Abstract
Many C.S. Lewis scholars have studied displays of positive Christian symbolism in Lewis’ work of children’s fantasy, The Chronicles of Narnia, but very little scholarship has focused on characters that oppose the positive representations of Christianity in the novels. This project analyzes the theological importance of Calormenes, the Witch figure, and Telmarines, finding Calormenes represent the religious lost, the Witch figure represents Lilith and Satan the Tempter, and the Telmarines represent an atheistic worldview.
The project also addresses criticisms of Lewis’ representations of antagonists in the Chronicles as racist. Many scholars have noted the ethnocentrism present in Lewis’ descriptions of Calormenes as a Middle-Eastern people. The essay analyzes this criticism acknowledging the racism of Lewis’ times that influenced his writing, while also recognizing that theological racism is an allegation of which Lewis is not guilty. Uncovering the theological significance of these characters will give Christian and literary scholars insight into the Chronicles’ presentation of the un-Christian – who they are, how they deviate from Christianity and what Lewis believes their fate will be.
Semester/Year of Award
Spring 2013
Mentor
Christopher J. Neumann
Mentor Department Affiliation
English and Theatre
Access Options
Restricted Access Thesis
Document Type
Bachelor Thesis
Degree Name
Honors Scholars
Degree Level
Bachelor's
Department
Teaching, Learning, and Educational Leadership
Department Name when Degree Awarded
Curriculum and Instruction
Recommended Citation
Zimmerman, Hannah J., "Examining Representations of the un-Christian Paradigm in C.S. Lewis’ "The Chronicles of Narnia"" (2013). Honors Theses. 109.
https://encompass.eku.edu/honors_theses/109
