Biblical Allusions Within C. S. Lewis’ “The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe”

Image source: book-adventures.com

An allusion is a literary device wherein an author pertains to a particular subject indirectly or without explicitly mentioning it. Allusions are often used in poetry alongside metaphors. However, spotting particularly themed allusions can be difficult when discussing prose. To further explain this idea, let’s look at Biblical allusions used by C. S. Lewis in his novel “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.”

Midway through the narrative, Edmund betrays his siblings and joins forces with the White Witch. This is an allusion to Judas and his betrayal of Jesus with the White Witch pertaining to Satan. The White Witch’s lair is also a stark contrast to hell as it is cold, ice-filled, and yet equally filled with minions and trapped souls.

The theme of resurrection is also apparent when Aslan sacrifices himself to the White Witch, just as Jesus did in return for mankind’s redemption. In the scene, Aslan is humiliated, his mane cut away just as Jesus was stripped of his clothes when he was burdened with the cross.

Image source: narnia.wikia.com

Lastly, the dangers of the sin of gluttony appear early in the narrative when Edmund gobbles the Turkish Delights as he begins his service to the White Witch. He also does this after leaving her. This may also be symbolic of the sin of consumption committed by Adam and Eve.

Hi there! My name is John Eilermann, and I’m from St. Louis, Missouri. I’m currently working on getting a degree in comparative literature. It is my goal to develop an understanding of literary compositions regardless of boundaries such as language, culture, and tradition. For more fascinating reads on literature, visit this blog.