Could I get some SUB with that TEXT?

[layla]

I finished my Narnia re-read last night. I hadn't read the series in probably over 15 years (since I was pretty young, at any rate). It was interesting to compare my reactions *then* to my reactions *now*. I was completely unaware as a kid of the allegorical elements of the books, which now seem awfully ham-handed -- subtext is supposed to be, you know, a little bit *hidden*, normally. Some of them didn't quite live up to my glowing childhood memories ... I adored the heck out of VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER as a kid, but on the re-read, it just didn't quite live up to my adult expectations, maybe because the kids didn't really solve any of their own problems ... it was one of the worst books for the "deus ex machina" lion showing up every time they're in trouble. On the other hand, THE HORSE AND HIS BOY (my other childhood favorite) was every bit as exciting as I remembered.

Will probably go see the movie next week sometime.

Comments

[dewgeist.livejournal.com]

...and that's why I didn't read them again. I assume I would have a similar reaction. Childhood memories are sometimes best when viewed from a distance.
So. Going in cold for this flick.

[xparrot.livejournal.com]

Hmm, Dawn Treader was my very favorite (rather liked The Last Battle too as I recall) but like you, haven't read them in years, am very curious myself to try them again. It's odd about the allegory - I remember reading them when I was younger and having a very strong sense that there was something else going on that I was missing, but I didn't understand what symbolism really was. And yet my Narnia phase corresponded closely with my Biblical phase, so I suspect on a subconscious level I was getting it (though perhaps not the way Lewis intended, if proselytizing was his goal; I loved the Bible and Narnia with the exact same passion and interest that I had for Greek mythology...)

Childhood Journey

[(Anonymous)]

I've been privileged to have just finished reading aloud The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe with a group of 10 and 11 year old kids. They were enthralled and joyous over the triumph of good over evil, the wonderful characters, and the descriptions of Narnia. For this past month, each time we suit up to go out to recess, they line up in front of the door and yell "Through the magic wardrobe, off to Narnia!" Lewis intended this book as a journey for children and only a child can open the door for you. Adults are stuck peering into a dusty old closet full of mothballs and memories.

[(Anonymous)]

Dawn Treader was my favorite too, largely on account of Reepicheep. :-)

I haven't re-read the series in about 15 years, partly because I'm afraid that my cynical adult sensibilities will be offended by the allegory (I don't object to allegory per se, and I am a big Lewis fan, but allegory for children is bound to be a blunt instrument). As a child (even up through my early-double-digit years) the allegory went straight over my head and I simply loved the adventure, but I don't know what my adult reaction will be. I should develop a spine and re-read them.

-SarahD in CA