Monday, May 12, 2008 - Prince Caspian Challenge--Week Seven, Chapter Fifteen

Week Seven

 

Can you believe we’ve made it to the end already? Amazing! Thanks to all of you who stuck with us all the way through. The discussions were great, and I’m so glad everyone could participate! I’ve read Prince Caspian many times, but it certainly helps having someone to talk about it with. I picked up a lot of new stuff this time around!

Chapter Fifteen

Aslan Makes a Door in the Air

A lot is accomplished by the end of Prince Caspian. Miraz is dead, Caspian has been accepted as the true king, the Telmarines are defeated and dealt with accordingly, and the Old Narnians have been restored to faith. Yet the book still ends on a bittersweet note. Susan and Peter will not return to Narnia. Aslan says it is because they are too old--what exactly do you think this means.? What else do you think Aslan may have told them, since we were not privy to that conversation?

Aslan asks Caspian if he feels he will make a sufficient king. Do you think Caspian’s answer was a good one? Keep in mind the hesitation Caspian has shown before--with Miraz (“I don’t know” if I want to be king)?

Explain Aslan’s words that being a son of Adam is “honor enough to erect the head of the poorest beggar, and shame enough to bow the shoulders of the greatest emperor on earth.”

Many of the Telmarines go through the doorway, but some stayed. We do not know if Queen Prunaprismia and her son are among the ones who stay or go. What do you think they did? If they did stay, how do you think Caspian would have treated them?

Now that we are done, what theme(s) do you see recurring in this book? We all read things a different way. What in particular stood out to you? For me, I think that it really boils down to the fact that we have these great men and women--Caspian and the Pevensies. Caspian is heir to the throne of Narnia; Peter is the High King, etc. They are all VERY powerful people. Yet, they alone cannot defeat evil (Miraz). It is not until they rely on Aslan that they are able to defeat Miraz. Thus, they must learn that, no matter how powerful and important they are, they are nothing compared to Aslan. He’s the “High King of all High Kings.”

Pretend you are one of the filmmakers adapting the book Prince Caspian into a movie. Would you change, add, subtract, or expand anything? It is sometimes hard to take a book (especially one that starts like PC does, with Trumpkin telling the story) into a movie. How would you like to see it adapted?

 

Assignment: Go see Prince Caspian! Okay, if you really want to wait till the DVD comes out, fine. *sigh* But I’d encourage you to go see it--support a good movie! And if you do, try and get your hands on a copy of LWW and watch it before you see PC. I plan on doing this, so that everything is all fresh and new! If you get to see Prince Caspian, come back here and let us know your thoughts compared to the book and our discussions, or do a post of your own and give me the link!

Prince Caspian Trailer:

 

 Again, thanks to everyone who read or discussed (or both!) with us....and see you in 2010 to start up with Voyage of the Dawn Treader! ;)

 

 

EDIT: Okay, guys, it's official. I'm seeing PC tomorrow afternoon, so be on the lookout for a big, long review from yours truly full of lots of spoilers (everyone run screaming in the other direction if you haven't seen it), my thoughts, differences between the book and movie, and lots more!

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Sunday, May 4, 2008 - Prince Caspian Challenge--Week Six, Chapters Twelve--Fourteen

Week Six

Chapter Twelve

Sorcery and Sudden Vengeance

This happens to be one of my favorite chapters of the book. The title alone is enough to draw me in!

Remember before when Nikabrik wanted to bring in the evil creatures to help, right before the battle? He was refused then. But now, he has somehow managed to bring in the Hag and Wer-wolf into Caspian’s headquarters. Caspian and the others do not see these creatures as who they are until Nikabrik proposed his plan of sorcery. Do you think Nikabrik crafted his plan this way? Why is it that the creatures at first appeared harmless?

The Wer-wolf’s speech is one of the most dramatic and chilling speeches from the Chronicles. Just read it out loud!

"I'm hunger. I'm thirst. Where I bite, I hold till I die, and even after death they must cut out my mouthful from my enemy's body and bury it with me. I can fast a hundred years and not die. I can lie a hundred nights on the ice and not freeze. I can drink a river of blood and not burst. Show me your enemies." 

As we later learn, the Wer-wolf *is* one of the enemies. Do you believe that the Wer-wolf and the Hag thought they were doing the right thing in bringing the witch back, or did they have ulterior motives in their sorcery? If they had ulterior motives, what do you think they were? Does evil ever present itself innocently?

Nikabrik states, “Either Aslan is dead, or he is not on our side.” Nikabrik must truly believe this, or why else would he try to bring back Aslan’s greatest enemy? I think Nikabrik, at least, believed he was doing right. He honestly thought that the White Witch may help the Narnians more so than Aslan would.

 

Chapter Thirteen

The High King in Command

“A kind of greatness” hung about Edmund. Isn’t that a picture? I can almost see him now--full of pride for his Narnia and his brother, the High King. I think he must have been afraid, as well though.

If you remember from LWW, Aslan helped in the battle at the end. He was almost always there to pick up the children and the Narnian army when they needed it. However, in PC, Aslan sends Peter and Edmund to meet up with Caspian on their own, almost forcing them to battle against the Telmarines without his aid. Why do you think Aslan did this, and what does it say about the boys?

I always laugh at Peter’s letter to Miraz. “To Miraz….sometime Lord Protector of Narnia and now styling himself as King of Narnia.” You might be tempted to skip over all the introductory part of the letter, but if you really read it, it’s quite funny. It’s a pretty smart alecky thing to say to Miraz--bet that made him angry. Miraz has so long been “styling himself as king” that he really thinks he is king, as do many of the Telmarines. But leave it to Peter to rub it in--you aren’t king, Miraz, Caspian is!

 

Chapter Fourteen

How All Were Very Busy

You have to love Peter’s attitude when going into the duel with Miraz. He was very cool and collected and realistic about the whole thing! In the last chapter, when Edmund asked him if he thought he could win, how did Peter answer? “That’s what I’m fighting him to find out!” Peter wasn’t calm about the duel because he knew he was going to win. He didn’t know. In fact, he particularly asked Edmund to give his “love to everyone at home.” The possibility that he was going to die was VERY real to Peter. It wasn’t lack of faith, in my opinion, but purely realistic. So what was it that kept Peter so calm about the duel?

We see Miraz as a fearful person. He was afraid of Caspian taking over the throne. He was afraid of Aslan. He was afraid of all the Old Narnian ways. Like most dictators, he was truly a coward, but hid in his tyranny as a safety net. How is Miraz’s death a fitting end for him considering how he lived his life?

  

Assignment: Read chapter Fifteen (just one. Aren’t I nice? But it helps that there is only one left! :P )

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Sunday, April 27, 2008 - Prince Caspian Challenge--Week Five, chapters nine--eleven

Week Five

First, make sure you’ve read all three chapters before you read any further here…. ;)

Chapter Nine

What Lucy Saw

This chapter, along with the following ones you read this week, are central to theme of not just Prince Caspian, but often to our Christian walk. I’m excited to hear your thoughts on this chapter!

Lucy is the first to see Aslan, but the others don’t believe her (except maybe Edmund). Why do you think Lucy is the first to believe, and why does Edmund consider what she has to say over the others?

Lucy makes a comment to Susan when she hears about some of the wild creatures. "Wouldn't it be dreadful if some day, in our own world, at home, men started going wild inside, like the animals here, and still looked like men, so that you'd never know which were which?" What is your take on this related to the modern real world? What view do you get the impression C.S Lewis had?

Chapter Ten

The Return of the Lion

Lucy says that Aslan appears bigger to her. Aslan answers that he appears bigger--but not just every year, but every year she grows. Although this could refer to a physical sense of growth (as we will see later on in the book), this also has a spiritual side. What does this signify? Taking this into our lives, does God (or the world) appear bigger to us as we mature spiritually?

As they continue to go the wrong way, the children find themselves becoming more and more miserable. You think they maybe are starting to question their choice of ways? I suspect Peter, especially was mad at himself for choosing this way. What do you think prevented the children from turning around and choosing the path that Aslan had shown Lucy?

 

"To know what would have happened, child? No. No one is ever told that." Aslan tells this to Lucy. This is a familiar saying of Aslan’s; it is the frequent theme in Horse and His Boy. Why is Aslan so adamant not to show what would have happened?

Chapter Eleven

The Lion Roars

Susan apologizes to Aslan and Lucy. She said she knew “deep down inside” that it was Aslan who was calling them all the time. Yet she refused to listen. Why did Susan choose to follow her own instincts rather than Aslan, when she knew it was him?

Peter doubts Lucy saw Aslan, because he “never used to be” invisible to them. Remember what I told you about Peter’s logic back at the beginning of the study? Do you see any other examples since then that shows Peter trusting in his own reasoning rather than faith in Aslan?

Did you notice the order of realization of Aslan? It is the same as it was at the beginning when the children realized they were being drawn into Narnia by magic. Here, the children saw Aslan in the same order--Lucy, Edmund, Peter, and Susan.

I just love when Trumpkin meets Aslan. Trumpkin is such a skeptic up until this point (not unlike the Bree of Horse and His Boy, if you are familiar with that story! Remember when Bree meets Aslan for the fist time?). Trumpkin kind of reminds me of some people we all know in the world these days. They are often “intellectual skeptics” of our faith, and it takes God coming down to their emotions (Aslan coming to Trumpkin physically) for them to gain true faith. I can’t imagine how Trumpkin felt, though--guilt, shame, fear, and even excitement--because I think, all along, Trumpkin wanted to believe in Aslan, but felt that that kind of belief was unreasonable and illogical.

For those of you who are familiar with Greek and Roman legends, you will recognize Bacchus and Silenus. Although they have changed a bit from the mythology (they were far wilder--Bacchus was the god of wine and intoxication; Silenus his teacher, companion, and was said to have the gift of prophecy when drunk), they still have a bit of a crazy wild side. I realize they are celebrating, and are mirthful, but I may have to agree with Susan--I’d only want to be around them with Aslan!

Assignment: read chapters twelve through fourteen. Yes, that’s three again!

 

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Monday, April 21, 2008 - Prince Caspian Challenge--Week Four, Chapters Seven and Eight

 

Week Four

Chapter Seven

Old Narnia in Danger

Caspian is rightful heir of the throne of Narnia. He was raised in the lap of luxury, it is assumed, as the nephew of King Miraz. He had the best of education, opportunities, and everything he needed (until Miraz had his own son, anyhow!). How is his experience at the Council so different from what he knew as the nephew of Miraz, and how will this help to form him into King Caspian?

Doctor Cornelius states, “We must go to Aslan’s How.” Do you remember the significance of Aslan’s How and the Stone Table in LWW? Do you see the connection between the two events? If you would like, check out the last three paragraphs in this article. It gives some interesting insight into the name of Aslan’s How. http://www.multnomah.edu/voice/0501/0501news2.html

In chapter seven, we also get to experience, along with the army, Caspian’s first battle. What shock this must have been for the young prince! C.S. Lewis does not go into much detail at all over this battle, but it appears to be fairly uneventful, although they were all pretty ragged and grumpy by the end of the chapter. I find it interesting how little time Lewis spent on the battle scene--the battle clearly lasted for days, but apparently too much action would have distracted us from the real plot. All we needed to know in the book that there was the good, and there was the evil, and they were at war. I do hope the movie expands the battle, though. But for now, we can imagine! ;)

Debate roars on re the horn of Queen Susan. When should they blow it? Is it the correct time? What is the meaning of “greatest need”? It is interesting to note that, despite the magic surrounding the horn, Caspian and his gang are not sure at all how it will help them. Do you think their wonderings show lack of faith or are they simply trying to employ an “Aslan helps them who help themselves” mindset?

 

Chapter Eight

How They Left the Island

Finally, my D.L.F.’s, we return to the Pevensies. You of course, will now have realized two important facts--that the dwarf the Pevensies are with is Trumpkin, and the horn, indeed, called the Pevensies into Narnia.

Trumpkin has always been doubtful of the old stories at this point. He is rather abashed at seeing that the horn did work, and that the Pevensies are at Cair Paravel. However, he is also surprised by them--he was no doubt expecting the great Kings and Queens that had left Narnia, not four schoolchildren. You have to laugh as all the children, especially Edmund, are somewhat insulted by this. It prompts them to wage a contest between Trumpkin and themselves to see who is the most skilled. What two things does this contest illustrate about the Pevensie children?

 

In the treasure chamber, Trumpkin makes a comment about Nikabrik. What does this comment lead you to believe about Nikabrik, based on what we have already read about him? What do you think Nikabrik role will be as the story progresses?

Anything particular strike you in this chapters, a passage or quote or anything?

Assignment: NOTE: FOR NEXT WEEK, PLEASE READ CHAPTERS Nine, Ten, and Eleven! (that’s three of them! Sorry, my calculations were a bit off!)

 

 

 

 

 

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Monday, April 14, 2008 - Prince Caspian Challenge--Week Three, Chapters Five and Six

 

Week Three

Chapter Five

Caspian’s Adventures in the Mountains

Although I don't think anyone adores Miraz at first, it is this chapter that we really see his true character. He's a tyrant, a dictator. His laws are oppressive. His taxes are high. And he is a murderer--finally, Caspian is told that Miraz indeed, killed his father, and will kill him if he does not flee.

What kind of villain is Miraz? How does he compare to the White Witch? What are the differences between the two, and how is Miraz more of a real world figure? Can you relate this to the question I asked earlier about there not being a sense of awe when the children entered Narnia this time? What about Narnia was changed under Miraz as a ruler versus the equally tyrannical White Witch?

Cornelius presents Caspian with the "greatest and most sacred treasure of Narnia"--the horn of Queen Susan. Considering what we read in chapter two, what is significant about Dr. Cornelius' possession of the horn?

Caspian is found by Trufflehunter, Trumpkin, and Nikabrik in the woods when he flees the castle of Miraz. They all seem skeptical of the belief of Aslan and the rulers at Cair Paravel. Of course, it has been over 1300 years since either of these were heard of. It is easy to see why they may lost their faith!

What would you say the theme of this chapter is? No wrong answers! ;)

Chapter Six

The People That Lived in Hiding

The chapters starts off with Caspian experiencing the happiest times he ever knew. It sounds kind of cliché, but worth looking at. Why is it that these times are so wonderful to Caspian? He's left his home, his family...what is there here that he was missing?

We are introduced to a multitude of creatures in this chapter. The Centaur Glenstorm comes in, and immediately asks for war. Of course, Caspian never even thought of war. It is doubtful he had thought much of anything about his future. The people seem to consider Caspian the rightful king. Remember when Miraz asked if Caspian wanted to be king when grew up? Caspian answered that he wasn’t sure. Do you think Caspian is capable of being king, and what qualities has he illustrated that would make him a good (or bad) king?

Some of the creatures (Nikabrik included) wished to bring in other creatures to aid their cause. These were creatures of "bad habits", or on the "dark side" (to put it in George Lucas terms!). Most of the creatures were unsure of their beliefs on Aslan, but they considered bringing in the bad. Why do the bad creatures have more appeal than the good at this point, and how does that affect us in the real world?

Oh, yes, and we are introduced to Reepicheep here--one of the most loved characters in the Chronicles. First impressions of this valiant talking mouse?  

 

Assignment: Read chapters Seven and Eight

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Sunday, April 6, 2008 - Prince Caspian Challenge--Week Two, Chapters Three and Four

Week Two

 

Another week flown by! Did you all enjoy the reading this week? A lot of important stuff happened in these two chapters--new characters, primarily! It actually feels like the story is starting to take flight, eh?

 

Chapter Three

The Dwarf

Queen Susan the Gentle--yes, the gentle--was quite a hero in this chapter! She saved the Dwarf from the two men that had him in the boat. This is our first look at this Dwarf, and he becomes quite a character in this book, as well as in the two following. He's one of my personal favorites!

Don't you love how he just takes command right off? Of course, he doesn't know who the children are, but I find it interesting that this seemingly unknown dwarf just steps up when the High King of Narnia is present. It just shows that Peter is still partly child, and hasn't fully returned to his kingship.

We find it has clearly been a long time since the children were in Narnia. What do you think the significance of the time gap was to C.S. Lewis? Why did he include it? How does it relate to the children now being children again?

Chapter Four

The Dwarf Tells of Prince Caspian

Finally, we are introduced to the title character, Prince Caspian. First impressions, anyone? I think it is neat to note that Prince Caspian's life is covered in the Chronicles of Narnia more than any other person (in time, that is). Besides this book, he is the main character in Voyage of the Dawn Treader, and also plays a role in The Silver Chair and The Last Battle.

This is a silly question, but how old do you picture Prince Caspian here? Of course, near the beginning of chapter four he is still a young boy. This is just curiosity, because it's an area of conflict among fans. In the movie version he will be older than many expected--it seems a lot of people, Narnian scholars (yes, they exist! Stop laughing!) included, will tell you he is more early teens. I always pictured him older, for several reasons, mainly because of things that happen in VDT. I don't want to give that away, but if you want to know, ask. :P Not important, but if you are one of those people who want your perception of the book to match with the film, get used to picturing him older in your head! lol!

Why did King Miraz not want Caspian knowing about old Narnia? Why were the Telmarines afraid of Aslan? How are the enemies of the faith similar to that in the real world?

We are also introduced to the family of Caspian. Miraz is his uncle; Prunaprismia his aunt. Wouldn't you like to give one of your children that name? I think it suits her...C.S. Lewis shares Caspian's dislike of her, apparently. Lewis was particularly known to dislike prunes, perhaps that is where he derived the name from. Also, in a book C..S. Lewis often read, Dickens’s Little Dorrit, the main character comments on the words frequently, "prunes and prisms.” Hmm!

Why was the arrival of Dr. Cornelius at such perfect timing in Caspian's life?

How is the revelation of Dr. Cornelius' race so frightening and exciting for Caspian? In what ways does this show, for all their scorn of the "old wives’ tales about Narnia" show that the Telmarines were such a primitive people?

I don't have too many questions up for these chapters-- but I really would like to hear your impressions on Caspian. What sort of boy/man does he seem to be?  

 

 

Assignment: Read chapters Five and Six

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Tuesday, March 25, 2008 - Prince Caspian Challenge--Week One, Chapters One and Two

Week One

 

Hope you all enjoyed digging into the first two chapters of Prince Caspian! I assumed all of you were already familiar with The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe--movie or book. Likewise, you by now know Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy fairly well. There's nothing better than having great character return to a book, huh?

Chapter One

The Island

Thus far, the story has focused on the four Pevensie children. They are a year older, of course, then in LWW. Do they seem any older to you? How so? Changed any?

I think the first chapter really illustrates that, although older, and perhaps more mature, they are still the same old Pevensie children we grew to love in LWW. For instance, who was the first to feel the call of magic into Narnia? Yes, that would be Lucy-- the one who believed first in Narnia; the ever faithful, as we will really see later on in Prince Caspian. Who first identified it as magic? That would be Edmund. That's another key point. That comes to my first question that I would like to ask to propel you into the discussion:Why do you think Edmund first identified the "pull" as magic? Can you relate this to our own lives?

What about the other children? Susan--remember Susan, the practical, cautious Susan of LWW? That Susan is back, still the same. She points out the necessities--where will they get food? She is the one to remind Edmund and Lucy to wear their shoes. Devin Brown calls Susan a "chronic worrier." True--and we will see this more later on; just something to keep in mind.

Another question:Lucy asks Peter if he thinks they are back in Narnia when they first find themselves in the woods. Peter answered, "It might be anywhere." Do you remember the sense of wonder Lucy felt when she first stepped through the wardrobe into Narnia the first time? Do you feel this awe when the children arrive in Narnia here? Why, or why not? This is something we will come back to when we are further introduced into the world of Narnia as it is now.

Finally, did you notice the order of the children's realization that they were being pulled out of the train station? What was it? Does this order have any significance, based on what we know about the children?

Chapter Two

The Ancient Treasure House

Peter's logic is what really showed them where they were. He's a smart cookie, that one is. I know Susan has kind have had the rap for being the logical one (especially in the film) but I really see it as Peter, as well. I think part of it has to do with being the oldest--he's got to be practical. Keep this in mind as well, because it's something that will be central to the story later on.

The children have been in Narnia now all day. Do you see them changing and growing even just since they arrived in the morning? How, and why?

Doesn't the Treasure Chamber sound pretty glorious? Each of the children found their Christmas gift that was given to them in LWW. All except Edmund, that is. He had not received one, because he was betraying the others with the White Witch at the time. Why do you think it was so important to C.S. Lewis that Edmund did not receive a gift, even later, and thus had no special tool when returning to Narnia in Prince Caspian? Do you think this relates to us in our world?

Lastly, we find Susan's horn is missing. Apparently, it was lost when she left Narnia. Ideas on the horn? (if you've read it before, don't give it away!)

Remember, I encourage you to dig deeper than the few questions I'd appreciate if you could start with here. Anything that enters your mind when reading, feel free to post!

Assignment: Read chapters Three and Four

By the way, over the weekend I got to go to my brand new Family Chrisitan Stores and check out all the new Prince Caspian tie in book merchandise (and I went to Toys R Us and got to check out the action figures).  Pretty neat stuff--lots of never before seen pictures in the various books (two I Can Read books, the movie storybook, the novel with movie pictures). Worth seeing if you happen to be at a store....

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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! 

 

 

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