Topics for Further Study
- An allegory is a type of work, whether visual or written, in which abstract or spiritual ideas are represented through tangible objects. Compose a brief story that serves as an allegory. Choose an abstract idea or virtue, such as honesty, patience, or courage, and craft a narrative where the main character, whether human or animal, embodies the traits of the selected concept.
- Watch the 2005 movie adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Take note of how the film adheres to Lewis's original book and where it diverges. Pay attention to elements like theme, plot, dialogue, and characterization. Consider why the filmmakers might have made these changes. Prepare a class presentation discussing these differences, but be sure to also highlight some similarities. Use clips from the movie (on DVD or VHS) to support your points.
- The morning after Edmund is rescued from the White Witch, Aslan and Edmund have a private conversation away from everyone else, even the reader. The narrator states, "There is no need to tell you (and no one ever heard) what Aslan was saying, but it was a conversation which Edmund never forgot." Based on your understanding of the characters, what do you think Aslan said to Edmund? How do you believe Edmund responded? Imagine the conversation and then write it out as a dialogue between the two characters.
- Music plays a significant role in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and appears at four distinct moments. Mr. Tumnus plays a tune for Lucy on his peculiar little flute, making her "want to cry and laugh and dance and go to sleep all at the same time." When Mr. Beaver first mentions Aslan's name, the narrator notes, "Susan felt as if some … delightful strain of music had just floated by her." Stringed music accompanies Aslan's grand entrance at the Stone Table. At the coronation of the four Pevensie children, the music inside Cair Paravel is complemented by "the voices of the mermen and mermaids swimming close to castle steps and singing in honor of the new Kings and Queens." The narrator describes these voices as "stranger, sweeter, and more piercing" than the music inside. Select two or more of these occasions and find pieces of music that you feel are fitting for each event. The music can be classical (Beethoven, Wagner, etc.), modern (Gershwin, Bernstein, etc.), or from other genres (The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, etc.). Present your selections to the class: play the recordings and explain why you believe they are appropriate.
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