Betrayal and Atonement in Narnia

Paper Summary:

This paper explains how the theme of betrayal is played out through the character of Edmund and the way he betrays his friends at a key juncture in the novel. The theme is developed by Lewis in terms of his conception of Christianity so that the act of betrayal requires an act of atonement, often by someone other than the offender, as is the case in this novel.

From the Paper:

"The story tells of four children, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, who find themselves in a different world after passing through a doorway found in a wardrobe. The world they escape is the world of World War II, while the world in which they then find themselves is a fantasy world where animals speak. The transition is abrupt, and for Edmund the transition creates an opportunity to serve himself while betraying the others. Edmund does not fully comprehend the enormity of what he does before doing it, and it is evident that he is seduced into his betrayal by the creature comforts he is given by the Queen of Narnia. When she offers him something to eat, he asks for Turkish Delight. the food she gives him satisfies him but is more than simple Turkish Delight, and she asks if he wants more..."

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