The Horse and His Boy is a novel written by C.S. Lewis, published in 1954. It is the fifth book in the series called The Chronicles of Narnia. The story takes place in the world of Narnia, where a young boy named Shasta escapes from his abusive master with the help of a talking horse named Bree.
The novel is an allegory that explores themes such as slavery, courage, and redemption. The story is set in the period covered by the last chapter of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe during the reign of the four Pevensie children as Kings and Queens of Narnia. The Horse and His Boy is a standalone novel that can be read independently of the other books in the series.
In this article, we will explore the allegorical meaning behind The Horse and His Boy. We will delve into the characters, themes, and symbols in the novel to gain a deeper understanding of the story’s message. Whether you are a longtime fan of The Chronicles of Narnia or a newcomer to the series, this article will provide insights into the allegory of The Horse and His Boy.
Overview of ‘The Horse and His Boy’
‘The Horse and His Boy’ is the fifth book in the ‘Chronicles of Narnia’ series by C.S. Lewis. The book follows the story of a young boy named Shasta, who is raised by a poor fisherman in the southern country of Calormen. One day, a Tarkaan (lord) comes to the town and offers to buy Shasta, but the boy learns that he is not the fisherman’s son and decides to run away.
During his journey, Shasta meets a talking horse named Bree, who is also running away from his owner. Together, they embark on a journey to Narnia, where they hope to find safety and freedom. Along the way, they meet a young girl named Aravis and her talking horse Hwin, who are also running away from Calormen.
‘The Horse and His Boy’ is an allegory that explores themes of courage, freedom, and self-discovery. Through the journey of Shasta and his companions, Lewis highlights the importance of standing up for oneself and fighting against oppression. The book also features several Christian themes, such as redemption and forgiveness.
Overall, ‘The Horse and His Boy’ is a captivating story that appeals to both children and adults. With its engaging plot, relatable characters, and thought-provoking themes, the book has become a beloved classic of children’s literature.
The Allegorical Elements in the Story
The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis is a classic children’s book that is full of allegorical elements. The story is set in the fictional land of Narnia and follows the journey of a young boy named Shasta and his talking horse, Bree. The book is rich in symbolism and contains many allegorical elements that make it a timeless classic.
One of the most significant allegorical elements in the story is the journey of self-discovery that the characters go through. Shasta is a young boy who was kidnapped at birth and sold into slavery. He is forced to live a life that is not his own, and he longs for freedom. Bree, the talking horse, is also seeking freedom from the constraints of his life. Together, they embark on a journey of self-discovery that leads them to their true selves.
Another allegorical element in the story is the battle between good and evil. The characters in the story are faced with many challenges, and they must overcome them to achieve their goals. The evil characters in the story, such as the Calormenes, represent the forces of darkness and oppression. The good characters, such as the Narnians, represent the forces of light and freedom. The battle between good and evil is a central theme in the book and is an allegory for the struggle that we all face in our lives.
Finally, the story is full of Christian allegory. C.S. Lewis was a devout Christian, and his faith is reflected in his writing. The themes of redemption, sacrifice, and forgiveness are all present in the story. The character of Aslan, the great lion, is a Christ-like figure who sacrifices himself for the good of others. The story of The Horse and His Boy is a powerful allegory for the Christian faith and is a testament to the power of storytelling.
Characters as Allegorical Figures
Shasta/Cor
Shasta, also known as Cor, is the protagonist of the story and represents the journey of the human soul towards salvation. He is kidnapped and sold into slavery, much like how humanity is born into sin and must strive towards redemption. Shasta’s true identity as the lost prince of Archenland also represents the idea of a divine origin and destiny for humanity.
Aravis
Aravis is a young Calormene noblewoman who runs away from an arranged marriage and joins Shasta on his journey. She represents the struggle for freedom and the courage to break free from societal expectations. Her journey towards accepting Narnia and its values also symbolizes the conversion of a non-believer to Christianity.
Bree
Bree is a talking horse who accompanies Shasta on his journey and represents the struggle for humility and self-awareness. He is proud of his noble heritage and often looks down upon others, but learns to let go of his ego and embrace his true identity as a servant of Aslan. Bree’s journey is a reminder to readers that even the strongest and most capable individuals must learn to be humble and recognize their limitations.
Hwin
Hwin is a talking mare who joins Aravis on her journey and represents the virtues of patience and endurance. She is a gentle and kind-hearted character who endures many hardships but remains steadfast in her faith and loyalty to Aslan. Hwin’s journey is a reminder to readers that even in the face of adversity, one must remain patient and trust in a higher power.
Themes and Symbolism
The Role of Providence
In “The Horse and His Boy,” C.S. Lewis explores the theme of providence, or the idea that events are guided by a divine power. The story follows the journey of Shasta, a young boy who discovers his true identity and destiny through a series of fortunate and seemingly coincidental events. For example, Shasta meets a talking horse named Bree, who helps him escape from slavery and leads him on a journey to the north. Along the way, they encounter other characters who play a role in Shasta’s journey, such as the wise and powerful lion Aslan. Through these experiences, Shasta learns to trust in a higher power and embrace his destiny.
The Journey of Faith
Another theme in “The Horse and His Boy” is the journey of faith. Shasta’s journey is not just a physical one, but also a spiritual one. As he faces challenges and obstacles, he must learn to rely on his faith in a higher power to guide him. This is exemplified in the character of Aslan, who serves as a symbol of divine guidance and protection. Through his encounters with Aslan and other characters, Shasta learns to trust in his own abilities and the power of faith to overcome adversity.
Personal Growth and Identity
Finally, “The Horse and His Boy” explores the theme of personal growth and identity. Shasta begins the story as a young boy who is unsure of his place in the world. Through his journey, he discovers his true identity and learns to embrace his strengths and weaknesses. This is exemplified in his relationship with Bree, who serves as a mentor and guide throughout the story. Through his experiences with Bree and other characters, Shasta learns to accept himself for who he is and embrace his destiny as a hero.
Comparisons to Biblical Stories
Moses and Shasta
The character of Shasta in “The Horse and His Boy” can be compared to Moses in the Bible. Both were abandoned at a young age and raised by individuals who were not their biological parents. Shasta was raised by the fisherman Arsheesh, while Moses was raised by the Egyptian princess. Both Shasta and Moses were also called to lead their people to freedom. Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, while Shasta led Archenland to victory over the Calormenes.
The Exodus
The theme of freedom from slavery in “The Horse and His Boy” can also be compared to the story of the Exodus in the Bible. Like the Israelites in Egypt, the Narnians and Archenlanders in “The Horse and His Boy” were oppressed and enslaved by the Calormenes. The escape of Shasta, Bree, and Aravis from Calormen can be seen as a parallel to the Exodus story. Both groups faced challenges and obstacles on their journey to freedom, but ultimately succeeded in achieving it.
Christ Figures
As with other books in the Narnia series, “The Horse and His Boy” contains Christian themes and allegories. One such theme is the idea of Christ figures. In the book, Aslan is often seen as a representation of Christ. Aslan sacrifices himself for the sake of others, just as Christ did on the cross. Additionally, the character of Shasta can be seen as a Christ figure. He is a humble and selfless character who is willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of others.
Influence of C.S. Lewis’s Beliefs on the Narrative
C.S. Lewis’s Christian beliefs had a significant impact on the narrative of “The Horse and His Boy.” The book is an allegory that reflects Lewis’s views on morality, sin, and redemption. Lewis believed that humans are inherently sinful and that they can only be saved through the grace of God.
Lewis’s belief in the importance of moral values is reflected in the story’s plot. The main character, Shasta, is a young boy who is forced to flee his home. Along the way, he meets a talking horse named Bree, who teaches him about the importance of honesty, courage, and loyalty. These values are essential to the story’s resolution and are a reflection of Lewis’s belief that moral values are necessary for a fulfilling life.
Lewis’s belief in the power of redemption is also evident in the story. The character of Aravis is a young girl who has made mistakes in her past. Throughout the story, she learns to take responsibility for her actions and seeks redemption. This is a reflection of Lewis’s belief that humans can be redeemed through repentance and that everyone deserves a second chance.
Discussion on the Use of Allegory in Literature
Allegory is a literary device that has been used by authors for centuries to convey a deeper meaning or message in their work. It involves the use of symbols, characters, and events to represent abstract ideas or concepts. The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis is a prime example of an allegorical work, where the story is a metaphor for the Christian faith.
One of the main advantages of using allegory in literature is that it allows authors to convey complex ideas and themes in a more accessible and relatable way. By using characters and events that readers can identify with, authors can create a more engaging and memorable reading experience. In The Horse and His Boy, for example, Lewis uses the character of Shasta to represent the struggles and challenges that people face in their lives.
Another benefit of using allegory is that it allows authors to explore sensitive or controversial topics without being too explicit or offensive. By using symbols and metaphors, authors can address difficult issues in a way that is less confrontational and more open to interpretation. In The Horse and His Boy, Lewis uses the character of Aslan to represent God, allowing him to explore themes of faith, redemption, and salvation without being too preachy or dogmatic.
However, there are also some potential downsides to using allegory in literature. One of the main criticisms is that it can be too vague or ambiguous, leaving readers unsure of what the author is trying to convey. Additionally, some readers may find allegory to be too simplistic or contrived, preferring more straightforward and realistic storytelling.