Discussion Questions

1. What do you think of Lewis's description of Experiment House? What does this reveal about Lewis's attitude toward 20^th century education in England?
2. What spiritual truths do we learn from Jill's encounter with Aslan in chapter 2? How did you respond to reading of this encounter?
3. What do the Signs remind you of in our world? Why is it so important for Jill to remember the Signs?
4. Who does the Lady of the Green Kirtle remind you of in our world? What spiritual truth do you think Lewis means to convey by Rilian's and the children's first encounters with her?
5. What do you think of Puddleglum the Marsh-wiggle? What are his virtues?
6. What effect does the Lady's telling about Harfang have upon the children and Puddleglum? What evil lure does this remind you of in our world?
7. What do you think is the significance of the fact that the Lady of the Green Kirtle's realm is underground?
8. What do you think of Puddleglum's statement: "There are no accidents. Our guide is Aslan; and he was there when the giant king caused the letters to be cut, and he knew already all things that would come of them; including this." (p. 134)
9. What is the meaning behind the fact that Prince Rilian is in his right mind for only one hour every day?
10. What did you think of the scene where Puddleglum and Eustace free Prince Rilian from the silver chair?
11. What does the Queen of Underland's spell, which she casts over Rilian, Puddleglum and the children, remind you of from our world?
12. What do you think is the significance of the fact that Puddleglum has to stamp out the fire and Rilian and Puddleglum and Eustace have to fight the serpent? What is Lewis trying to say?
13. What do you think of Puddleglum's statement to the Queen: "Suppose this black pit of a kingdom of yours is the only world. Well, it strikes me as a pretty poor one. And that's a funny thing, when you come to think of it. We're just babies making up a game, if you're right. But four babies playing a game can make a play-world which licks your real world hollow. That's why I'm going to stand by the play world. I'm on Aslan's side even if there isn't any Aslan to lead it. I'm going to live as like a Narnian as I can even if there isn't any Narnia."? (P. 159)
14. What spiritual truth do we learn from the fact that the Queen's kingdom crumbles after her death? (P. 178)
15. What is the importance of Rilian's choice to go and see his dying father rather than visit the land of Bism?
16. What is the biblical parallel to the Queen's promise to Rilian to make him king of her conquered territories one day?
17. Why do you think Jill could only think of her mistakes in Aslan's presence when he met the children at Cair Paravel? What did you think of Aslan's response?
18. How did the fact that Aslan wept over the dead King Caspian make you feel? Did it remind you of anything in the Bible?
19. What is the meaning behind Aslan's blood bringing Caspian back to life? Why do you think Caspian is young again when he is brought back to life in Aslan's country? How did reading this passage make you feel?
20. What did you think of the ending of the book? Why does Aslan only show his back to the students of Experiment House? Do you see any biblical parallel?
21. How would you summarize the theme of The Silver Chair?