Christian messages and moral values in The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe

Abstract: This essay explores the similarities between The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe and the Bible. It argues that Christian messages and values are represented by several of the characters. Focusing on Aslan, the Lion who is a Christ-like figure, and Mr. Tumnus and three of the children: Peter, Edmund and Lucy; the essay examines the Christian messages of betrayal, resurrection and self-sacrifice. The essay also explores the Christian virtues: forgiveness and courage, which carry important lessons for the young reader. With the aid of the technique of close reading together with specific features of Lewis’s life and belief where relevant, the essay examines the Christian messages and values. The conclusion of this essay further demonstrates the Christian aspects that Ward, Colbert, and Schakel to some extent mention in their studies. While they focus on Christianity in general, this essay analyzes the Christian messages of betrayal, resurrection and self-sacrifice as well as the Christian virtues forgiveness and courage, even further. The essay further demonstrates that Lewis intentionally included Christian messages and moral values.