Monday, November 24, 2014

Sam Atkinson, The Nature of Good and Evil in Narnia

One of my favorite things in the entire Narnia universe is C.S. Lewis' characterization of the struggle between good and evil. One thing he makes very obvious in the books is that there is a definite good and evil that exists. Aslan represents a good deity, a good spirit and the Witch represents all that is unholy. But if we delve deeper, we see that although there is a clear symbolic representation of evil, the way it actually acts or reveals itself is quite unclear. Whether certain characters are good or evil, or whether their choices are motivated by good or evil can be often confusing, if not tumultuous.

Both sides are characterized with an initially attractive allure. Edmund very much directly observes upon first assessment of the Witch that she has power and can meet his very literal sweet tooth; this causes a great deal of conflict as Edmund is led astray from the main group. Obviously, the godly being of Aslan, with his booming voice and lion form, has a great sense of allure encompassing his existence.

Where both sides falter is the staying power of both of these sides. Good is very clearly conveyed as the triumphant, the light that leads the path, and the glory making force of all. Evil on the other hand leads to defeat, despair, and dishonor, making small all beings who succumb to it, as those such as Uncle Andrew even pay the price.

Obviously, these things have religious undertones, but the presence of these things is noted throughout the greater majority of the series if not the whole of C.S. Lewis' works.

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