Chronicles of Narnia: An Immigration Story

Chronicles of Narnia

An Immigration Story

Once upon a time, I submitted a paper to a literary journal about the Chronicles of Narnia as a story of immigration. I was met with a tirade that accused me of shoehorning my immigration agenda into a narrative where it did not belong. I ignored the email, but the rage simmered inside me. Up until that point, I considered it my best work. Funnily enough, it was a version of this paper that got me my acceptance into my PhD program. So, from one scholar to another, that literary journal can shove a Turkish delight in their own cold castle. Though they did offer to have me redo another one of my papers, I opted to not continue with such a close-minded organization.

The Chronicles of Narnia were a cultural phenomenon, particularly when looking at the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. It led to a cartoon, video game adaptations, and was the first in a movie franchise. Some books were more interesting than others, but it was considered a thoughtful way to teach children about Christian values and tolerance

While much of the focus is always on analyzing the Chronicle of Narnia’s Christian narrative (which is very important), most people don’t look at it through other lenses. Perhaps they find it blasphemous or want to keep it relegated to Christian propaganda. Unfortunately, the close-mindedness keeps people from seeing what I saw. Whether C.S. Lewis meant it or not, also told a surprisingly poignant story about immigration.

While many scholars have accused Lewis of xenophobia and racism, the author was progressive for his time, especially for a white, cisgender, heterosexual, British man. He was a man of faith, and he stood by his faith when it came to his interactions with humanity. Lewis had strong convictions towards minority groups, believing they needed to be respected, and was strictly against the subjugation of people. So, while I don’t believe he meant to write about immigration, I don’t think he would take offense to such a reading (provided we don’t try to get rid of the Christian part).

The Pevensie siblings provided a service to Narnia, freeing them from Jadis, the White Witch. They are activists and leaders. Yet, they end up deported from Narnia, their true home for years, and sent back to Narnia. They make the trip back and forth. They are forced to leave their kingdom in the hand of another king, a descendant of colonizers, though Narnia is where they feel they truly belong.

With the current state of the world, I can’t help but think back to the Pevensie siblings. I am glad they find their way back to Narnia by the end of the series, albeit, in the afterlife. I hope they serve as a reminder that immigrants are everywhere, and sometimes they are literally doing god’s work. And sometimes god is a really cool lion.

 

About Crystal Sosa

Crystal Sosa is a PhD student at Texas Woman’s University. She is also a professor at San Jacinto College and a native to Houston. She spends her free time writing fantasy novels or talking about the queer agenda. You can contact her at csosa6@twu.edu. You can find more of her work here.