Kira Nelson: Lucy as the Heroine of The Chronicles of Narnia

In On Three Ways of Writing for Children, Lewis describes Lucy of The Chronicles of Narnia as his heroine of those books (Lewis, 31). This statement, while rather obvious upon reading the series, prompted me to consider what it is about her endearing character that secures her this title. The first thing that came to mind was her childlike faith. Lucy often sees Aslan when others do not. This especially occurs in Prince Caspian, in which the others are too full of doubt, hard-heartedness, or pride to see the Lion leading them while Lucy sees him all the while. She is quick to recognize Aslan and quick to believe it’s really him and not her dreams or her mind playing tricks on her. Additionally, she is uncompromising with what she knows to be true. She refuses to concede, even when it would make life much easier for her. She refuses to say that her time in the land of Narnia was only pretend when she first enters the wardrobe. Similarly, Lucy insists that she has seen Aslan who intends to guide them when the others disbelieve her, trying to convince her she’d been dreaming. A third thing that came to mind when considering Lucy as a heroine was the way in which she wishes for and sees the best in others and is quick to forgive them when they disappoint her hopes. She sees the best in Mr. Tumnus, Edward, and Eustace who all disappoint in one way or another and is quick to forgive them when they do, even stepping in as an advocate for them to the others. It sounds a little funny to say as an adult, but I rather consider Lucy a sort of role model. I wish to grow to become more like her; more childlike in faith and quick to believe, more resolute and uncompromising in what I believe to be true when tested by others, believing for and calling out the best in others and quick to forgive when they disappoint me. Lucy is a heroine indeed.