Philosophical notions in the Chronicles of Narnia

Abstract

This dissertation will be discussing three central philosophical themes found in C.S Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia. I will give a general outline of the seven novels in this paper in order to further elucidate my opinions on the subject being investigated. I shall explain how I believe that The Chronicles of Narnia may be understood in light of philosophy instead of religion as has been the case for many past years. Although the religious sentiment cannot be overlooked, it is my belief that the philosophical notions within The Chronicles substantiate the argument that the books may be read without resorting to religion thus making their message all the more accessible. The themes investigated are Plato’s Allegory of the Cave and its relation to Narnia, the Narnian Deity and its Aristotelan/Platonic origin and the existence of Evil in Narnia by virtue of its rulers. All care has been taken in order to make this paper accessible to any of those unfamiliar with the texts.