The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe — Chapter 6

About This Passage

Chapter 6 transforms a familiar, warm setting into a crime scene — Lewis uses specific physical details (the slashed portrait, the cold hearth) to make state violence feel personal and immediate rather than abstract.

Narration Prompt

In your own words, tell the story of this chapter. What were the most important moments? What made them important — and how do you know?

Discussion Questions

1. The notice on the floor uses formal, official language to describe Mr. Tumnus's crime — charged with High Treason for comforting the enemies of Her Imperial Majesty. But we know from Chapter 2 that all Tumnus did was refuse to kidnap a little girl. What does the gap between the official language and the real story reveal about how the White Witch uses law and language to make cruelty look legitimate?
2. Lucy feels responsible for Mr. Tumnus's arrest because he was punished for helping her. Peter suggests they should try to rescue him. Susan thinks they should go home because it is too dangerous. Each response is understandable. Whose reaction do you think is most right, and what does each reaction reveal about that character?

+ 3 more questions in the complete study guide