The Battle Between Good and Evil
This is a theme that not only goes through the whole novel but through the entire series of Chronicles. The battles are shown as both internal battles within each character to do the right thing, and also as an actual battle pitting the evil Rabadash against the forces of good that are Narnia and Archenland. Throughout the book there is also the morally pleasing conclusion that shows the path of good leading to victory and the path of evil leading to defeat and danmabtion or humiliation.
Courage Versus Rashness
One of the themes of the book is the difference between acting with courage and acting with haste. This difference is most obvious in the comparison between Cor and Corin; whilst still believing he is Shasta, Cor keeps his little party safe, leaps from his horse to save Aravis from thrill 's attack and reaches Archenland in time to warn of Rabadash's impending attack singlehandedly. Corin finds the prospect of fighting very exciting but is inexperienced and his lack of experience makes him a liability in battle. His insistence on fighting rather than waiting it out as instructed is not courage, but rashness and immaturity.
Caution Versus Cowardice
Much like the juxtaposition of courage and rashness, the theme of caution versus cowardice is also present throughout. It deals with the difference between letting everyone down by being a coward and having a healthy apprehension for a dangerous task, for example, Shasta is often afraid and doubting of his ability which shows a healthy caution but he never shies away from the task that he is needed for.
Faith
The theme of faith is consistent throughout the book and just like in the other Chronicles the characters are called upon to have absolute faith in Aslan and his plan for them. They adhere to the plan without question which demonstrates their faith and the fact that Aslan is always present to save them when they need him shows that their faith is well placed and justified. The characters who have faith also seem to walk the path of good whereas the evil characters do not have any obvious faith that guides them.
Gender Roles
Despite the fact that this book was written when society imposed upon women some very definite gender roles, these are reversed onthe novel; for example, Calormen is a land which appears to have a kind of arranged marriage system and this is rejected by Aravis who wants more for her life than to spend it with an older man she despises. Similarly, Susanis not goi g to be forced into a marriage she does not want simply because the prince is too spoiled to take no for an answer. Even the horses have a gender role reversal, with the war horse Bree ultimately too frightened to help Shasta rescue Aravis whereas Hwin, although a female horse, ultimately better suited to the demands of their journey. In another demonstration of role reversal it is Bree the male who is too vain to go back to Narnia with his tail in shabby condition rather than Hein who would normally be expected as the female to be the one more concerned about her appearance.
