The film contains a number of different types of kings. Four in particular highlight different views of kingship. Miraz has falsely taken the throne and selfishly seeks to control the world for his own benefit; Aslan is the true king (whether or not anyone recognises it), and he wants everyone to live in justice and peace; Peter has forgotten
how to be a good king and has lessons to re-learn; Caspian wants to bring justice and peace, but realises that he is not ready to rule - a fact which, according to Aslan, shows that he is.
Caspian: "I don't think I'm ready"
Aslan: "It's for that very reason I know you are"
2) Faith and proof
The nature of faith and proof is explored in two different sets of characters.
Peter and Lucy initially disagree upon whether Aslan is there with them. Once it becomes clear that he is, they disagree on what proof is required.
Peter: "I wish he'd just given me some sort of proof"
Lucy: "Maybe we're the ones who need to prove ourselves to him"
At the same time different reactions to the evidence that is available are illustrated by the contrast between the three Narnian friends. Trufflehunter is essentially a believer, holding on to his faith. Trumpkin is a skeptic who will not believe until he sees with his own eyes. Nikabrik is a pragmatist who will try anything if it seems to work.
Illustrative quote from the script:
Trufflehunter: "We badgers remember well that Narnia was never right except when a Son of Adam was King"
Nikabrik: "And I'd gladly do it again [fight alongside the white witch] if it would rid us of these barbarians"
Trumpkin: "Look, I'm not about to jump off a cliff after someone who doesn't exist."
3) Suffering and the apparent abandonment of God
The Narnians feel abandoned. They know the stories of the great activity of Aslan and the old kings and queens. But they also know that they have been left on their own for many years, and have suffered under the persecution of the Telmarines. They feel abandoned. In the same way, many today say "Where is God in this world of
suffering?" - and, indeed, doubt whether he actually exists at all.
Lucy: "I don't understand. How could Aslan have let this happen?"
Trumpkin: "Aslan? I thought he abandoned us when you lot did."
Trumpkin: "Look around you! Do you really think if Aslan were out there, he'd leave us in here to be
slaughtered?"
4) The danger of going it alone
Peter will not wait for Aslan and thinks that the Narnians can go ahead and capture the Telmarine castle themselves. When he fails, the White Witch tells him that he cannot do it alone and tries to seduce him into trusting in her power. The battle is only won when the Narnians place their hope in Aslan, and seek his help.
Peter: "I think we've waited for Aslan long enough" .
White Witch: "You know you can't do this alone"
5) Being faithful disciples
Initially only Lucy sees Aslan. The others don't believe her and she is forced to choose between following Aslan or staying with the others. Discipleship is often like that - and Aslan teaches her that she should not let herself be held back by other people's unbelief.
Lucy: "I knew it was you. The whole time, I knew it. But the others didn't believe me."
Aslan: "And why would that stop you from coming to me?"
6)Mercy
When Miraz is defeated in single-combat, Peter offers Caspian the chance to kill him and thus avenge his father's death. However, Caspian decides to be a different kind of king and chooses mercy. Similarly, when the Telmarine forces are defeated, the Narnians help them out of the river and they are given the option of staying peacefully in Narnia if they wish.
Miraz: "Maybe you do have the makings of a Telmarine king after all"
Caspian: "Not one like you"
7) Love and relationships
There are many different types of relationships explored in the film. The bond between the Pevensie siblings is prominent, with the relationship between Edmund and Peter being particularly interesting. A different kind of love is explored in the feelings which grow between Caspian and Susan. And the love which is shown for and by Aslan, especially in his relationship with Lucy, provides an interesting comparison with the way Christians relate to God.
Peter: "You know, you've always been there for me and I never really-"
8) Faith for the future rather than regrets for the past
Things don't always go smoothly for the Pevensies and Caspian. When they fail, it is tempting to get discouraged, or start blaming each other. However, Aslan encourages them to have faith for the future, rather than dwelling on regrets about the past.
Lucy: "If I had come earlier would everyone who died could I have stopped that?";
Aslan: "We can never know what would have happened, Lucy. But what will happen is another
matter entirely"
10) Growing up in our understanding of God
When she gets to see Aslan close up, Lucy realises that he is significantly bigger than last time they met. He does not diminish as the children grow up. Instead, they find that the more they understand, the bigger and more majestic he appears to them. The same is true of Christian faith: rather than being a childish thing that recedes as
we grow up, it grows with us as we grow to Christian maturity.
Lucy: You've grown"
Aslan "Every year you grow, so shall I"
© Copyright 2008 Damaris Trust
