Part I Domestic Life in Narnia

Part I - Domestic Life in Narnia
By Duncan Rize

Domestic Life in Narnia, as painted by C. S. Lewis, possesses some interesting reflections on the way mankind lives, both currently and historically. Due to the fact that The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe was written as an allegorical reflection of real life and depicted with biblical imagery, Lewis’s tale stands as a reflection of how domestic life parallels or contrasts the biblical depiction of how domestic life should be.

First, all of the children in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Susan, Lucy, Peter, Edmund, are vacated from their home during World War II. This is not surprising given the conditions and dangers that accompany war. However, in viewing this event in the plot on a symbolic level it is possible to believe that Lewis was making a silent statement about war and the unnatural state of upset that it creates. Likewise, the Bible often depicts terrible images of war and the devastating consequences such an event inflicts on families and entire societies.

Interestingly, in the imaginary world of Narnia, Lewis silently and symbolically addresses other social issues that often affect the peaceful domestic life in a real world setting. For instance, Lewis depicts Professor Digory Kirke’s house as large and it seems that the professor is well-to-do and his house seems like a place of comfort and security. However, once all of the children enter into Narnia through the wardrobe—the imaginary wilderness weaved into the plot, they are immediately exposed to dangers that they are not exposed to in the protective environment of their domestic setting. Thus, Lewis silently suggests that while individuals may be safe in their own abode, danger is never far and can be just outside the door.

When the children first enter the world of Narnia all together, they find that Mr. Tumnus’s house has been raided and he is missing. Also, later in the story, the find that Edmund has not only lied to them about previously visiting Narnia, but betrayed them as well. Thus, Lewis weaves a narrative that addresses several major social issues including violence, lying and betrayal. Of course, the bible does the same.

In the Book of Genesis, Eve and Adam are safe and protected in the garden of Eden until they are both cast out for their sin. Thus, Lewis suggests that God can provide a house of protection—protection from the wild elements of the world—but only if individuals are willing to abide by Him and His laws.

Duncan Rize loves the writings of C.S. Lewis and works with the marketing group at www.LearningByGrace.org. Learning by Grace manages of a number of internationally known online K-12 academies including www.TheGraceAcademy.org, www.TheJubileeAcademy.org, www.TheMorningStarAcademy.org and www.TheNarniaAcademy.org . This article is © 2005 ELRN, Inc. and may be quoted in whole or part as long as the author (Duncan Rize) and source (www.TheNarniaAcademy.org) are credited.

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