Context

I love children’s literature. Fond memories flood my mind when I reminisce about literary adventures free from the stresses of adulthood. Although I still enjoy reading, the books that I read as a child have a special place in my heart. For the second part of my project I have chosen to explore The Horse and His Boy (1954) by C. S. Lewis. The Horse and His Boy is the third book of The Chronicles of Narnia series. I do not know how many times I have read this book. I have lost count over the years, but each time I read it, there is something more to be absorbed.

The way in which C. S. Lewis’ combines fantastic adventure with deep and beautiful symbolism draws the audience of children and adults alike. My mother began reading The Chronicles of Narnia to me before I could read myself. At the time these stories were introduced to me, there was much left undiscovered. As I grew older and as I read them for myself, I reveled not only in the adventures, but in the themes of the stories.

The Horse and His Boy is about a young boy who searches for his true identity. At the opening of the story, he is mistreated and without any companions. By the end, his true identity is revealed and he finds himself surrounded with those he loves and people who love him in return. Along the journey he learns responsibility, courage, and selflessness. These are characteristics that I desire to continue to cultivate throughout my lifetime.