Symbolism through Landscape in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe

Catherine Porter

One of my favorite elements of reading Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia is the descriptions of the various landscapes as the characters in the story make their way through different parts of the land. One particular nature force that changes throughout the book is the snow melting and the coming of spring. While Narnia had not seen Spring in years because of the spell that the White Witch held over the land, Mr. Beaver notes that “It looks as if her power is already crumbling!” because the snow begins to melt. He knows that this means that Aslan is nearer, and therefore the White Witches power is crumbling. This idea allows me to have a new insight into the way this world works. When I am in the presence of God, it seems as though Satan holds no power. It is when I chose to be farther from him that Satan’s power strengthens. In the same way, as Aslan becomes closer, the White Witches power diminishes.