Reading The Lion, the
Witch, and the Wardrobe intermittently over
the past few months, my son and I finally arrived at Chapter 10. At this point
in the story, Mr. and Mrs. Beaver, Lucy, Peter, and Susan have fled the
beavers' den. Since their brother Edmund has snuck away to tell the Witch of
their whereabouts, the children are especially eager to get a head start.
After walking, walking, and walking, and pad-pad-padding
through the moonlit snow, they finally rest in a cave. After a brief nap, Mr.
Beaver goes out to investigate. When the
others hear voices, they fear he's been caught. However, when he appears moments later, he
hasn't been speaking to the Witch at all, but to "a huge man in a bright red
robe (bright as hollyberries) with a hood that had fur inside it and a great white
beard that fell like a foamy waterfall over his chest."
The children, seeing Father Christmas, become solemn. They learn that his appearance signals that
the Witch's power is getting weaker, but seeing the presents he has for them,
they understand the battle is not over. Peter
receives a shield and sword, Susan receives a bow and horn, and Lucy receives healing
medicine and a small dagger. Finally, he brings out (perhaps the best present
of all when you are standing in the snow in the middle of the night and humbled
by such important presents) "a large tray containing five cups and
saucers, a bowl of lump sugar, a jug of cream, and a great big teapot all
sizzling and piping hot." With a "Merry
Christmas" and "Long live the true King!" Father Christmas and
his reindeer dash out of sight.
Lest the reader be getting choked up, Lewis closes the chapter with
Mrs. Beaver fussing over the tea and thankful she remembered to bring the bread
knife.
Perhaps we will make it to the end of the book before next
Christmas. Some things are meant to be savored.
No comments:
Post a Comment