(#41) / The Voyage of the Dawn Treader / by C. S. Lewis / (Book)

Opening

Bibliographic Information:

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader / by C. S. Lewis

ISBN-13: 9780064471077 / HarperCollins Publishers

p. 288/ $6.99 (Barnes & Noble)

1952

Body of Content

Summary: In this Narnia story, the two youngest siblings (Lucy and Edmund) feature predominately – as they older siblings are occupied with other activities.  As the children stay with their ill-tempered cousin (Eustace), they enter Narnia – this time not through the wardrobe but instead through a painting.  Falling onto the deck of the Dawn Treader, they meet the former prince, and now King, Caspian.  The plot centers on a quest – as Caspian looks to investigate the disappearance of seven key vassal figures of Narnia.  Often at sea, this adventure centers on water themes and exploration – carrying the typical Narnia magic along the way.

Critique: In many of the Narnia books, Lewis draws on other world stories to create Narnia’s characters.  It is often said that Lewis draws on Christian theology for the message of his Narnia books.  But Lewis also draws on pagan mythologies – redacts them – revises them – reallocates them – and inserts them into his stories.  Aslan returns as a character – the symbolic translation of the Bible’s Christ – the proverbial “Lion of Judah”. 

But in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Lewis inserts imagery from other sources – like a dragon – a staple of medieval folklore and Germanic and Nordic traditions.  Elsewhere, mermaids appear in his book – showing an interest for more modern mythology supplied by New World explorers/sailors.  One-legged creatures appear on an island scene, too.

Yes – overall – the Narnia books contain a Christian message (as authorial-intended by Lewis), but the language – the symbols – the development of his allegories are not straightly determined by theist traditions.  Lewis, himself, is not troubled by that reality, and neither should the audience per se.  But while the Narnia books are categorized as Christian literature, the methodology is mixed more than many readers are aware.  The better genre for Narnia is simply the label of fantasy literature.   

Teaser: The story of Narnia continues as the youngest siblings set off in an epic adventure.

Information about the Author: see entry #35.

Supplemental Material

Genre: Fantasy / Christian Fiction

Curriculum Ties: Philosophy – mythology

Booktalking Ideas: 1) The siblings have a new addition in their adventures – with their insolent cousin, Eustace.

Reading Level: see entry #35.

Challenge Issues and Defense: Pretty safe title for teenage ages. Some magic and mythology is contained within the book – but the (Christian) parents who object to Harry Potter on those grounds usually give C. S. Lewis a pass.  

Personal Reasons for Inclusion: I wanted two separate series included in this project – and titles from Narnia and Hunger Games accomplished that intention.

Last Thoughts

References: n/a

Listening to (Music):

Artist – “Katy Perry” / Album – various playlists