The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis is one of the most beloved children’s book series, but despite this, it has surprisingly been banned more than once. With themes such as growth, faith, childhood, family and religion, The Chronicles of Narnia tells a compelling story in a creative universe. The first three books of The Chronicles of Narnia have been adapted into films, and it is important to note that The Chronicles of Narnia the film franchise ended early for several reasons. However, the popular children’s book series will get a second chance at adaptation, as Greta Gerwig is set to direct a new Chronicles of Narnia adaptation on Netflix.
As a very popular children’s series, it is inevitable that the books also have a lot of reviews: CS Lewis’s books were so notorious that they were banned twice since their publication in the 1950s.. Of course, The Chronicles of Narnia aren’t the only books that have been banned – other popular children’s series such as Harry Potteralso faced book bans. While not a new phenomenon, as book bans still happen today, the reasoning in each case is different.
The Chronicles of Narnia books were banned in 1990 for violence, mysticism and violence
The amount of violence and violence in the Narnia books was not acceptable at the time
Although The Chronicles of Narnia is a proper children’s book series, C.S. Lewis’s works were, however, banned in several schools in Howard County, Maryland for “graphic violence, mysticism and gore.” Nowadays, The Chronicles of Narnia is considered relatively safe for children –Common Sense Media even finds the film adaptation suitable for children, despite some violent scenes. There are many battles containing violence throughout the books, and in 1990 some adults considered it inappropriate for children. However, the argument that The Chronicles of Narnia is full of “graphic violence, mysticism and gore“is certainly an exaggeration.
CS Lewis’ books were also banned in 2005 for their religious symbolism
The Chronicles of Narnia was criticized for its use of Christian themes
In 2005, many people protested The Chronicles of Narnia again, specifically because of the series’ Christian themes. Although C.S. Lewis did not initially intend to include religion in the The Chronicles of Narniahe later realized that many aspects of the books seem Christian anyway. One of the most notable symbols is Aslan as Jesus Christ, but CS Lewis vehemently opposed this idea. However, in Florida, Americans United for Separation of Church and State opposed The Chronicles of Narnia after then-governor Jeb Bush chose the first book for children to read, then actively campaigned to ban it in schools.
It shows that literature is often subjective because no two interpretations are the same; literary analysis often does not consider or care about authorial intent.
While many Christians resonate with C.S. Lewis’s books, there are also Christians who think otherwise. They believe The Chronicles of Narnia books should be censored because they supposedly embrace pagan themes and a heretical interpretation of Jesus/Aslan. It shows that literature is often subjective because no two interpretations are the same; literary analysis often does not consider or care about authorial intent.
The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis |
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Title |
Publication date |
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe |
October 16, 1950 |
Prince Caspian: Return to Narnia |
October 15, 1951 |
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader |
September 15, 1952 |
The silver chair |
September 7, 1953 |
The horse and his boy |
September 6, 1954 |
The magician’s nephew |
May 2, 1955 |
The last battle |
September 4, 1956 |
Source: Search and find, Banned Library, Common Sense Media, Cron