In
class we have frequently talked about the unique quality that the perspective
of the child contains. We’ve had several
debates about whether or not we ought to be analyzing and discussing the Narnia
books in depth at all, should we just enjoy reading them, or should we look at
their themes and motifs? And in a way,
the answer is yes. Yes to both. We ought never lose the wonder and experience
of reading these stories, but we also ought never lose sight of the way that
they impact us. If we read any story
without understanding the author’s philosophy on life, or possibly his view of
God, or even his opinion on relationships, we would be opening ourselves up to
experiencing a world that is apart from the truth. We ought always be careful of what we read,
for it has been said that the pen is mightier than the sword. When we analyze the writings of an author we
come to know what he is about. Should we
find that he is about a good and noble end, then we may go on reading, reveling
in the narrative that he weaves. But if
it should be found out that a particular author is telling a tale that opposes
the truth, we ought to be aware of it before diving into the mind of his
characters, if we ought to dive into the book at all.
In
the end, we may conclude that if the message of a book teaches a child to scorn
others, to be out for himself, to take what he wants no matter the harm done,
then we ought not read such a book to our children. However, if a book teaches a child to love
those around him, to walk with humility and kindness, and to find hope in the
midst of troubling times, then we may allow our children to revel in the
narrative, to learn alongside its characters.
But how are we to know the message of a book, or the intent of the
author, without analyzing his story and knowing what he is about?
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