Lewis's "Pictures:" The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

By: Amy Stello

In class, something which really stuck with me while reading the Narnia series was a comment made by Lewis. Lewis apparently had the vision of a faun under a lamppost and that was his "springing off point" for The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. This was a picture that he had since childhood. This aspect of Lewis's writing really inspires me. It gives me a good idea of how to turn those little pictures in your mind into great stories with whole worlds.


While re-reading The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, I couldn't help but think of all the other beautiful visions that Lewis must have had while writing his Narnia series and his most popular book in the series. Lewis's writing style has something incredibly organic and down-homey while at the same time putting in deep messages about life. Several times within the book, I wondered if Lewis was idealizing times that he had himself. There are two times within the book which made me think that Lewis was recalling some of the most beautiful, simple pleasures in life.

The first time is right at the beginning of the novel when Lucy meets Mr. Tumnus. There is something special about the way the faun is described having a scarf and carrying parcels in the snow. This already adds to the ambiance of a time when life is cozy and happy. They enter into Mr. Tumnus's apartment and it too is the picture of coziness. Two little chairs, lots of books, memories of ancestors, a roaring fire and lots of delicious "tea-time food." At the very end of it all, there are good stories that Mr. Tumnus shares. Everyone who reads that passage wishes he or she were there.

The second similar time is when the children go to the Mr. and Mrs. Beaver's house/dam. I must assume that Lewis had someone in mind when he was writing about the Beavers. When they enter into the dam, they all get the feeling that they are at one of the most delightful, hospitable houses with creatures which have positive outlooks. I can imagine Lewis thinking of the classic Scottish/British farmers who live out in the country and weave knit sweaters for people during their birthdays. Once again, it leaves the readers wishing they had friends like that.
From reading Lewis's stories, I wish that I would have been able to know him. Just from his tones in the books, you can get an idea of what he would have been like in real life. He truly is one of the most beloved authors.