Narnia

CAPIRAL, Ma. Alyanna Mae L. III- 8 AB/ BSE Literature

Literary Criticism Dr. Montealegre

Mythological Archetypal Approach on Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Critiques say that in order for a text to survive, it must not only be well written nor it’s just intellectually presented but it is universal in theme. Some writer includes elements of myth in their work intentionally; some of the writers do not. Most of the readers would like a text when they could relate to it, link their lives, culture, and situation to the texts. With most of the world, having connected by their collective unconscious could one way or the other empathizes with each other. It’s a great proof that we are spectacles of this earth. Also that, some how, that idea defies time for that matter. The concept of immortality would also be in another perspective as to the point that our ideas or unconscious will live on forever. Maybe until the human psyche is unchanged, also culture, even it is gradually changing, some of it will remain. In the text, Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the novel is full of elements of myth. Some of the concepts in the novel are borrowed from Norse and Greek Mythology. The fauns, centaur, dryads, and minotaurs while giants, dwarfs are from the Norse mythology. Also, elements of folklore are also seen in the novel, Father Christmas. Also, the battle between good and evil, Aslan’s camp versus the White Witch camp. This is very common among stories, movies, novels, and even everyday life. White Witch wanted so much power that who ever rebels against

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her will be punished and turned into stone The common ground of betrayal of trust, hence because of the Turkish delight Edmund sided with the White Witch. Most of us, one way or another has been blinded by so many things; we are deceived by our eyes of what is good and true. The archetypes in the novel that I observed will be further discussed. The mythos of winter, it is said that in Narnia because of the White Witch power it’s winter but never Christmas, this explains the mythos of Winter: Irony. Being a White Witch seems to be someone good, hence the color white connotes but the White Witch is evil. Also, the world of Narnia, which is inside a huge wardrobe seems to be a vast land and not being limited by the wardrobe size. Hence, the mythos of irony comes. The quest of the Pevensie children for the arrival of Aslan. Pevensie children as stated “ When Adam’s flesh and Adam’s bone sits at Clair Paravel all of Narnia will be saved.” In order, for the Pevensie to save Narnia, they must undergo so many trials as I may say a long journey. Edmund is a hero of initiation. He undergoes series of ordeals in passing ignorance and immaturity to realizing which side is the rightful side to the throne of Narnia. . As common to most of heroes, inner conflict is present with the children, mostly in Peter’s case.He wanted the safety of his siblings but upon realizing that Narnia needs them, he decided to undertake in a greater cause that is to help the good side. The Witch can be equated to the trickster; she uses her power to hold of Edmund as first. The use of children as the main character is a good archetype for innocence, and purity of their heart, children are viewed as always good. But choosing them as a hero is a bleak archetype though. Aslan signifies

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the hope of people in Narnia, the lion is an Archetype of courage, strength, and leadership in this C.S. Lewis applied the archetypes well. Father Christmas is also an archetype of someone who aids the good, he gave the Pevensie children gifts that will aid them in a battle. The particular gift to Lucy is a container that has healing water. Water connotes cleansing, mystery of creation, birth-deathresurrection. The number of the Pevensie children is four. The number four signifies a circle,life cycle that one must pass in order to grow, and mature, also these could mean a never ending rule of the good people in Narnia’s throne. After reading Narnia, I believe deep down in my heart see what so good about that novel is that its carries so many things. May it be political, social, religious, it may appeal on many sense the readers deemed the novel. That makes the novel or the series as I may say very good for interpretation, aside from the rich Mythological- Archetypal Elements, the text is rich in philosophical underpinnings. Also the novel, challenges every one of us to remain a child in our hearts.

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