2/15/2023- The White Witch and the Nature of Evil

 In Narnia, as is the case for most children’s stories, the depictions of the forces of Good and Evil are very obvious. Aslan is the clear representation of Jesus, and is the rightful Lord of Narnia and the most powerful force working for its good. On the other hand, the White Witch represents Evil, and will stop at nothing in order to conquer the world of Narnia for herself. There is an interesting philosophical claim being made about the nature of Evil when it is used in the context of the cold or the winter. Firstly, it contrasts with the spring and summer seasons, in which the world is filled with vibrant growth and change. Second, it shows that Evil does not necessarily take the form of darkness, violence, and bloodshed, but rather the more insidious type takes the form of stagnation. This is further emphasized within the Screwtape letters, where the elder demon cautions the younger about getting too excited about the War. “Do remember you are there to fuddle him. From the way some of you young fiends talk, anyone would suppose it was our job to teach!” Screwtape cautions.”

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