This image of the Prodigal Son is a representation of The Horse and His Boy. The whole story is a journey of a boy's search for his true identity. When the story begins Shasta believes himself to be the son of a poor and abusive fisherman, but he soon discovers that this is not true. As Shasta travels toward Narnia in hopes of a better life, he finds himself being swept up into a battle larger than he ever imagined. At the end of the novel, after the dust of war has settled, Shasta is reunited with his twin brother and his father, King Lune of Archenland. Shasta is really Prince Cor, the heir to the throne of Archenland. His father is a loving and kind man who is filled with joy in finding his long lost son. The Prodigal Son is a parable from the gospel of Luke 15:11-32. C. S. Lewis' The Horse and His Boy is similar to Jesus' parable in that it revolves around a father and his two sons. One son remains while the other departs with his inheritance and spends it all on material possessions in an attempt to satisfy all of his desires. The son soon spends all of his wealth. When remembering that his father's servants have more than he, the son decides to return to his father and beg to become a servant. Upon returning home, his father runs to him with open arms and clothes him with a fine robe, puts a ring on his finger, and orders a fattened calf to be prepared. The house celebrates the return of the lost son.
Although there are major differences within the two stories, some basic components are the same. The father and son were separated, and the reunion is a joyous celebration. The son is honored despite his absence, and a deep love between father and son is represented in both stories. The sons in both stories find their true identities within their father's house. Because of that, I have chosen this image of the Prodigal Son to represent the theme of reconciliation and identity.
