The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: Theme of Sexism
By
Dishant Rana
For
John Vardon
20645022
June 29st/2015
The sexiest ideals of society are reflected on many novels throughout the ages. These ideals may not only reflect the authors’ views but also the views that are subconsciously proponent of society. C.S Lewis’s series, “The Chronicles of Narnia” has become a popular series among young readers; nonetheless many books in the series have also received their share of criticism. Focusing on the second novel of the series, “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” the theme of sexism is evidently portrayed throughout the novel towards women by various male and female characters. “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” not only illustrates a sexist view of women, it also has a negative view of feminism.
Sexism becomes most predominant in the novel upon the introduction of Father Christmas. As the Witch’s spell starts to fail, Father Christmas comes for his yearly visit after many years and with him, brings the spirit of gift giving. Mrs. Beaver receives a new sewing machine which is unsurprising considering she spends nearly all her time doing womanly chores inside the house such as preparing dinner or using her sewing machine with Susan and Lucy. Furthermore, Susan receives a bow and a horn to call for help, while Peter gets a sword and shield. Instead of giving Susan a sword as well to defend herself during combat, she is given a horn, indicative that she, as a woman, is dependent on others for rescue and cannot actually participate in combat. In addition to the horn, Father Christmas gives her a bow, making sure to mention that she “must use the bow only in great need, for [he] do[es] not mean for [Susan] to fight in battle” (Lewis 94). Wielding a sword and defending those you care and respect is the duty of those who are strong and capable. This role is given to only men in this novel, revealing that women are presumed to be weak. Moreover, Lucy is gifted a diamond bottle, filled with “a cordial made of the juice of one of the fire-flowers that grow in the mountains of the sun. If [anyone] is hurt, a few drops of this will restore them” (Lewis 95). This gift also displays the stereotypes associated with women, specifically showing that they play the role of a protector in society, rather than a warrior. Along with the bottle, Father Christmas gifts her a small dagger. With this, he warns her, saying that the “dagger is to defend at great need. For [Lucy should] also not be in battle.” Lucy’s curiosity leads her to ask for an explanation as she sees herself as “brave enough” (Lewis 95). To this, Father Christmas indicates “battles are ugly when women fight” (Lewis 95). This comment reflects the sexist ideals of the author once again, showing that women are not equals of men. Therefore, this scene clearly shows the sexist views of the author through the choice of gifts presented by Father Christmas to Susan and Lucy, along with Mrs. Beaver.
“The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” also depicts feminism in a negative aspect. Jadis, the queen, is the only powerful female character in the novel and C.S. Lewis still chooses to portray her as an evil being, killing her for the crimes she commits. She abuses her magic and power for personal benefit. Metaphorically representing a feminist, she conveys the idea that that a woman in society should not seek power, for she will be punished if she does, indicative that a powerful woman is unnatural. Furthermore, Jadis is seen as the “the emperor’s Hangman” (Lewis 123) who executes all betrayers. She informs members of Narnia that “every traitor belongs to [her] as [her] lawful prey and that for every treachery [she has] a right to a kill” (Lewis 123). Hence, if every woman is given a high-ranking status, she will become corrupt similar to the Witch, reflecting that woman have unethical mentalities, making them lesser people. Based upon the actions of the Witch through out the novel readers start to obtain a negative opinion towards the woman, as only a female character is shown to be evil while most males are shown as brave warriors. Hence, showcasing feminism as something that should be avoided gives the readers a negative outlook of feminism.