In the world of literature, few stories have captivated audiences quite like "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis. This beloved tale, first published in 1950, is the inaugural book in the iconic Chronicles of Narnia series and has become a seminal work in the fantasy genre. However, lesser-known to many is the fact that "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" was not always the story we know today. Initially conceived by C.
Anna Home worked in various roles within BBC kids’ programming – including being the executive producer of Jackanory – but left the Beeb for a few years to work with an ITV consortium. She returned to the BBC in the mid-1980s to oversee children’s programming.
For child actor Richard Dempsey, merely to be cast in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was like walking into a Narnia-esque world journeying from his Stevenage comprehensive school to the North Acton Rehearsal Rooms. These articles have not yet undergone the rigorous in-house editing or fact-checking and styling process to which most Britannica articles are customarily subjected.
Initially conceived by C.S. Lewis in 1939, the early drafts of the story underwent significant transformations over the course of its development.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (book)
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, often shortened to LWW, was written by C. S. Lewis and published in 1950. It records the adventure of four ordinary English children - Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie - who found their way into the magical land of Narnia by way of a wardrobe that they stumbled across in an old house.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe was the first of the Chronicles of Narnia to be written and published, and the first in the original book series, but the second chronologically after The Magician's Nephew.
In fact, the original version of the tale, titled "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," differed in several notable aspects from the final published version. One of the most striking differences lies in the character of the Witch herself. In the original iteration, the Witch was not the cold and menacing figure we recognize in the published version. Instead, she was depicted as more of a comical and eccentric character, known as the "White Witch of Naarnia." This early version portrayed her as a bumbling sorceress who often struggled to keep control over her magic. This stark contrast to her later portrayal highlights the evolution of Lewis' ideas and demonstrates the power of rewriting and refining a story. Additionally, the famous wardrobe, which serves as the gateway to the magical land of Narnia, did not feature prominently in the original version of the story. Instead, the initial drafts described a magic ring that transported the children to the mystical realm. It was only in later revisions that Lewis introduced the iconic wardrobe, which has since become synonymous with the story. Another notable departure from the final version can be found in the character of Aslan, the noble lion who becomes a central figure in the story. In the original drafts, Aslan was much less prominent and did not possess the same depth and characterization as he does in the published version. Lewis later realized the need to imbue Aslan with a more profound sense of majesty and wisdom, ultimately transforming him into a compelling and memorable character. It is important to recognize that the changes made to the original story were not arbitrary or spontaneous but, rather, a result of Lewis' meticulous and deliberate craftsmanship. Through extensive revisions and rewriting, he honed the narrative, deepened the characters, and refined the themes to create a more cohesive and impactful story. In conclusion, the original version of "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" reveals the creative journey undertaken by C.S. Lewis to bring his vision to life. The evolution of the characters, the introduction of iconic elements, and the transformation of the story itself exemplify the power of revision and the dedication required to create a truly memorable and enduring work of literature..
Reviews for "Exploring the Themes of Good vs. Evil in 'The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe"
1. John - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with "The Original Lion Witch and Wardrobe." I found the characters to be flat and uninteresting, and the storyline was lacking depth. The pacing felt off, with the first half of the book dragging on and the second half rushed. It didn't capture my imagination like I hoped it would, and I couldn't connect with any of the characters. Overall, I felt let down by this book and wouldn't recommend it.
2. Sarah - 3 stars
While "The Original Lion Witch and Wardrobe" had its moments, I found it to be too predictable. The plot twists were easy to foresee, and there weren't any real surprises. Additionally, I felt that the writing style was a bit bland and lacked the magical charm that I was expecting from a fantasy novel. The world-building fell flat for me, and I found myself disinterested in the various magical creatures and settings. Overall, it wasn't a terrible read, but it didn't live up to my expectations either.
3. Michael - 2.5 stars
"The Original Lion Witch and Wardrobe" was a letdown for me. The story felt disjointed, jumping from one event to another without proper development. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to immerse myself in the story. The characters lacked depth and I didn't feel emotionally invested in their journey. Overall, I found it to be a mediocre read, and I wouldn't recommend it to others who are looking for a captivating fantasy adventure.