Occasional Paper: an Archetypal Approach of the Movie “the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Occasional Paper: An Archetypal Approach of the Movie “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

In this movie, C.S. Lewis showed a fantasy version of the crucifixion of Christ. I have related this for the reason that the occurring events in his book have similarities with what is written in the bible. I think that the original story came from the well-known Christian story which has been prominent for thousands of years and that the writer had it connected in a contemporary way wherein people of all ages could be captivated instantly by the story, regardless if they know of the crucifixion or not.

When Edmund tried to betray his family, it can be associated with how Judas has shown disloyalty to Jesus. Aslan, the king of Narnia and the White Witch, the hollow wicked ruler, both depicted the typical good and evil. They can also be shown as Jesus and Satan especially when the White Witch tried to deceive Edmund into betraying his family as well as Aslan just so she could get rid of the prophesied future kings and queens of Narnia. Also, when Aslan was trying to save Edmund, he gave himself up just as Christ did in order to save his people.

Each sibling also had different portrayals of the weaknesses and strengths of a human being. Lucy, being the curious and honest one, Edmund, the deceiver, Susan, the fickle-minded and hesitant believer, and Peter the brave one.

The Archetypal characters in the story comprise Aslan as the hero and the White Witch as the villain. The Archetypal situations included here were when they journeyed to a place unknown to them, the birth and reborn of Aslan, and the task to which they were appointed inevitably. Symbols used were spring and winter and light and dark.

In the end, it can be concluded that this movie fit perfectly under the Archetypal approach for the reason that imageries, symbols, situations and characters of the movie have portrayed likeness to what we know as the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The author,...