Review
of The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
(book)
It’s been a year
since Lucy and her older brother, Edmund, have last visited the magical land of
Narnia. As Peter is preparing for college and Susan is in America, the two siblings
are forced to stay with their obnoxious younger cousin, Eustace. One of
Eustace’s favorite pastimes, in fact, is mocking Edmund and Lucy about the
“imaginary” land of Narnia…until a painting on the wall comes to life. Finding
themselves on the ship of King Caspian, Edmund, Lucy, and Eustace (the latter
not so enthusiastically) join the crew on a journey to the end of the world.
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is, however,
largely Lucy’s and Eustace’s book. It is through them that Lewis explores his
most significant themes, such as temptation, change, and faith. Eustace,
originally annoying and selfish, is tempted by cursed gold and transforms into
a dragon. After observing the crew’s support and his cousins’ compassion for
him in his cursed state, he vows to become more helpful and considerate. Lucy,
meanwhile, discovers a book of spells; one of these spells could make her the
most beautiful girl in existence…but would ultimately lead to the destruction
of worlds. As we discover Lucy’s inner conflicts and insecurities, we are also
exposed to her unwavering faith in Aslan, the creator of Narnia; when the ship
is in its darkest hour, it is Lucy who saves the crew with her belief in Aslan.
Through thorough
characterization of Lucy and Eustace, C. S. Lewis, the author of The Chronicles of Narnia series,
explores the ideas of loyalty, temptation, faith, redemption, and (ultimately)
of growing up. Overall, The Voyage of the
Dawn Treader is both an interesting beginning to the adventures of Eustace
in Narnia and a satisfying conclusion to those of Lucy and Edmund.
~Ananya Swaminathan
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