The Magician's Nephew Essay Questions

What is one of the most pivotal decisions that Digory makes in the novel?

Digory makes many important and difficult decisions in the book, but a pivotal plot point comes in the decision that he makes to ignore both Polly's wishes and the warning regarding the bell. This decision does not only affect him but sets in motion a chain of events that will have repercussions for generations to come, both in the earthly world and the magical world. Ringing the bell breaks the spell that has kept Queen Jadis sleeping; in waking her he also awakens her evil intentions. This does not affect the people of her land, Charn, as they are already gone, but it does put Narnia in jeopardy, and put's Aslan land in great danger from Jadis's malevolent intent. It also endangers children in the future Narnia novels, who also go to Narnia and are in grave danger from the Queen.

How does Lewis pave the way in this novel for the subsequent sequel The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe?

The author refers to children who make a trip to Narnia long after Digory and Polly, but do so via a different method, not the rings that Uncle Andrew devised. A more oblique reference is made to the wardrobe which Digory has in his bedroom in the big country home that his family moves back to, made from wood from Narnia; this object eventually serves as the doorway to Narnia that Digory's descendants enter through. Lewis also discusses how the lamp-post arrives in Narnia, and makes a reference to the fact that this is the lamp-post that lights the way for the children who happen on Narnia in the future.

Why do you think Aunt Letty wants to keep Digory from Uncle Andrew?

At first, we surmise that Aunt Letty fears that a little boy might prove inane and annoying to a brilliant man like Andrew, and her intention in keeping Digory out of his uncle's study is to prevent a nosy and inquisitive child bothering him or poking through papers. However, it becomes clear later that Letty is trying to protect Digory from his uncle's magic and experimentation. She does not want him filling the boy's head with talk of magic and also does not want Digory to get caught up in experimenting in magic, which Letty neither supports nor believes in. Letty is strictly practical and logical and would prefer her nephew remain that way too.

Courage and Heroes: Who would you describe as a hero in the novel? How is courage displayed, and how does this reflect on the plot development of the novel?

Digory matures throughout the novel to become more and more like a hero. Digory makes his first heroic decision when he decides to enter the Other World so as not to leave Polly there alone. Then, Digory helps to rid London of Queen Jadis by transporting her back to the other worlds. In Narnia, Digory courageously accepts the task of retrieving the silver apple to help protect Narnia. Finally, Digory is able to bring home a special apple to cure his mother of her illness. Thus, by the end of the novel, Digory fully demonstrates the qualities of courage, care, and selflessness: three key qualities to being a hero.

How do Digory’s view and Polly’s view of Queen Jadis/ the Witch differ? How does this highlight the different dispositions of the two children?

Digory believes the witch is one of the most beautiful women he has ever seen; at the same time, he acknowledges that she is very powerful. However, because of her beauty, she still seems to hold some power over Digory and at times she is able to tempt Digory into doing the wrong thing. Polly, on the other hand, can see from the start that the Witch is cruel, and does not feel the Witch is beautiful at all. Polly is not tempted by the Witch’s wiles, but she must stand by her friend while he makes his decisions on whether to do what the witch says or to do what he knows is right. Polly and Digory are loyal to each other as friends, and never let the Witch get in the way of that loyalty.

The friendship of Digory and Polly is often tested when their desires conflict. How do they compromise, how do they feel about their decisions?

Digory and Polly make many decisions together, but they also often have conflicts. Digory is extremely curious, and also makes impulsive decisions. Polly is brave, but she is also logical and practical, and she likes the consider the dangers before acting. Polly and Digory learn to compromise so that they can continue their adventure together; for example, they decide to go halfway back to London with their green rings before exploring other worlds in other pools in the woods. This form of compromise demonstrates the theme of friendship and the importance of coming together to make decisions.

How is the literary element of foil used in the story in the characters of Queen Jadis and Aslan?

Queen Jadis is a representation of evil; Aslan is a representation of good. Queen Jadis uses her magic for evil, to rule over others as a tyrant, and to destroy. Aslan uses his magic to create a new world and to rule fairly and justly. These characters oppose each other completely and highlight each other’s differences.

Discuss the relationship of curiosity and temptation.

The reason Polly and Digory set off to explore is because they have the curiosity for adventure. However, this curiosity is also what gets them into trouble, especially if their curiosity gets the best of them and they are tricked into temptation. One trick of this sort happens when Polly is mesmerized by Uncle Andrew’s beautiful rings, and is thus tricked into touching one. Digory also has trouble controlling his curiosity, and that is why he cannot resist hitting the bell he finds in Charn. In both instances this curiosity leads to trouble for the children.

“A high a lonely destiny.” (p. 21 and 71): these words are spoken first by Uncle Andrew, and later by Queen Jadis. Discuss their meaning, using relevant literary elements.

Both Uncle Andrew and Queen Jadis are magicians with cruel and immoral ways of thinking. Both characters are characterized as evil in many ways, although Queen Jadis is the far eviler of the two. Both believe themselves to be above the common person, which is what excuses them from having to follow any sort of moral boundaries. Thus, they both believe they are in a position to have power over others, and thus they do not have any equals, which is what makes their destiny “lonely.”

How does magic play a role in the novel?

Magic is one of the driving plot forces of the novel. The action begins when Uncle Andrew’s magic transports the children to other worlds. Narnia, a world created entirely out of magic, is the setting for much of the rising action and the climax of the story. The major conflict in the story comes about because of Queen Jadis’ dark magic is a threat to Narnia’s good magic.