The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe: Chapter 7

Scout · #1 Nov 18, '05, 4:50 pm

In Chapter 7, we meet Mr. & Mrs. Beaver.

Discuss what interested you about the Beavers. Talk about the mother and father beaver and the human characteristics that they have, along with "beaver" characteristics.

Scout

Barbara Ann · #2 Nov 20, '05, 2:12 pm

As I have been on intimate terms with real beavers, I find these beavers to be mostly human. It is interesting at this point to look at all non-human characters in the story. As we know the children are the first non-humans to come to Narnia. The beavers though they are not human, can speak and and they keep house like humans. They are kindly and loyal to their friend Mr. Tunmus.

Elizabeth2 · #3 Nov 20, '05, 3:04 pm

Nobody can humanize animals and make a cozy scene quite like the English! The beavers are a very appealing couple conjuring up a picture of old fashioned domestic bliss, and pride in their own little patch of the world that they have created. They seem to me to personify the good ordinary everyday folk who are aware of the evil around them but who are powerless to prevent it. They carry on with their daily lives, living in hope "They say Aslan is on the move..." and do what little good they can, not giving in to fear, and can be relied on to do the right thing. In the case of Mr Beaver, doing what his friend Mr Tumnus has asked him to do, in spite of the danger. The children's reaction to the mention of Aslan is interesting and reminds me of the action of spirits in the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius. The good spirit acts gently on souls going from good to holiness,while it acts violently on souls going from bad to worse. Edmund has already decided to pay his brother and sisters back for their treatment of him, even though he is in the wrong, and at the mention of Aslan he feels a "sensation of mysterious horror".

Quaere Verum · #4 Nov 26, '05, 9:15 am

I find all the war imagery interesting - hiding out, being whisked away by secret police, escaping, rescuing the innocent, to trust or not to trust, etc. Since this story takes place during WWII, this is all very appropriate. The Beavers remind me of the people who survived during these difficult times keeping a nice home and routines yet being willing to take in strangers.

Fitz · #5 Nov 29, '05, 8:26 pm

The beavers are filled with information and common sense. The mom thinks of all the food and items they will need for a long trip. They remind me of grandparents, looking out for the young ones.

LSK · #6 Dec 8, '05, 11:13 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elizabeth2

Nobody can humanize animals and make a cozy scene quite like the English! The beavers are a very appealing couple conjuring up a picture of old fashioned domestic bliss, and pride in their own little patch of the world that they have created. They seem to me to personify the good ordinary everyday folk who are aware of the evil around them but who are powerless to prevent it. They carry on with their daily lives, living in hope "They say Aslan is on the move..." and do what little good they can, not giving in to fear, and can be relied on to do the right thing. In the case of Mr Beaver, doing what his friend Mr Tumnus has asked him to do, in spite of the danger. The children's reaction to the mention of Aslan is interesting and reminds me of the action of spirits in the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius. The good spirit acts gently on souls going from good to holiness,while it acts violently on souls going from bad to worse. Edmund has already decided to pay his brother and sisters back for their treatment of him, even though he is in the wrong, and at the mention of Aslan he feels a "sensation of mysterious horror".

I really enjoyed this insight you bring, Elizabeth. I was also struck by the way in which the Beavers behave in their world...bravely going about their business and yet doing what is right, no matter what and no matter what may be asked of them. I had not thought about how the children's reaction to Aslan might be compared to action of spirits in the Exercises of St. Ignatius, but it might be interesting to know if CS Lewis was familiar with these exercises and if that was what he was attempting to convey. Thank you so much for your contribution!