Tuesday, March 25, 2008 - Prince Caspian Challenge--introduction
Introduction to the Prince Caspian Challenge
On a practical note, I want to just lay the foundation a little. I thought two chapters a week wouldn't be too much to ask. Of course, don't worry if you get behind. It's easy to catch up, if you get really behind feel free to skip the questions and just read. I don't want to make extra work for anyone. I really just want it to be low-key fun discussion and reading! :)
So for the time, I have two chapters a week. I'll post once a week giving some questions to propel you, and possibly post some of the comments you all had made on the previous chapter. The goal here is to think, so don't be afraid to check out other people's comments and reply to them, too! Also, I'll post my thoughts on the previous weeks reading every week. You don’t have to just answer the questions I'll suggest, but please, let’s hear some of your comments!
If you have time, I'd encourage you to see if your library has a copy of "Inside Prince Caspian" by Devin Brown. I just read this (on my reading list!) and I really liked it. Don't worry about it, though...but it's a neat commentary. I might take some points out of that; but if you want to read it on your own I thought I'd throw it out there. Totally optional, of course!
Also, if you look on my sidebar under "links" you will see the link ("Earthling's Prince Caspian Challenge") for all the Prince Caspian Challenge posts, just for future reference!
Introduction to Prince Caspian
A new Narnia book was started immediately after the completion of the first book, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. Originally, this second book was about a boy named Digory, a girl named Polly, and a godmother named Mrs. Lefay. After two chapters, the story was entirely scratched. The names, however, stuck--but to be used in the later The Magician's Nephew.
Instead, Lewis began a new work, which was published in October of 1951 under the name Prince Caspian: The Return to Narnia. This books gives a different kind of story to the enchanted land, while bringing back some old characters, and introducing new ones.
"A theme of return became a key part of the story. Jack didn't look at a return in [merely] the obvious physical sense but went deeper to consider a restoration of those things that are true--true life, true leadership, and mostly true faith. Prince Caspian tackles that idea, and broader themes of the battle between good and evil, spiritual obedience and discernment, and ultimately joy--a festive joy when what was wrong has been put right again," says Douglas Gresham, stepson of C.S. Lewis.
Possibly the most inspiring story of all the Chronicles of Narnia, Lewis himself said that the true point of Prince Caspian is "the restoration of true religion after a corruption." I hope you are as eager as I am to dive --or re-dive, for some of us--into the story of Prince Caspian!Assignment: Read Chapters One and Two next week (March 30th--April 6th). I will try to post the discussion questions for these chapters on Sunday, but of course you have all of next week to read and answer them. I just have them up early so you can get to them when you need to!
Comments
Friday, March 28, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by InNarnia
Yeah I will. :) Two chapter's a week is reasonable. :D
Is it ok with you if I have a link to you on my page?
Friday, March 28, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Lucy
Yes, you may add me to your friends list. I also love John Wayne. How could I forget him? I really like Humphrey too. He's cool. There are so many others. Sometimes I think those old actors are better than today's. But that doesn't always apply.
Lucy
Friday, March 28, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Curufinwe
yeah, but nothing to shoot at.
LOL, I'd rather try to remember what it was about, than go and read it.
~CF
Saturday, March 29, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by CrossView
I'm so glad you posted this. I need reminders... *sigh*
As soon as the sun comes up, I'm going to get the book and set it out so I'll have my visual reminder!
It's hard suffering from Dorkdom. =P
Saturday, March 29, 2008 - <em>Untitled Comment</em>
Posted by carygrant19
Yeah, I love when he just runs out singing into the crowd. We were doing yardwork the other day and we wanted my sister to bring us water so we yelled, "Where's Gunga Din?'
Oh yeah, that Bogie movie is so good.
Have you ever seen 'Mutiny on the Bounty' with Clark Gable in it? We just got it from the library and didn't have time to watch it.
Sure-will do with the whole Caspian thing! I have to remember to read it cause I'm reading Pride and Prejudice at the same time!
Edited by carygrant19 on Saturday, March 29, 2008 at 12:05 PM
Saturday, March 29, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by lotrsavvy
Oooh, that's awesome!! I was in a flight simulator thing for the Blue Angels, I guess you were supposed to be in one of the jets flying with them. haha Jets are awesome... I just don't think I'd be brave enough to actually fly in one.
Jennifer
Sunday, March 30, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by sharla88
YAY!!!! I'll get started right away! SO gald you thought of this! thanks!
GB~
sharla~
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