Many of C.S. Lewis’ books are based off of Christian theology and The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe is no different. Throughout the book there are three major bilabial references that can be picked up on; Aslan, the Stone Table, and the power of sin and Satan Each one of these represents some sort out of the Bible. Aslan represents Jesus Christ and the struggle between good and evil, the Stone Table represents the stone tablets brought down from Mt. Sinai by Moses and the Sea represents the line between the human world and heaven.
Aslan represents Jesus Christ. Throughout the book Aslan is seen as a Messiah in Narnia; he will be the one to save the world from the White Witch. Aslan understands Deeper Magic, which is something the White Witch did not know existed. It is said that Aslan is directly related to the greater of Deeper Magic, the Emperor-Over-the-Sea. Deeper Magic could be compared to the the power God and Jesus Christ have. It is the ultimate rule that can undo evil, such as Aslan being resurrected after being killed by the White Witch. Aslan’s sacrificing his life to save Edmund is comparable to the sacrifice Christ made for all of us on the cross. Just like Christ was resurrected for being wrongfully killed Aslan was as well.
The Stone Table represents the stone tablets brought down by Moses from Mt Sinai. The Ten Commandments represent a stricter form of religion. During the time the Ten Commandments were brought down, God inflicted extreme punishments for infractions against him, The infractions were punished by floods, infestation, and death. Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection signifies a much kinder era as our sins against God were forgiven. Such can be said with Aslan and the Stone Table. The Stone Table represents a strict and cold ruling under the White Witch. She is swift in her judgement and ruling. Any infraction against her can be punished by death. Once Aslan is risen from the dead, the Stone Table breaks. The Table shattering signifies the new kinder era of Narnia. The rise of Aslan signifies the end of harsh punishments and death.
Sin and the power of Satan are very prevalent in this book. Sin starts to in the beginning when Edmund finds Narnia. He is approached by the White Witch and chooses to do what she says for Turkish delights. Edmund giving into gluttony can be compared to Adam and Eve. Adam and Eve were told not to eat an apple from the free but did so anyways. These sins were paid for in the end. Edmund continues to sin as he becomes a traitor against his siblings, Narnia and Aslan. He leads them to the White Witch in which time his life should be forfeited to the White Witch just as a sinner’s life if forfeited to Satan. Edmund is easily influenced by the Turkish delights and the promises of the White Witch just as most people flirt with sin when given desirable rewards.
The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe has clear relations to stories in the Bible and Christian Theology. The comparison of Aslan to Christ, the Stone Table to the Ten Commandment Tablet and the power of sin and Satan are prevalent throughout the book. Does CS Lewis use the analogies in this story to show us how gluttony can bring forth pain? Or is he teaching us that we will always be saved for our sins? CS Lewis shows the danger of of actions and how that can effect the world around us.
Melissa's Literary Analysis 