Summary of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

Sent to live in the English countryside during World War II, siblings Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy stumble upon an entrance to the magical land of Narnia when they go through the back of a wardrobe. Narnia is under the spell of the White Witch, a sorceress who has imposed an eternal winter on the land and oppresses the people and its magical creatures.

Drawn to the Witch, Edmund betrays his family and joins her, but soon realizes she means to harm him in order to prevent the prophecy, which predicts that four siblings will end her reign and destroy her, from coming true. With the help of Aslan, a lion who is known as the Lord of the Wood, the children are able to defeat the Witch and become the new benevolent rulers of Narnia.

What You Will Love About The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

• The magical and detailed world of Narnia
• Edmund's complex character development

Potential Struggles With The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

• The violence that takes place during the battles
• The complicated biblical allegories and allusions

Learning Objectives for The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

Students will be able to:

• Comment on the various types of transformation that occur, including character development and physical changes.
• List the events that influence Edmund's betrayal and subsequent redemption.
• Discuss the roles of good and evil and from where they draw their power.
• Consider whether justice can be served if an innocent person takes the punishment for the actions of another.
• Trace the explorations that take place, from that of Narnia to that of each character's inner self.

Literary Elements in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

• Allegory
• Allusion
• Anthropomorphism
• Conflict
• Fantasy
• Foreshadowing
• Mythology
• Symbolism
• Theme

Major Themes in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

Forgiveness — While betrayal is a prominent element to the story, forgiveness is always quick to follow; despite the treachery of their brother, Peter, Susan, and Lucy do not hesitate to welcome Edmund back to their family once he apologizes.

Spirituality — Many characters represent religious figures, specifically from the Bible, and there are also references to the history of Christianity and its principles.

Man and the Natural World — When nature is left to progress on its own, all inhabitants benefit. To try to control it, as the White Witch does, creates a harsh environment and keeps the Narnians from living in harmony with the landscape.