Lucy, the Witch, and the Shadow Self as Seen in the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardorbe
Additional Funding Sources
The research described was supported by Northwest Nazarene University.
Abstract
C. S. Lewis' book The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe has been examined from many angles, but the psychological implications have been left unmined. I argue that the Witch is Lucy's Shadow Self. Drawing on Carl Jung, psychologist Gerald Corey explains the Shadow Self as "dark, repressed, and unknown" thoughts, feelings, or desires (78). As such, the Witch represents Lucy's anger at Edmund for Edmund's cruelty to her. Edmund bullies Lucy relentlessly and her only response is to stand on the truth. The Witch and her minions, on the other hand, abuse Edmund the whole time he is in their custody, reflecting the way he bullied Lucy. The Witch does not lose her foothold in Narnia until Lucy sees justice served for the harm she suffered. Aslan's death demonstrates consequences for Edmund's betrayal while also paving the way for Lucy to forgive Edmund.
Lucy, the Witch, and the Shadow Self as Seen in the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardorbe
C. S. Lewis' book The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe has been examined from many angles, but the psychological implications have been left unmined. I argue that the Witch is Lucy's Shadow Self. Drawing on Carl Jung, psychologist Gerald Corey explains the Shadow Self as "dark, repressed, and unknown" thoughts, feelings, or desires (78). As such, the Witch represents Lucy's anger at Edmund for Edmund's cruelty to her. Edmund bullies Lucy relentlessly and her only response is to stand on the truth. The Witch and her minions, on the other hand, abuse Edmund the whole time he is in their custody, reflecting the way he bullied Lucy. The Witch does not lose her foothold in Narnia until Lucy sees justice served for the harm she suffered. Aslan's death demonstrates consequences for Edmund's betrayal while also paving the way for Lucy to forgive Edmund.