Prince Caspian

“‘We are in the ruins of Cair Paravel itself,’ said Peter.

‘But I say,’ replied Edmund. ‘I mean, how do you make that out? This place has been ruined for ages. Look at all those big trees growing right up to the gates. Look at the very stones. Anybody can see that nobody has lived here for hundreds of years.’”

In keeping with his leadership role and prior status as high king, Peter is the first to realize that the ruined castle is Cair Paravel. This quotation aims to pique the reader’s curiosity, presenting a strange mystery surrounding what happened to their castle and why it suddenly seems so old—a crucial plot point in the story.

“‘I remember now. I took it with me the last day of all, the day we went hunting the White Stag. It must have got lost when we blundered back into that other place—England, I mean.’ Edmund whistled. It was indeed a most shattering loss; for this was an enchanted horn, and, whenever you blew it, help was certain to come to you, wherever you were.”

Susan recalls where she left her magical horn, which is not in the treasure chamber with the other magical gifts. This quote helps explain how Prince Caspian comes to have the horn later in the story. It also establishes the horn’s function; as a promise of aid, it develops the theme of The Triumph of Faith and Courage.

“‘What were they going to drown you for?’ asked Peter.

‘Oh, I’m a dangerous criminal, I am,’ said the Dwarf cheerfully. ‘But that’s a long story. Meantime, I was wondering if perhaps you were going to ask me to breakfast? You have no idea the appetite it gives one, being executed.’”

This passage shows the children’s compassionate and trusting nature, as they immediately help a stranger, the dwarf, who is in trouble. By introducing the dwarf as a “dangerous criminal,” Lewis infuses some humor into the story—the fact that the dwarf says this “cheerfully” is comically incongruous—while also creating suspense. The admission raises questions about the dwarf’s background and whether he will help or hurt the children.

“He was the smallest, and fattest, man Caspian had ever seen. He had a long, silvery, pointed beard which came down to his waist, and his face, which was brown and covered with wrinkles, looked very wise, very ugly, and very kind. His voice was grave and his eyes were merry so that, until you got to know him really well, it was hard to know when he was joking and when he was serious. His name was Doctor Cornelius.”

Lewis paints a detailed picture of Doctor Cornelius, Prince Caspian’s tutor. His description of Cornelius’s size foreshadows the fact that Doctor Cornelius is actually part dwarf but, like many dwarfs, hides his identity to protect himself from the Telmarines. The imagery also hints that Cornelius will help the protagonists since he is “very kind” with “merry” eyes.

“It is you Telmarines who silenced the beasts and the trees and the fountains, and who killed and drove away the Dwarfs and Fauns, and are now trying to cover up even the memory of them. The King does not allow them to be spoken of.”

Doctor Cornelius shares the truth with Prince Caspian, who is saddened to learn that his ancestors killed many of Narnia’s earlier inhabitants. This suggests a parallel between Caspian’s ancestry and the Christian idea of original sin—an inherited guilt. This quotation also highlights the consequences of leaders abusing their power for Spirituality and Humanity’s Relationship to Nature.

“Your kings are in deadly fear of the sea because they can never quite forget that in all stories Aslan comes from over the sea. They don’t want to go near it, and they don’t want anyone else to go near it […] They feel safer if no one in Narnia dares to go down to the coast and look out to sea—towards Aslan’s land and the morning and the eastern end of the world.”

Doctor Cornelius explains that the Telmarine kings are frightened of Aslan, the lion. Since Aslan, a Christ figure, embodies good and righteousness, this underlines that the Telmarine kings are evil. Cornelius hints that the Telmarine kings could be toppled if the people of Narnia embraced Aslan and his values, which is why the kings “feel safer” if no one goes to the sea. He uses morning and the east (where the sun rises) to suggest that Aslan would bring a fresh start after the corruption of the Telmarine reign.

“It is the magic horn of Queen Susan herself which she left behind her when she vanished from Narnia at the end of the golden age. It is said that whoever blows it shall have strange help—no one can say how strange. It may have power to call Queen Lucy and King Edmund and Queen Susan and the High King Peter back from the past, and they will set all to rights. It may be that it will call up Aslan himself.”

Doctor Cornelius gives Prince Caspian Susan’s magical horn, which he hints might have played a role in summoning the Pevensie children to Narnia. By associating the horn with Aslan, Doctor Cornelius solidifies his and Prince Caspian’s characterization as forces for good in Narnia. This scene is reminiscent of Father Christmas giving the children gifts in the previous book and confirms Cornelius’s role as Prince Caspian’s wise and generous mentor.

“‘Don’t you go talking about things you don’t understand, Nikabrik,’ said Trufflehunter. ‘You Dwarfs are as forgetful and changeable as the Humans themselves. I’m a beast, I am, and a Badger what’s more. We don’t change. We hold on. I say great good will come of it […]’”

Trufflehunter chastises Nikabrik for making negative generalizations about humans, pointing out that dwarfs are also flawed. In particular, Trufflehunter suggests that both species fail to remember and learn from their history or stay loyal to a certain cause. By announcing that he doesn’t change, Trufflehunter represents wisdom and loyalty in contrast to Nikabrik’s narrow and selfish focus on the dwarfs’ current interests.

“‘We want none of that sort on our side.’ Nikabrik disagreed with this, but Trumpkin and Trufflehunter overruled him. It gave Caspian a shock to realize that the horrible creatures out of the old stories, as well as the nice ones, had some descendents in Narnia still.

‘We should not have Aslan as our friend if we brought in all that rabble,’ said Trufflehunter […].”

Nikabrik is only concerned about the preservation of his own people and does not care about how they conduct their fight. In caring for everyone, Trufflehunter remains the voice of reason who embodies Aslan’s values. This quotation adds depth to the dwarf and badger characters and suggests that people can have a positive influence on their friends, developing the theme of The Process of Sin, Forgiveness, and Redemption.

“‘I’ll believe in anyone or anything,’ said Nikabrik, “that’ll batter these cursed Telmarine barbarians to pieces or drive them out of Narnia. Anyone or anything, Aslan or the White Witch, do you understand?’

‘Silence, silence,’ said Trufflehunter. ‘You do not know what you are saying. She was a worse enemy than Miraz and all his race.’

‘Not to Dwarfs she wasn’t,’ said Nikabrik.”

This quotation reveals that the Old Narnians are divided on the best way to challenge King Miraz’s reign. While Trufflehunter firmly believes in siding with Aslan, Nikabrik is focused on protecting his own group, even at the expense of others. By revealing their differing opinions, Lewis adds depth to these supporting characters and creates suspense about how they will confront King Miraz and if they will remain friends.

“‘Pah!’ said Nikabrik. ‘A renegade Dwarf. A half-and-halfer! Shall I pass my sword through its throat?’

‘Be quiet, Nikabrik,’ said Trumpkin. ‘The creature can’t help its ancestry.’

‘This is my greatest friend and savior of my life,’ said Caspian. ‘And anyone who doesn’t like his company may leave my army at once. Dearest Doctor, I am glad to see you again.’”

The characters’ reactions to Doctor Cornelius emphasize their different perspectives and personalities. Nikabrik continues to be reactive and hostile, while Trumpkin is more understanding. Prince Caspian shows that he is the leader of the group by referring to “his army” and welcoming Doctor Cornelius. This quotation suggests that Nikabrik will either have to change his ways or leave Caspian’s group in the future.

“‘Well, I’ve made about as big a fool out of myself as a Dwarf ever did. No offence, I hope? My humble duty to your majesties all—humble duty. And thanks for my life, my cure, my breakfast—and my lesson.’

The children all said it was quite all right and not to mention it.”

Trumpkin admits that the children are more capable than he imagined, and they agree to make up. By referring to them as “majesties,” Trumpkin recognizes that they once ruled over Narnia and promises to serve them. This confirms that Trumpkin can change his mind and is committed to supporting the children, making him a more sympathetic character.

“And now she began to feel that the whole forest was coming awake like herself. Hardly knowing why she did it, she got up quickly and walked a little distance away from their bivouac.”

This quotation hints that Lucy is the most sensitive to Narnia’s creatures and magic. The youngest of the Pevensie children, Lucy is in touch with her intuition and does not overthink issues, highlighting the value of faith and belief. In suggesting that Lucy observes different things than her siblings, the passage also foreshadows her coming encounter with Aslan.

“‘Look! Look! Look!’ cried Lucy.

‘Where? What?’ asked everyone.

‘The Lion,’ said Lucy. ‘Aslan himself. Didn’t you see?’ Her face had changed completely and her eyes shone.”

Lucy is the only child to notice Aslan in the woods, emphasizing her faith in Narnian magic and Aslan’s powers. By contrasting Lucy’s faith with her older siblings’ more jaded and rational assessments, Lewis underlines her childlike intuition and imagination. Notably, Lucy’s siblings responded similarly to her initial assertions about Narnia in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, which suggests that people may forget powerful experiences and need to learn the same lessons again.

“Lucy buried her head in his mane to hide from his face. But there must have been magic in his mane. She could feel lion strength going into her. Quite suddenly she sat up. ‘I’m sorry Aslan,’ she said. ‘I’m ready now.’

‘Now you are a lioness,’ said Aslan. ‘And now all Narnia must be renewed. But come. We have no time to lose.’”

Again following her intuition and sensitivities to Narnia’s magic, Lucy ventures into the woods by herself and meets Aslan once more. Her siblings are currently sleeping, implying that they are ignorant of the powerful happenings around them; they rely on their rational, worldly knowledge rather than Narnia’s magic to guide them. The confidence that Lucy gains from Aslan suggests that faith makes people stronger and more courageous. This passage also builds suspense about how Aslan and his followers will “renew” Narnia and whether the older Pevensie children will join them.

“Then, after an awful pause, the deep voice said, ‘Susan.’ Susan made no answer but the others thought she was crying. ‘You have listened to fears, child,’ said Aslan. ‘Come, let me breathe on you. Forget them. Are you brave again?’

‘A little, Aslan,’ said Susan.”

Aslan blames Susan’s lack of faith on fearful thinking, but he is a merciful, paternal figure who is quick to forgive. The scene develops Aslan as a Christ figure who offers salvation to those who believe in him and follow him; in “breathing” bravery into Susan, Aslan also recalls the God of Genesis, expanding further on the work’s allegory. This passage emphasizes the courage that the children must develop in order to overcome their fear and fulfill their destinies in Narnia.

“‘We want power: and we want a power that will be on our side. As for power, do not the stories say that the witch defeated Aslan, and bound him, and killed him right on that very stone that is over there, just beyond the light?’

‘But they also say that he came to life again,’ said the Badger sharply.

‘Yes, they say,’ answered Nikabrik […].”

Nikabrik tries to persuade Prince Caspian to collaborate with evil creatures such as “hags” and wer-wolves and even summon the White Witch back to Narnia. This quotation demonstrates that Nikabrik continues to doubt Aslan’s existence and is eager to defeat King Miraz using any means necessary. Nikabrik represents people who embrace evil to get ahead, while Trufflehunter represents people with steadfast morals and faithful believers. Because Aslan is Narnia’s version of the Christian God, this moral juxtaposition overlaps with a spiritual one: Trufflehunter represents faithful believers, and Nikabrik the opposite.

“‘I am sorry for Nikabrik,’ said Caspian, ‘though he hated me from the first moment he saw me. He had gone sour inside from long suffering and hating. If we had won quickly he might have become a good dwarf in the days of peace. I don’t know which of us killed him. I’m glad of that.’”

     After Nikabrik’s outburst and attempt to summon the White Witch, Caspian, Peter, and Edmund kill both Nikabrik and the dark creatures he invited. Caspian identifies Nikabrik’s “suffering” and “hatred” as the reasons for his corruption. Caspian’s sorrow reveals his compassionate nature, and his triumph over Nikabrik represents good overpowering evil.

“The two lords looked at one another and chuckled quietly.

‘I knew he’d do it if he were properly chafed,’ said Glozelle. ‘But I’ll not forget he called me a coward. It shall be paid for.’

King Miraz’s soldiers react to him accepting Peter’s challenge, confident that their side will win the greater fight whether the king lives or dies. This quotation also shows King Miraz’s poor leadership, as he has alienated his troops by treating them poorly. Glozelle’s comment about paying the king back for his bullying foreshadows his coming betrayal.

“‘I’m afraid it would not do,’ said Peter very gravely. ‘Some humans are afraid of mice—’

‘I had observed it, Sire,’ said Reepicheep.

‘And it would not be quite fair to Miraz,’ Peter continued, ‘to have in sight anything that might abate the edge of his courage.’”

Peter tells Reepicheep that he cannot be a marshal since his presence might frighten King Miraz. Since Peter selects Glenstorm (a centaur) and Wimbleweather (a giant) as his marshals, it is clear that he tells Reepicheep this to spare his feelings. This quotation shows Peter’s kind nature and his gentle approach to leadership.

“‘Tough,’ said Peter. ‘Very tough.’ I have a chance if I keep him on the hop till his weight and short wind come against him—in this hot sun too. To tell the truth, I haven’t much chance else. Give my love to—to everyone at home, Ed, if he gets me […].’”

Peter courageously risks his life fighting King Miraz. This emphasizes how invested the children are in the future of Narnia and reminds readers that the consequences they suffer there would be real ones.

“A great shout arose from the Old Narnians. Miraz was down—not struck by Peter, but face downwards, having tripped on a tussock. Peter stepped back, waiting for him to rise.

‘Oh bother, bother, bother,’ said Edmund to himself. ‘Need he be as gentlemanly as all that? I suppose he must. Comes of being a Knight and a High King. I suppose it is what Aslan would like […].’”

Edmund reacts to Peter’s “gentlemanly” behavior while fighting King Miraz—i.e., not striking the king while he is down. This quotation shows Edmund’s impatience with Peter’s decency but also suggests that Edmund considers his brother’s behavior to be noble and moral; it is what Aslan would want, he notes. By revealing Edmund’s inner monologue, the author affirms Peter’s heroic qualities.

“Sad old donkeys who had never known joy grew suddenly young again; chained dogs broke their chains; horses kicked their carts to pieces and came trotting along with them—clop-clop—kicking up mud and whinnying.

At a well in a yard they met a man who was beating a boy. The stick burst into a flower in the man’s hand. He tried to drop it, but it stuck to his hand. His arm became a branch, his body the trunk of a tree, his feet took root. The boy, who had been crying a moment before, burst out laughing and joined them.”

The author describes the transformative effect that Aslan has on the people and animals of Narnia. His good magic frees everyone from physical and emotional pain and alludes to the miracles of Jesus in the Christian faith.