. Beaver gets a sewing machine, Mr. Beaver will find his dam/house all finished when he returns, and Peter gets a sword and a shield. Susan gets arrows and a horn (the horn is to use when she needs help, and Lucy gets a bottle (which is to use to help those who are injured/ill) and a dagger. Father Christmas tells the girls that their weapons (the arrows and the dagger) are to be used when they are in danger and he says: "for I do not mean you to fight in the battle." (p. 104)

Chapter 11--Edmund and the Queen continue on in their journey, and Edmund is having a miserable time. At one point they see some squirrels and other animals enjoying some dinner and having a party. The Queen demands to know where they got their items, and she is informed that Father Christmas gave it to them. In a rage, she turns the entire party to stone!
They continue on, and Edmund is upset with the Queen for turning the animals into stone. Soon, the sledge they are riding in, becomes impossible to ride, because of all the melting snow. Everyone has to get out now and walk. (Edmund has his hands tied up) The Queen's Dwarf at one point says: "This is no thaw" "This is spring. What are we to do? Your winter has been destroyed, I tell you! This is Aslan's doing." (p. 118) The Queen then tells the Dwarf and Edmund that if they mention Aslan's name again she will kill them!

Chapter 12--we learn that the children arrive at the Stone Table, and they meet Aslan. He talks to them some, and then takes Peter aside to tell him about how he will be the High King since he is the oldest. During this discussion, they hear Susan's horn, and run to see what is happening. Susan is being chased by one of the Queen's wolves and is up a tree, Peter gets his sword and kills the wolf. (this chapter is entitled "Peter's First Battle" by the way) Aslan then instructs the Narnia animals to go after a second wolf. Alsan then tells Peter he has forgotten to clean his sword, Peter cleans it, once it is cleaned, Aslan tells Peter to give him the sword and kneel. Aslan then strikes Peter with the flat blade of the sword and says:
"Rise up, Sir Peter Fenris-Bane. And, whatever happens, never forget to wipe your sword."

Have a great day!

The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe--C.S. Lewis Part 1

Hello all! Here is the review on the next Narnia book! I had a hard time determining the best way to review this book. I believe it is probably the most well-known of all the Narnia books, and knowing that, it's hard to know how much detail to go into. :-) I still couldn't tell you if I like this book or the Magician's Nephew better. In some ways, I like the Magician's Nephew better, because it sort of gives you a history about some of the stuff in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. (such as the wardrobe, the professor, the lamp post....) However, at the same time, this is such a classic, that it's hard for me to decide. :-) After all, isn't it cool and fun to imagine going through a wardrobe and finding a new land, with talking animals? :-) Or, if you are the unimaginative type, you probably think it's weird and that I'm weird to think it's cool. :-) All that to say--I will be covering chapters 1-5 today.

Title: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe
Author: C.S. Lewis
Published: Originally published in 1950, it has been re-printed many times over the years. The particular copies I am reviewing are the same ones Dad read to us over the years, they are pretty old and falling apart! :-) (My brother Andrew has a newer copy with all the books in one collected version, however, I am still reading the old ones. :-) ) Anyway, this particular copy is printed from Collier Books sometime in the 1970s.
Background Information: See other posts on C.S. Lewis and Narnia.

The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe...
All emphasis my own

The first page starts out...

"Once there were four children whose names were Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy. This story is about something that happened to them when they were sent away from London during the war because of the air-raids. They were sent to the house of an old Professor who lived in the heart of the country, ten miles from the nearest railway station and two miles from the nearest post office. He had no wife and he lived in a very large house with a housekeeper called Mrs. Macready and three servants. (Their names were Ivy, Margaret, and Betty, but they do not come into the story much.) He himself was a very old man with shaggy white hair, which grew over most of his face as well as on his head, and they liked him almost at once; but on the first evening when he came out to meet them at the front door he was so odd-looking that Lucy (who was the youngest) was a little afraid of him, and Edmund (who was the next youngest) wanted to laugh and had to keep on pretending he was blowing his nose to hide it." (p. 1-2)

(I always loved the part about Edmund pretending to blow his nose to keep from laughing! )

The story progresses, and we learn more about the children. Peter is excited and says "This is going to be perfectly splendid. That old chap will let us do anything we like." (p. 2) Susan thinks "he's an old dear." Edmund is tired and irritable, and Lucy...tries to keep her siblings from squabbling. :-) The four of them decide they will go exploring the next day, unfortunately it is raining and they can't go outside. So, they end up exploring the house. Lucy stays behind at one point and decides to go into a wardrobe, which is located in a Spare Room.

The book makes the note that, she "leaving the door open, of course, because she knew that it is very foolish to shut oneself into any wardrobe." (p. 5) (this statement is made throughout the entire book)

As she is in there, she feels several coats, and keeps walking, suddenly she realize she does not feel the back of the wardrobe and notices that there is something "crunching" under her feet! She soon is outside and it is very cold and snowing! Lucy is a little scared but also excited and curious. She looks behind her and sees the open door, and decides that she can always go back if something goes wrong. She walks along, and sees, a lamp-post! She stares at it wondering why it is there, and then hears someone coming towards her. This "person" is only a little taller than herself and is carrying an umbrella. The book describes this character as:

"From the waist upwards he was like a man, but his legs were shaped like a goat's (the hair on them was glossy black) and instead of feet he had goat's hoofs. He also had a tail...." (p. 8). The description continues some more and then tells us that this creature is a Faun. The Faun is very surprised to see Lucy and after they say hello, he asks her:

"Excuse me--I don't want to be inquisitive--but should I be right in thinking that you are a Daughter of Eve?" (p.9). Lucy tells him that her name is Lucy. And he says: "But you are--forgive me--you are what they call a girl?" (p. 9) Lucy replies that of course she is a girl. :-) The faun then says: "You are in fact Human?" (p. 9). Lucy says yes and feels a little puzzled.

This "interesting" conversation continues on for awhile with the Faun, and we learn that the Faun's name is Tumnus, or as Lucy calls him, Mr. Tumnus. :-) Mr. Tumnus tells Lucy that she is in Narnia and wants to know how she got there. Lucy explains, and Mr. Tumnus, not having a clue what a "wardrobe" or what a "spare room" is moans about the fact that "if only I had worked harder at geography when I was a little Faun, I should no doubt know all about those strange countries. It is too late now." (p. 10) :-) Mr. Tumnus then invites her to "tea" so that she can tell him about the "bright city of War Drobe" (p. 11) Lucy is hesitant, but finally agrees, as long as it is a short visit.

Mr. Tumnus and Lucy have a "wonderful tea" together and Mr. Tumnus plays a tune on a flute-like instrument. Lucy gets very sleepy during his playing, and then, later says she must go. Mr. Tumnus is suddenly very sad and upset, Lucy gives him her handkerchief, and tries to find out what is the matter. After much discussion, we learn that Mr. Tumnus was trying to lull Lucy to sleep and take her to the White Witch. He explains to Lucy that the Witch: "Why, it is she that has got all Narnia under her thumb. It's she that makes it always winter. Always winter and never Christmas; think of that!" (p. 16) We also learn that he is supposed to bring a "Son of Adam or a Daughter of Eve" to the Witch if he ever found one.

Lucy is horrified, and begs Mr. Tumnus not to take her to the White Witch. Mr. Tumnus tells Lucy, about how if he doesn't take her, the Witch will find out and turn him into a statue! However, Mr. Tumnus likes Lucy, and can't bring himself to take her to the Witch. He helps Lucy get back to the lamp-post and from there Lucy gets back to the wardrobe. Lucy and Tumnus leave on good terms and are still friends. Lucy gets back into the house and when she gets there she says: "I'm here. I've come back, I all right." (p. 19)

Her siblings are all confused by her statement, and think that she has been hiding for a game of hide and seek. However, we learn that she was not gone long at all. Lucy insists that she has been gone for hours, Edmund calls her "Batty!" and Susan thinks she is being silly and Peter thinks that "she's just making up a story for fun." (p. 21) Lucy keeps to her story and tells them where she has been. Not sure what to think, the siblings look inside the wardrobe too, but just see the back of it and think that Lucy is making the whole thing up.

The days go by, and the children continue on exploring and playing, however, Edmund continues being nasty about the whole "new country" thing and teases Lucy about it. One day, the four of them decide to play hide and seek, and Lucy goes into the wardrobe again. She does get back to Narnia! Edmund decides to go there to and is surprised to find himself there too! However, Lucy was ahead of him, and he can't find her, he thinks she is still mad and sulking somewhere. (she actually went back to Mr. Tumnus' house) While Edmund is standing there, the White Witch comes with her "sledge" and her reindeer and her Dwarf. She brings the sledge to a stop and asks Edmund what he is.

The Witch tells Edmund that she is the Queen of Narnia, and they have a lengthy discussion together. She finds out he has more siblings and that one of them has already come to Narnia! She also asks him what he would like to eat, and Edmund requests Turkish Delight. The "Queen" then gives him some "magical" Turkish Delight by pouring out some stuff from a bottle she has. Anyway, so they converse for while, and the Queen wants Edmund to bring his siblings back with him and come to her house. (she bribes Edmund with more Turkish Delight and that he will become a prince) Anyway, Edmund agrees, she gives him directions to her house and then leaves. Shortly after she is gone Lucy finds Edmund and is thrilled to see him.

Edmund wants to know where she has been, and Lucy explains, and also tells him about the White Witch, and how she has declared herself the Queen of Narnia. Edmund is doubtful and tells Lucy that she can't always trust Fauns. Anyway, the two of them head home through the Wardrobe, and Lucy is excited that Edmund now knows about Narnia and that Peter and Susan will believe her now.

When Edmund and Lucy return, they find Peter and Susan. Lucy excitedly tells them that Edmund has been to the "country through the wardrobe" too. Edmund who is feeling sick (from too much Turkish Delight) and irritated that Lucy was right, acts like he was just playing a game with her. Lucy is upset and leaves. Peter is disgusted with Edmund's behavior and they argue. Susan tells them to stop and they go find Lucy and talk with her. Lucy tells them:
"I don't care what you think, and I don't care what you say. You can tell the Professor or you can write to Mother, or you can do anything you like. I know I've met a Faun in there an--I wish I'd stay there and you are all beasts, beasts." (p. 42-43) (overall the evening is pretty unpleasant)

Peter and Susan begin to worry that Lucy may be out of her mind and in the morning they go to talk to the Professor. They tell the Professor about what Lucy has been saying, and he says:
"How do you know?" he asked, that your sister's story is not true?" (p. 43) Peter and Susan are shocked at this response and Susan tell shim that Edmund said they were pretending. The Professor replies:
"does your experience lead you to regard your brother or your sister as the more reliable? I mean, which is the more truthful?" (p. 44) Peter and Susan do admit that Lucy is more truthful, they then tell him that they are worried she might be "mad" (i.e. losing her mind, crazy). The Professor insists that she is fine and says:

"Logic!" said the Professor half to himself. "Why don't they teach logic at these schools? There are only three possibilities. Either your sister is telling lies, or she is mad, or she is telling the truth. You know that she doesn't tell lies and it is obvious that she is no mad. For the moment then and unless any further evidence turns up, we must assume that she is telling the truth." (p. 45)

The three of them converse some more, and the Professor basically tells them that there is the possibility of another world and that they should "all try minding our own business" (p. 47)
After the conversation Peter tells Edmund to stop bugging Lucy and things get better.

We learn that the house they are staying at sometimes has "tours" and visitors can look at the house. Mrs. Macready has instructed the children to stay away when they have company. One day, in a rush to avoid some visitors, the four children run into the Spare Room, and hide inside the Wardrobe.

More to follow in a day or two! Have a great day!

Poll Results--10/11/08--10/18/08

Thank you all for your participation on the last poll! It was interesting! Here were the questions and the results. (oh, and some commentary from me :-) )

Who is your favorite character in "The Magician's Nephew"?

This poll had a total of 7 votes:

Aslan...................................1 vote (14%)
Digory...................................1 vote (14%)
Polly...................................1 vote (14%)
Uncle Andrew...................2 votes (28%)
Queen Jadis......................0 votes (0%)
The Narnia Animals............1 vote (14%)
Someone else........................1 vote (14%)

Wow! A variety of opinions here! Hmmm, I'm not sure who my favorite character is, maybe Digory. :-) The real question is though, did the same person vote twice for Uncle Andrew?? Or are there really 2 people out there who like him the best? Strange! :-)

Which of the following have you read?

This poll was a multiple choice one, and there were a total of 7 voters.

(voters did have the following information before voting: Even if you've only read part of the series on the "which of these have you read" poll, you can still choose that series)

The Chronicles of Narnia........................3 votes (42%)
Lord of the Rings Series........................5 votes (71%)
Space Trilogy--C.S. Lewis........................0 votes (0%)
All of the above........................................0 votes (0%)
None of the above..............................0 votes (0%)

Interesting! More people have read Lord of the Rings versus Narnia! I've read both. I also have not read the Space Trilogy. Hmmm, maybe I should read that and review it sometime! Then all of us will learn something new! :-)

Which of the following series did you enjoy the most?

This poll had a total of 7 votes.

The Chronicles of Narnia........................3 votes (42%)
Lord of the Rings Series........................4 votes (57%)
Space Trilogy--C.S. Lewis........................0 votes (0%)
I hated them all........................................0 votes (0%)
I've never read any of them......................0 votes (0%)

Interesting! Almost a tie here, hmm, my readers all seem to enjoy Lord of the Rings more. Huh, I guess we will have to agree to disagree on that, I enjoy Narnia more! :-)

Thanks again and have a great week!

Discussion Questions on The Magician's Nephew

I'd love to hear from those of you who have read "The Magician's Nephew" Or, if you haven't read it, let me know your thoughts on the review. Here are a few questions and thoughts of my own to get you started!

Do you have a favorite part or quote in the book?
Who is your favorite character, and why?
What do you like or dislike about the book?
Do you disagree with anything in there?
What do you think of talking animals and the whole "fantasy" idea? Does it weird you out? Or do you enjoy reading things like that? Explain your reasoning. :-)
What do you think of Digory and Polly playing on their own, with very little adult supervision? Did this strike you as odd, or since it's a book, and characters always do "strange" things, did it seem normal?
What stands out to you that seems like the book was written in the 1950s and not in recent years? Did any of the English terminology confuse you?
Do you like the writing style of the book?
What do you think of Queen Jadis and Uncle Andrew? Does their behavior bother you? What specifically bothers you about them, and why?
What do you think of Digory's statement: "Girls never want know anything but gossip and rot about people getting engaged" (p 50.) Do you think there is any truth to that? If so, how should you fix it? :-)
What do you think of Queen Jadis's view of her "leadership" (so to speak)? "I was the Queen. They were all my people. What else were they there for but to do my will." (p.61)

When I re-read the book, I wondered, if C.S. Lewis thought of World War II at all. Remember, WWII had ended several years before the book was written.

Do you think Lewis had any of the evil leaders in mind when he was writing about Jadis?
(just some new rambling thoughts of my own I thought I'd throw out for you to consider) :-)

Do you leaders today think that about people? ("What else were they there for but to do my will")

Do you see any Biblical analogies in the book? (not perfect ones of course, but maybe one or two that seem familiar)

Any other thoughts or comments?

Well, I have a lot more discussion questions that usual, hope it gets you thinking! I'd love to hear what you have to say!

The Magician's Nephew--C.S. Lewis Part 3

Hello! Here is the last part of the Magician's Nephew. Covers chapters 9-15.

Title: The Magician's Nephew
Author: C.S. Lewis
Published: Originally published in 1955, has been re-printed many times over the years. The particular copies I am reviewing are the same ones Dad read to us over the years, they are pretty old and falling apart! :-) (My brother Andrew has a newer copy with all the books in one collected version, however, I am still reading the old ones. :-) ) Anyway, this particular copy is printed from Collier Books in either 1970 or 1978.

Background Information: See other posts on C.S. Lewis and Narnia. The Magician's Nephew is probably my favorite book in the Narnia series, or possibly The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. (hee! or I may change my mind after re-reading the series :-) )

The group continues to watch the Lion and eventually the Queen gets angry and argues with Uncle Andrew. She threaten everyone with the lamp post and eventually throws and hits the lion with it. Amazingly, the lamp post doesn't hurt the lion and she "shrieks and runs away." (the lamp post also becomes "alive" i.e. "lit." When the group notices this, Uncle Andrew begins talking and realizing that he feels much younger here and that he could start commercializing. He says at one point:

"I have discovered a world where everything is bursting with life and growth. Columbus, now, they talk about Columbus, But what is America to this? The commercial possibilities of the country are unbounded." (p. 111) He also starts thinking about he can bring iron to Narnia, bury it, and start growing railways, battleships, etc. During the course of his rantings he mentions that it is "the land of youth," Digory gets excited and wonders if he could bring something back for his mother and make her well. He runs off to go talk to the Lion. (also, Digory and Polly are disgusted with Uncle Andrew's commercial plans)

However, when Digory gets close enough, he realizes that there is a meeting going on, and he shouldn't interrupt. The Lion, continues doing various things, and finally he says "Narnia, Narnia, Narnia, awake. Love. Think. Speak. Be walking trees. Be talking beasts. Be divine waters." (p. 116) The book says, "The children had long felt sure that he could speak: [the Lion] yet it was a lovely and terrible shock when he did." (p. 117) The animals reply, "Hail, Aslan. We hear and obey. We are awake. We love. We think. We speak. We know." (one animal also pipes up and says) "But, please, we don't know very much yet" (p 117). :-) We also learn that the Cab driver's horse, Strawberry can now speak!

The animals talk and the "first joke" occurs, after awhile, Aslan tells the animals: "Narnia is established. We must next take thought for keeping it safe." he goes on a little more and then says "For though the world is not five hours old and evil has already entered it." (p. 119) Aslan goes off to talk to some other animals, when he leaves, the remaining animals are confused, and they say..."What did he say had entered the world?--A Neevil--What's a Neevil?--No, he didn't say a Neevil, he said a weevil--Well what's that?" (p. 119--120) I love that!

Digory, Polly, and the cab driver then talk to the animals, the animals are very confused at first. :-) The Cab driver and his horse have an interesting discussion. Digory gets impatient to see Aslan (the Lion) and Strawberry gives Digory a ride. Polly and the Cab Driver follow.
Meanwhile, Uncle Andrew is terrified of the animals and missed the part where Aslan gave them speech. Thus, he manages to block out their words, and all he hears when the talk are grunts and growls. Uncle Andrew then runs, the animals are curious and chase him. The animals wonder what he is, could he be a Neevil? They argue about it for awhile and come to the conclusion that he is a tree. :-) So they plant him! (to learn more details about this hilarious event, you can read the book :-) )

Anyway, Digory catches up to Aslan and asks for something to give his mother. Aslan has a discussion with him and learns more about how the Queen i.e. now referred to as the Witch came to Narnia and Digory's involvement. Aslan also speaks to the Cab Driver, this discussion results in bringing the Cab Driver's wife to Narnia and the two of them will become Narnia's first King and Queen. After this discussion is finished, Aslan asks Digory--"Are you ready to undo the wrong that you have done to my sweet country of Narnia on the very day of its birth?" (p. 141) Digory says yes, and more discussion occurs between Aslan and Digory. Mostly about Digory's mother, Narnia, the Witch/Queen and how Digory will undo the wrong.

Aslan tells Digory where he must go and when he gets there he must: "Pluck an apple from that tree and bring it back to me." (p. 143) Aslan, then asks Strawberry if he would like to be a "winged horse." Strawberry agrees and Aslan changes him and Strawberry's name is changed to "Fledge." Fledge takes Polly and Digory to the mountains where the apples are. Before they get there, they stop for the night, and Fledge eats grass and the children realize they are hungry. They don't have any food except for some toffee Polly has. (toffee is candy) Digory and Polly each have 4 pieces and plant the last piece. In the morning the toffee has turned into a "toffee tree" with fruit! They eat that for breakfast. :-) After refreshing themselves they continue on in their journey. They arrive at the destination and Digory goes on alone to get the apple, before he enters he sees a sign that says:

"Come in by the gold gates or not at all,
Take of my fruit for others or forbear.
For those who steal or those who climb my wall
Shall find their heart's desire and find despair." (p. 157)

Digory finds the tree, and the apples are silver, he is tempted to take one for himself, however he resists, and Lewis notes: "But I think Digory would not have taken an apple for himself in any case. Things like Do not Steal were, I think, hammered into boys' heads a good deal harder in those days than they are now. Still, we can never be certain." (p. 159) (if he wrote that in the 1950s--what would he say now?!)

As Digory is about to head back he sees the Witch and she is eating the apples. Digory remembers the sign, and even though the Witch looked stronger and, "...in a way, triumphant: but her face was deadly white, white as salt." (p. 160) Digory runs to avoid her and catches up to the others. Before they can leave the Witch catches up them and begins trying to tempt Digory to eat the apple and have eternal life/youth. He remembers his promise, and how is mother taught him the importance of promises, and resists. Digory says: "I don't know that I care much about living on and on after everyone I know is dead. I'd rather live an ordinary time and die and go to Heaven." (p. 161) The Witch then tries a different tactic. She tells Digory that he should take an apple to his mother, and that he is not a very good son if he doesn't. This bothers Digory a lot, and is considering it until the Witch begins talking about how no one would ever know and that he could leave Polly behind. This gets Digory's attention, and disgust and he says no, and Digory, Polly, and Fledge leave.

The three of them return to Aslan and the other Narnia Animals, Aslan tells Digory: "Well done, Son of Adam. For this fruit you have hungered and thirsted and wept. No hand but yours shall show the seed of the Tree that is to be the protection of Narnia." (p. 166)
The tree is planted, then the new King and Queen are crowned. We learn more about Uncle Andrew and the "adventure" he had with animals.

The tree has now grown at an amazing speed and we learn that because the Witch ate an apple, Aslan says that "all the rest are now a horror to her. That is what happens to those who pluck and eats fruits ant the wrong time and in the wrong way. The fruit is good, but they loathe it ever after." (p. 174) Aslan then gives Digory an apple from the newly planted tree, and since this is different, and given in the "right way" this apple will heal his mother.

The last chapter!

Aslan returns Polly, Digory, and Uncle Andrew back to their world (without the use of the Rings). Before they go Aslan tells them that the pools that originally got them to Narnia are now gone. Aslan sends them back, and when they arrive they realize hardly any time has past in their world! Digory goes immediately to his mother and feeds her the apple, his mother health is restored and Digory plants the core of the apple in the yard. Polly and Digory go to bury the rings next to the core of the apple, however in the night, the apple core had already started to grown into a tree! They still bury the rings very close to the tree.

The last few pages go on about the "happy ending" and how everything works out. Digory's father returns and they all move back to the country. Polly and Digory remain friends, and later Digory becomes a Professor and we learn more about him in another book. Years later, the apple tree that Digory planted gets blown down in a storm. The books has this to say on the second the last page:

(Digory in regards to the special apple tree)

"He couldn't bear to have it simply chopped up for firewood, so he had part of the timber made into a wardrobe, which he put in his big house in the country. And though he himself did not discover the magic properties of that wardrobe, someone else did. That was the beginning of all the comings and going between Narnia and our world, which you can read of in other books." (p.185)

I hope you enjoyed this review! I had a lot of fun re-reading and trying to summarize it for you. :-) Look for discussion questions soon!

The Magician's Nephew--C.S. Lewis Part 2

Hello again! In an effort to not drag this post out forever, I am going to summarize more and not give so much detail. (especially since I think the majority of the people have read the Narnia series. :-) ) However, I think I will still end up with a part 3. :-) Chapters 2--9 are covered today.

Title: The Magician's Nephew
Author: C.S. Lewis
Published: Originally published in 1955, has been re-printed many times over the years. The particular copies I am reviewing are the same ones Dad read to us over the years, they are pretty old and falling apart! :-) (My brother Andrew has a newer copy with all the books in one collected version, however, I am still reading the old ones. :-) ) Anyway, this particular copy is printed from Collier Books in either 1970 or 1978.
Background Information: See other posts on C.S. Lewis and Narnia. The Magician's Nephew is probably my favorite book in the Narnia series, or possibly The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. (hee! or I may change my mind after re-reading the series :-) )

Part 2 of The Magician's Nephew...

Digory is upset with his Uncle for sending Polly off to an unknown place and insists on knowing what's happened and how to get her back. Uncle Andrew goes into a lengthy discussion of what happened and how he came in possession of the magical rings. Uncle Andrew then informs Digory that he wants him to go and get Polly. Uncle Andrew goes on to explain that there is a Green Ring and a Yellow Ring, one of the rings takes you to the place and the other ring brings you back. Uncle Andrew conveniently only gave Polly one ring. Digory is disgusted with his Uncle and his refusal to bring Polly back, and says to him:
"All I can say, even if you are my Uncle--is that you've behaved like a coward, sending a girl to a place you're afraid to go to yourself." (p 22)
Digory finally agrees to get Polly, but not before he leaves his Uncle with this thought:

"Very well. I'll go. But there's one thing I jolly well mean to say first. I didn't believe in Magic till to-day. I see now it's real. Well if it is, I suppose all the old fairy tales are more or less true. And you're simply a wicked, cruel magician like the ones in the stories. Well, I've never read a story in which people of that sort weren't paid out in the end, and I bet you will be. And serve you right." (p. 24, emphasis added)

After some more discussion, Digory put on a ring and disappears from the study. He soon finds himself in a small pool of water. At first he doesn't remember what has been happening and then he sees Polly (and the guinea-pig). They are both confused, but after awhile they figure out what's happened. They also notice other pools of water. Digory is curious about them and wants to explore and see if they can find other lands. Polly is not thrilled with the idea. :-)

After they argue, discuss, and experiment, and finally they agree to test another pool.

The two of them go into a pool and when they arrive at their destination, they discover a place with wax like people. Digory sees a bells and wants to ring it. More debate and arguing occur and Digory makes the statement: "Girl's never want know anything but gossip and rot about people getting engaged" (p 50.) :-) Digory ends up ringing the bell, at first they think nothing has happened and they leave. However, one of the wax people came to life. This person, finds them, and informs them that she is Queen Jadis.

Now the story gets more interesting.... :-)

Queen Jadis has some discussion with the children, and insists that they take her to their world. She also tells them about her world, Charn, tells them about how eventually she was the only person living there and she was partially responsible for that occurrence. Polly and Digory are horrified with her story and ask about the "innocent" people, the Queen is slightly confused at first, and then says: "I was the Queen. They were all my people. What else were they there for but to do my will." (p. 61, emphasis added)

Polly and Digory soon come to realize that taking the Queen to their world would be a disaster. They try to leave without her, but their plan fails, and she ends up coming with them. (they don't realize that you don't have to wear the ring, if someone is touching you, and you're holding the ring, they come too)

Needless to say, Uncle Andrew is surprised to see her when the three of them arrive.
He bumbles about and exclaims about how glad he is to see her, she is not impressed, and considers him to be her slave. Several chapters then go on about the, ahem, "interesting" things that happen as a result of her being in London. Queen Jadis is convinced that she will take over the world, Uncle Andrew takes her to lunch, and eventually there is a huge ruckus in the street.

Digory and Polly realize something must be done before even more disaster strikes, and they take the rings, and end up taking themselves, Uncle Andrew, Queen Jadis, and a cab driver and his horse back to the land with the pools! (oh yes, they also have a lamp-post with them, since Queen Jadis had that in her hand and was about to smash someone :-) )

Anyway, so this group of people (and the horse and the lamp-post) now finds themselves together and they soon begin to argue and debate. :-)

They stop when they hear singing though. This singing causes several things to happen. The book says:

"One moment there had been nothing but darkness; next moment a thousand, thousand points of light leaped out--single stars, constellations, and planets, brighter and bigger than any in our world." (p. 99)

Soon they see that the singer is a lion.

The children and the cab driver are impressed and awed by all the singing, the results of the singing, and the lion. Queen Jadis and Uncle Andrew are scared. :-)

Hopefully tomorrow I will finish up! Thanks for reading and have a great day!

The Magician's Nephew--C.S. Lewis Part 1

Hello all! I'm excited about starting to review Narnia. Due to a slightly busy day, I am just doing the first chapter of the book today.

Title: The Magician's Nephew
Author: C.S. Lewis
Published: Originally published in 1955, has been re-printed many times over the years. The particular copies I am reviewing are the same ones Dad read to us over the years, they are pretty old and falling apart! :-) (My brother Andrew has a newer copy with all the books in one collected version, however, I am still reading the old ones. :-) ) Anyway, this particular copy is printed from Collier Books in either 1970 or 1978.
Background Information: See other posts on C.S. Lewis and Narnia. The Magician's Nephew is probably my favorite book in the Narnia series, or possibly The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. (hee! or I may change my mind after re-reading the series :-) )

The Magician's Nephew...

The first page starts out:

"This is a story about something that happened along ago when your grandfather was a child. It is a very important story because it shows how all the comings and goings between our own world and the land of Narnia first began. In those days Mr. Sherlock Holmes was still living in Baker Street and the Bastables were looking for treasure in the Lewisham Road. In those days, if you were a boy you had to wear a stiff Eton collar every day, and schools were usually nastier than now. But meals were nicer; and as for sweets, I won't tell you how cheap and good they were, because it would only make your mouth water in vain."

I enjoy those first few paragraphs and that I wanted to include them for those of you who haven't read the Narnia books. (hopefully to give you a push to read the books if you haven't done so already!)

Just a few comments of my own on the above paragraph. I'm guessing, since the book was written over 50 years ago, that instead of thinking of "grandfather" you should think of great-grandfather. :-) Also, remember the books are set in England. Hopefully you all are somewhat familiar with Sherlock Holmes. The Bastables are another fiction series that was written in the early 1900s. I've read them, and enjoyed them. :-) (author of the Bastables is E. Nesbitt, titles include: The Story of the Treasure Seekers, The Wouldbegoods, and The New Treasure Seekers, according to Wikipedia) Not a Christian series, but if my memory is correct, they are still good "classic" children literature. If you're a fan of old literature you'll enjoy them. :-) Okay, I've rambled enough...moving on. :-)

The Magician's Nephew is primarily about a boy named Digory, his Uncle Andrew, and a girl named Polly, and how Narnia begins.

In the first chapter, we learn how Polly finds Digory in the garden and notices that he is upset. (he has just been crying) We learn that Digory misses his country home, and considers London to be a "beastly Hole" (p. 3). We also find out that his father is in India, his mother is very ill (mostly likely going to die) and that he his staying with his Aunt and "mad" (i.e. crazy) Uncle.

Polly and Digory talk that day and become friends. They spend their days together and do a variety of things, one rainy day, they are shut up indoors and decide to "explore." They are in Polly's attic and decide to go across the rafters to find a nearby empty house. However, they end up in Digory's house and in the his Uncle's "forbidden study." They are surprised when Uncle Andrew discovers them and that he is so "glad" to see them. Uncle Andrew tells them about an experiment he recently did on a guinea-pig and wants them to get involved too. Polly and Digory don't trust him and try to leave. Just before they leave, Uncle Andrew tricks Polly into trying on a magical ring. Digory tries to stop her, but before he can, she puts it on and disappears!

More to follow tomorrow!