Clive Staples Lewis was one of the 20th century's most erudite and prolific scholars. A professor of English by vocation and a Christian apologist by avocation, Lewis produced a voluminous amount of works widely read some thirty years after his death. Among the most popular of these are The Chronicles of Narnia, seven tales of childhood fantasy and adventure. Yet the Chronicles are more than just children's stories; they are Lewis's most succinct vision of his most important philosophy: Christian romanticism.

This thesis examines Christian romanticism in the Chronicles. Lewis's unique success centers on his ability to blend Christianity and romanticism, each influencing the other, with the result that both are better for it. Romanticism retains its passion without drowning in its own intensity, and Christianity regains a robustness that pronounces human desire good. The theological result is a Christian faith that is life-affirming instead of life-denying. The emotional result is nothing less than celebration, a celebration of joy.
 
 

I am profoundly grateful to Dr. Charmazel Dudt for directing this thesis and to Dr. Sue Park who was the second reader. Each has made unique contributions to my education which I will carry with me always.

This thesis is affectionately dedicated to my children: Janet, Jon, Josh, Joni, and Jeremy through whose eyes I first entered the magical land of Narnia.
 
 

I. INTRODUCTION

II. DEFINITIONS

III. MYTH AND IMAGINATION

IV. CHILDREN'S STORIES

V. THE IDEAL READER

VI. FANTASY AND REALISM

VII. FRIENDSHIPS--LOVE IN NARNIA

VIII. QUEST AND ADVENTURE

IX. THE EUCATASTROPHE

X. ROMANTICISM IN THE CHRONICLES

Nature

The senses

Imagination and feelings

Man

Good and evil

Grace

Music and dance

Pleasure in the routine

Tradition

The numinous

Ultimate joy

XI. THE FAILURE OF ROMANTICISM

XII. THE TRIUMPH OF CHRISTIAN ROMANTICISM

XIII. THE BAPTIZED IMAGINATION

WORKS CITED