The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, Week 3

Welcome to Week 3 of the Online Book Club discussion of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

Did you enjoy reading this section? Again, I felt like I was able to immerse myself in the world of Narnia as soon as I started reading. It's such a full and believable world. 

Do you find that you enjoy reading stories with magical elements? Or stories with magical creatures? Usually, I feel like I have to be in the right mood to read these types of stories, but I feel like I could read this story at any time and enjoy those elements. I think, what I like about this book, is that even though Narnia is different from our world, it has enough common elements that I feel like I understand everything I'm reading. Sometimes, fantasy books have worlds that are so intricate and different from our world that I really can't picture what is going on. I like that the talking animals in this book are animals that I can recognize and picture. What do you think? Did you struggle to understand and picture the magical elements, or did you feel comfortable in the story? 

At the beginning of this section, the children are rescued by some beavers, and the beavers are the ones who explain about Mr. Tumnus. They also explain why the White Witch wants the children. Lewis also goes to great lengths, when talking about the beavers, to describe their living quarters. Did you appreciate all the detail he gave about their house? I liked imagining the bunk beds and the kitchen. My copy of the book had a very nice illustration that helped me really picture everything. After they all eat, the beavers share that the White Witch takes people to her home and turns them into statues. What did you think of the prophesy about Cair Paravel? Isn't it interesting that two boys and two girls are needed to end the White Witch's reign? It's no wonder she was so insistent to meet them when Edmund described his family to her. What is your first take on Aslan? The beavers are convinced that he's moving, and he will be able to defeat the White Witch. 

Were you surprised that Edmund betrayed his siblings by leaving? I was a little surprised. It's just surprising that the White Witch could have such a hold on him, even though they only met once. As soon as he makes it back to her, though, it's apparent that she does not care for him at all, and she does not plan to pamper him and make him a Prince. All she wanted from Edmund was access to all of his siblings, and when she doesn't get that, she has no real use for Edmund. Do you think Edmund only liked the White Witch because she appeared to be willing to offer him power? I think Edmund probably feels like he has no power and is not important since there are so many children in his family. 

I thought the most surprising thing in this section was the fact that Father Christmas shows up. I just didn't expect to see him in that world. I thought it was cool how he represented the weakening of the White Witch's power, but I was still surprised when he showed up. He gave great gifts, though. How do you think each child is going to use their present from him? Will they all end up going into battle? 

At the end of the section, signs of Spring are popping up everywhere. And, the Witch is clearly worrying about her powers weakening. She does not want to hear about Aslan, and she is seeming even more cruel than before. I can't believe how quickly Spring started to pop up. Do you think it's all because of Aslan, or do you think the fact that all of the Pevensie children are there contributed as well? 

What was your favorite part of this section? Do you have any thoughts about what will happen at the end? 

Did you know that this book has a stage adaptation? Don't you think it would be really cool to see the action play out on stage? If you're curious about how Aslan is depicted, check out this video about the touring production of the show. 

Finally, check out these cool sculptures inspired by The Chronicles of Narnia! Would you travel to England to see them? 

I hope you enjoyed this section and are excited to read the ending! I can't wait to hear from you in the comments section!