The Magician's Nephew

The Magician's Nephew
by C.S. Lewis
Fantasy
Harper Collins, 1955

Summary: Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer become friends in London in 1900 after Digory and his dying mother come to live with Digory’s aunt and uncle. While exploring in the attic of the row houses in which they live, the children enter the uncle’s study. He tricks the children into using magic rings he has made to travel to other worlds; the children accidentally bring back an evil queen. In attempting to return the queen to her own world, the children enter the land of Narnia and witness its birth, brought about by Aslan, a symbolic lion. By completing a mission of atonement, Digory earns the right to a magical apple that cures his mother. They have, however, brought the evil queen to the land of Narnia, where she will later cause many problems. Aslan returns the children to London, Digory’s life improves, and Digory and Polly live the remainder of their lives as good friends. Digory changes during the book from an impulsive boy who is unable to avoid temptation to one who can analyze the results of temptation and who then does what is right.

This book of fantasy is the first that should be read in the series of seven books in the Narnia Chronicles that were written by Lewis in the late ‘40s through mid-‘50s. The books are full of fantasy and religious symbolism, pitting good against evil. The books are short, simply written, and would be enjoyed by adolescents who enjoy fantasy and are not put off by the old-fashioned descriptions and words used in the book—it was, after all, set in 1900 London. The books can also be read and enjoyed by adults who enjoy interpreting the religious symbolism. C.S. Lewis was a prominent Christian apologist in his time, and his books, including The Screwtape Letters, are among my favorites.

Themes: Dealing with loss of parents, dependency on others, loss of familiar life, friendship, adventure and exploration, temptation, courage, faith, loyalty, belief in oneself, doing the “right thing,” and being able to tell good from evil.

Rationale for Use: Entertaining, with characters that are very likable. The situation the young boy finds himself in, living with relatives and with a dying mother, is still relevant today. Complex in the underlying theme of religious symbolism.

Content Area Connections: This book could be used in a religion class or in an English class. In both situations, the symbolism could be explored and class discussions could be held to determine how students interpret the author’s characters, especially Aslan.

Possible Problems or Concerns: Some students may view the book as too old fashioned to read, and fantasy is difficult for some to embrace. Others, who see the religious symbolism, may object to Lewis’ strong Christian values and creationist views.

~Arnelle Ambrose