Analyzing The Character Of The White Witch In The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe

It is always interesting to find out where inspiration was given for major characters and the message behind fiction. C. S. Lewis, who was disillusioned with his faith as a child, would re-enlist in Christianity in adulthood, likely because of the subtle Biblical messages in The Chronicles of Narnia. Lewis uses The Lion. The Witch. The Wardrobe to depict a villain who is evil deep within and to make her feel like she is able to fall prey to evil and temptation. This paper will be about the White Witch from Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia. It will discuss the character and role of the White Witch, as well as the intent of the author in creating her character. I’ll also talk about how it could have been improved.

The White Witch is the main antagonist in the story. She is a blatantly evil and unremorseful villain. The reader can easily infer a lot about her character just by reading the facts. First, her being called the White Witch rather than a real name tells a lot more about her character than the others. White is a negative term. This refers to her pale, ghostly skin as well as the endless white snow that she caused. Although witch refers to the powers that she has, her bad side is not what it seems. Her identification as the reason “always Christmas is winter” can quickly identify her as a villainous person. She is a power-hungry, cold woman who’s identity revolves around her position of power. The White Witch brainwashed the Narnians to believe that humans are enemies, and his surprise at Lucy’s innocence is a testimony to this. He also reveals that he has to report all the humans to her. This shows how she went to great lengths to prevent potential threats from her throne. Mr. Tumnus’ fear about the Witch giving the reader the most insight is what makes it so fascinating. And if she gets extra mad, she will make me a stone. (Lewis 15, 15) This is a complex sentence. It’s hard to make so it’s clear that he’s not exaggerating. Also, the detailed punishment shows that she doesn’t punish because she feels guilty or for justice. She prefers to make the creatures stone, instead of putting them in prison or having them punished more humanely. In addition, she doesn’t mention a king and is not interested in having a traditional companion. This makes it seem that she is not capable of loving and is perhaps unlovable. The White Witch must remain the dominant in all relationships, and subservience will be necessary, as can her relationship to the Dwarf. Her selfish, cruel, and fearless rule of Narnia seems to define her character. Her power and lack of emotion are her greatest strengths. She can use her leverage to do evil acts and not care about the consequences for her victims. As an example, she often turns small creatures into stone for minor offenses. Her weakness is her insatiable greed for power and her entitlement to a throne she never had. She uses her rules to manipulate situations to her advantage and she is likely to be killed if her rules were applied to her own. Aslan interrupts Edmund as she is about killing him and tells her, “You’re aware that I am the lawful prey of every traitor and that for every act of treachery I have the right and privilege to kill…

I am the one who will take his life. His blood will be mine.” (Lewis at 41). This mentality is what allowed her forcefully to seize the throne. Although she could have gained more respect and worked with the Narnians during her reign, her fear-based rule led to her constant fear of the usurpation her throne. She has always believed that Aslan was her only chance, due to her unrestricted control and her sense of entitlement.

Edmund is most influenced by the White Witch. As Aslan’s good, Aslan’s pure evil is equal to hers. She is responsible for all the evil in Narnia. Her works show the evil that is always there, including cruelty, hatred, sin, and selfishness. She will do anything to get rid of those she doesn’t like and to control Narnia. But she is unable to hold onto her power. Edmund was insecure, which she used her magic in order to change it. She became power-hungry and recognized her abilities. When he talks to Peter in chapter 6, he states, “If that happens, which is the right? How can we be sure that the Fauns and Queen (yes, we’ve been told she is a witch) are on the right side? We don’t really understand either.” (Lewis, 60). Edmund knew deep in his heart that he was wrong and wanted to convince himself it might be true. He didn’t feel guilty about working against his siblings and with the Witch. She also has an influence on the behavior and way of life for the Narnians. The endless winter she has cast over Narnia makes her presence feel at all times. This creates a melancholy tone that gives the Narnians nothing but the future. A fox was attempting to toast the queen. But when the Witch inquired about his source of the food, he told her that it was Father Christmas. The coming of Father Christmas, and the prophecy about Aslan’s return, had blinded her. She didn’t consider the impact of the fox on her life. Edmund eventually comes to understand the error in his ways by his constant malice towards the animals.

Lewis has created an archetypically evil antagonist in The White Witch. Her role of pure evil makes her synonymous for Satan. The fundamental world of Narnia enforces justice. Wickedness cannot be allowed to grow in the world. Lewis had intended to create an illustration of Christian temptation and Christ’s power through conflict and symbolism. Lewis’s unwavering greed makes her a symbol for sin. Narnia, with its fundamental goodness, is the perfect metaphor for human goodness before evil is introduced. Her deceitful talk about her plans to get Edmund pregnant is the best way to display her evil nature. I want to raise a nice boy and make him King of Narnia.” (Lewis. 26). The White Witch tempts Edmund, much like Eve, with food that can leave those who eat it forever craving more. The Witch represents humanity’s desire to sin and the willingness to do so. Edmund is also tempted by Turkish Delight throughout the story. It symbolizes human greed and one of the seven deadly crimes. The Witch is also a symbol of Satan’s temptation to seduce people into sin. She was planning to use him to get information about his siblings to gain her power. However, her ability disguise her motives and appeal towards his greed and selfishness should be a hallmark of a good villainess.

The last and most important indicator of the Witches role is found in Book of Revelation. This book can be found in Christian Bible. Satan rules all of Earth before God finally comes to take all His disciples to Heaven. The White Witch, The Lion, and the Wardrobe claim to be the rightful ruler Narnia under Aslan.

The Witch is removed from power by his return. These are all examples that the story’s underlying message is apparent in almost every character’s identity. I find the character to be a bit flat because she lacks depth and motivation. The White Witch’s inability to avoid unnecessary evil is a Biblical metaphor. Satan, however, is believed to be able to fulfill his desire to spread evil as revenge for his expulsion from Heaven. The incentive she uses to make her evil acts more appealing to children might cause them to be more familiar with her and help them to empathize with her. However, this may not be enough to draw in other readers and allow them to understand her deeper motives. This story should provide some justification. The same goes for information about her background, such as her family and age. It could also be used to add depth to her character and help him avoid falling prey to his manipulative temptations. Lewis was able to convey the character’s message for his purposes.

The White Witch appears to be a person who is driven by evil and wants to keep Narnia in power for as long possible. She is the symbol of sin used to tempt Edmund. Aslan, the other brother, is the evil force that unites her with her. In his broad analogy of Christian ideology, Lewis created a simple character that was easy enough to understand that the deeper meanings were not too obvious. Although it’s easy to dismiss the White Witch as evil because of how she is depicted and what her values are, I think this book could have done more to help her. The White Witch is an iconic figure, which offers lessons for both the reader and characters on morality.