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The Keys to the Chronicles: Unlocking the Symbols of C. S. Lewis's Narnia
Most readers of the C. S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia know that there is more there than meets the eye. Certain story elements have obvious duel meanings-a second layer below the surface-like the death and resurrection of Aslan the lion. But where does the name Aslan come from? What are other key Bible references in the Chronicles of Narnia? Did Lewis make up the names, or do they have a deeper meaning too? And do even Lewis's own personal feelings about prunes show up in these books? The Keys to the Chronicles will unlock the literary, linguistic, biographical, biblical, and mythological depth of Lewis's masterpiece.
117 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 26, 2013
I have been obsessing over Lewis for the last year and a half after re-reading the entire Chronicles from start to finish, something I don't think I've ever done. (I've read them all at least a half dozen times or more, but never back-to-back.)
The inconsistencies in the Chronicles, the sloppy writing, the bizarre references - I just HAD to know what was up with Lewis. Consequently, I've been reading as much as I can about the Chronicles and Lewis himself. My theory is that he was so intent on getting his message across that he didn't pay attention to things like plot, structure, continuity, etc.
"The Keys to the Chronicles" was absolutely critical in helping me understand what on earth was going on in Lewis's head. If you have ever said, "WTF is he doing?" read this book!
I read this book at the same time as I read "The Way Into Narnia" by Peter J. Schakel. I actually would read about LWW in one, then LWW in the other. Individually, they answered a lot of questions, but together, they offered nearly a complete explanation of everything I've ever puzzled over.
The only thing I didn't like was that I didn't know who that girl on the cover was supposed to be; she kind of looks like Amy Pond. I loathe Amy Pond, so I decided she must be the White Witch.
The inconsistencies in the Chronicles, the sloppy writing, the bizarre references - I just HAD to know what was up with Lewis. Consequently, I've been reading as much as I can about the Chronicles and Lewis himself. My theory is that he was so intent on getting his message across that he didn't pay attention to things like plot, structure, continuity, etc.
"The Keys to the Chronicles" was absolutely critical in helping me understand what on earth was going on in Lewis's head. If you have ever said, "WTF is he doing?" read this book!
I read this book at the same time as I read "The Way Into Narnia" by Peter J. Schakel. I actually would read about LWW in one, then LWW in the other. Individually, they answered a lot of questions, but together, they offered nearly a complete explanation of everything I've ever puzzled over.
The only thing I didn't like was that I didn't know who that girl on the cover was supposed to be; she kind of looks like Amy Pond. I loathe Amy Pond, so I decided she must be the White Witch.
May 30, 2013
I found this book at the bookstore where I worked a few months on the campus of Friends University. The author is an English professor there, as well as an expert on all things Narnian.
The Chronicles of Narnia is my favorite fiction series (closely followed by Dee Henderson's O'Malley series, Walter Farley's Black Stallion books and the old Nancy Drew novels). Having read them as an adult, I noticed a lot of the symbolism and allegory in the books. But Dr. Hinten opened my eyes to even more of C.S. Lewis' hidden layers through this wonderful discussion of allusions in the Chronicles.
This is a must-have in any Narnia fan's library. It is a fun and easy read, which will deepen your appreciation for Lewis' art and whimsey. If you are a literature student, this would be a vital reference for any research project on the Chronicles. It might even be a good book to give a teen who is reading through the series, so explain some of the things they might not understand or appreciate otherwise.
The Chronicles of Narnia is my favorite fiction series (closely followed by Dee Henderson's O'Malley series, Walter Farley's Black Stallion books and the old Nancy Drew novels). Having read them as an adult, I noticed a lot of the symbolism and allegory in the books. But Dr. Hinten opened my eyes to even more of C.S. Lewis' hidden layers through this wonderful discussion of allusions in the Chronicles.
This is a must-have in any Narnia fan's library. It is a fun and easy read, which will deepen your appreciation for Lewis' art and whimsey. If you are a literature student, this would be a vital reference for any research project on the Chronicles. It might even be a good book to give a teen who is reading through the series, so explain some of the things they might not understand or appreciate otherwise.
January 10, 2009
Discusses some of the many allegorical references in the Narnia series (e.g. where names came from). Very interesting, and added to my already deep appreciation for the brilliance of Lewis.
January 7, 2011
Lewis was a genius.
July 11, 2011
I got this in a book packet full of Christmas gifts and things. Any book that details Lewis' writing, is a good book. He was a literally genius.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews