Discussion Questions for The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

You will have a total of 8 questions to answer. Although I WILL NOT be grading grammar or spelling, I would like you to use complete and legible sentences. You will only be allowed your copy of the book a bible, and your own discussion question answers during the Socratic Discussion. I WILL be grading these answers, and your discussion group, but I will be looking for thoughtful answers presented in a pleasant and scholarly manner.

Include reference pages in the text that prove your answer. Use this system:

Chapter 8, 3^rd page (p.75), “Aslan a Man!”

You also need to mark that exact paragraph with a sticky note for discussion day, so you can quickly turn to the correct reference.

Warming Up – choose two

1. How does the reader know that the White Witch's magic is weakening? How is the strength of her power reflected in the seasons?

2. In chapter 11 Edmund is forced to face the true nature of the Witch. What does he learn about her? What name does she detest? Why do you suppose that is? Which common element in fantasy does this illustrate?

3. Which is your favorite character? Tell why, giving examples from the things he does or says that explain why you like him most.

Going Deeper – choose four

4. What reasons does the Professor give for trusting Lucy more than Edmund when their stories disagree? How does he demonstrate logic? How does this demonstration enable him - and us - to believe in Narnia? Have you ever heard this argument used for faith in something else? If so, please explain.

5. In chapter seven the children hear about Aslan for the first time. Each of them responds differently. How do each of them feel when they first hear about him? Why do you suppose they react so differently?

6. Why do you think the beavers say, “Aslan is not safe, but he is good?” (This same idea is reiterated in later books as “Aslan is not a tame lion.”) What do you think this means?

7. What is the deeper magic the White Witch doesn't know about? Why do you think this deeper magic is so mysterious to her? What is the role of the Emperor-Beyond-the-Sea in the novel?

8. In chapter 10 the children meet Father Christmas. How is he described? How is he like the traditional image of Santa Claus? How is he different? What is he doing in the middle of this story? What is the significance of Father Christmas's arrival? What does he seem to represent? What does he give to the children? Are they toys?

Allegorical Questions

Choose one of the following three events in the story, all of which strongly relate to our Catholic faith. Please explain the Christian meaning, using quotes from scripture to prove your point. Be sure to give details from The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe which parallel the details found in Sacred Scripture.

9. In chapter 13 the Witch claims Edmund as her "lawful prey."

10. In chapter 14 Lucy and Susan follow Aslan to the Stone Table and witness his sacrifice.

11. In chapter 15 Aslan is resurrected.

Common Elements of Fantasy Questions – choose one

Look at your “Thinking about Meaning in Faerie Stories” handout. Using the questions on that handout, think about ONE of the following questions and answer it. You MUST give evidence from the text. (If you have read the other books in the series and want to include quotes from them, you may, but reading more than the assigned book is NOT necessary.)

12. What is the “Nature of Magic” found in this book?

13. What is the “Nature of Good and Evil” in this book?

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