The Voyage of the Dawn Treader: Chapter 3 “The Lone Islands”
C.S. Lewis Read-Along, Vol. 3, Issue 4
The full C.S. Lewis read-along is available only to paid subscribers. Currently, we are reading through The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. To gain full access to this ongoing read-along, the complete read-alongs for The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Prince Caspian, and the rest of the site become a paid subscriber.
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In the background section of the read-along, we’ll look at how C.S. Lewis’ life and other writings factor into the themes of the chapter. In foreground, we’ll go through the narrative and ways to apply what we learn. Further up and further in gives questions for both children and adult readers to continue the discussion, as well as any resources used during that week’s chapter.
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Chapter 3 “The Lone Islands”
Background: It may seem odd for Lewis to bring up slavery so frequently in a children’s book, but there are good reasons to focus on both the physical reality and what it pictures in our spiritual walk. Old sins and temptations regularly reawaken whether they be in individuals or societies. Additionally, each of us must confront and overcome the sin that so easily ensnares us (Hebrews 12:1).
Foreground: As a 16-year-old who has been king for three years, Caspian is still learning how to lead. His immaturity causes him and his friends to be captured by slave traders, but he continues to grow and learn. It’s only after we’ve matured that we know what we don’t know. This mistake better prepares Caspian to lead in the future.
Quote: “If Caspian had been as experienced then as he became later on this voyage, he would not have made this suggestion; but at that moment it seemed an excellent one.”
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