Thursday, April 19, 2012

Christian Holmes Narnia 2

One story element that I really enjoyed in the Lion the Witch and Wardrobe, was the narrative of Edmond and sin. In the story, Edmond comes to a point where he stands in opposition of Aslan (Jesus). While this opposition was one of double guessing and uneasiness, it was an opposition nonetheless. This narrative of sin reveals several of Lewis' views on the topic.

First, Edmonds constant second guessing and worry when in the act of opposing Aslan, along with the dread he feels at his name while opposing him, demonstrates Lewis' belief that sin is naturally understood in the human mind to be wrong. Edmond did not fully understand who Aslan was. However, he appears to know naturally that what he is doing is in some capacity wrong.

In addition, Edmond is driven to the witch and away from Aslan due to anger towards his siblings for not respecting him, and giving him that which he thought he deserved. In other words, Edmonds motivation to sin was based on a lack of fulfillment in regards to that which he believes himself entitled. In simpler terms, Edmond is driven to sin out of selfish ambition. This speaks greatly of Lewis' ideas of where the origin of mans sin can be found. Man wanted to be God.

Finally. The way Edmonds decisions rapidly get out of his control and take him places that he never wanted to go, speak to the idea that sin is always out of mans control. Sin appears to never actually be what man wants it to be, never takes man where he wants to go, never gives him what he really wants it to give him, and never stops where he wants it to stop. Sin is something that operates within the life of men, but outside of their control.

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