The Silver Chair: Chapter 8 “The House of Harfang”

C.S. Lewis Read-Along, Vol. 4, Issue 9

Background: C.S. Lewis had a unique perspective on Scripture, but he maintained a high view of God’s word. We can see it in how he portrayed the Bible through the signs of Aslan. As Lewis wrote, “We are committed [to believe] whatever can be proved from Scripture.” Our responsibility is to hear what God has to say and then obey.

Quote: “I know what you’re thinking because I was thinking the same. You were thinking how nice It would have been if Aslan hadn’t put the instructions on the stones of the ruined city till after we’d passed it. And then it would have been his fault, not ours. So likely, isn’t it? No. We must just own up. We’ve only four signs to go by, and we’ve muffed the first three.”

Pauline Baynes illustration

Faced with the royal court, Jill finds she can’t speak. Puddleglum seems to be in no condition to speak. So, Eustace is forced to start the conversation with the king and queen. As he mentions being sent by the Lady of the Green Kirtle for their Autumn Feast, the king licks his lips. For all the talk of signs in this story, this is an ominous one.

When Puddleglum speaks, the queen reacts in horror, but Jill’s crying draws all the attention to her. While it was unintended, it did bring about the best possible end. She, Eustace, and Puddleglum are taken to their respective rooms and allowed to warm up, bathe, and change clothes.

Lewis likely named Jill after one of his favorite young evacuees who stayed at the Kilns during World War II. June Flewett was beloved by Lewis and his brother. After leaving their home and enrolling in the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts,¹ she began using the stage name of Jill Raymond. In addition to likely inspiring Jill’s name, Flewett served as the pattern for the character of Lucy.²

This is one of those innocuous scenes that demonstrate Lewis’ creativity and skill as a writer. None of us, including Lewis, have been around giants or in giant houses, but we feel as if we have based on his descriptions of the decorations and furnishings. He also writes, “I know nothing so disagreeable as being kissed by a giantess.” Of course, he has no way of knowing that, but reading it, you feel as if he did and can imagine how horrible this must feel.

Pauline Baynes illustration

Sound asleep, Jill dreams of Aslan visiting her in the giant room and asking her to repeat the signs. She realizes she can’t, so the Lion carries her to the window and shows her the words “UNDER ME” written outside.

When Eustace and Puddleglum arrive in the morning and lookout her window, they all see Jill’s dream was closer to a vision. The area they crossed the previous day to reach Harfang was the ruins of an ancient giant city (the second sign), and across the center of the pavement ran the words “UNDER ME” (the third sign). They each realize they’ve missed the signs.

Discussing the importance of Aslan’s signs provides a good opportunity to discuss Lewis’ view on the Bible. In some ways, his status as the patron saint of American evangelicalism is surprising. Besides his Irish roots and British manners, his view of the Bible may frustrate some evangelical fans in the U.S.³