Further Up and Further In: A Podcast

As the passengers land ashore the first of the Lone Islands, they meet one of the missing Lords of Narnia, Lord Bern. What they don't expect, though, is the trouble they'll discover along the way...

As Lewis provides exposition through the character of King Caspian, the stark contrast between the medieval and the modern worldview begins to emerge on board the Dawn Treader, particularly in the opposition between Reepicheep and Eustace.

In this opening episode on Lewis's rollicking, high-seas adventure story, we are introduced to one of the most memorable characters in the Narniad: Eustace Clarence Scrubb. Though he, in some ways, resembles the banality of evil in the White Witch and Miraz, he ultimately becomes a hopeful representation of Lewis's view of grace and redemption.

In this final chapter of Prince Caspian, Aslan shows grace to Caspian (in his kingship), Reepicheep (in his restored tail), the Narnians (in the feast), and the Telmarines (in their transportation to a new home). All the while, wrong has been made right, and Aslan sends the Pevensies back home with a restored vision for the beauty of Aslan's rule and reign.

In this penultimate chapter, Miraz is defeated by his own treasonous lords, and the Telmarine army is vanquished by the Narnians (not to mention the awakened Trees!). What's more, Aslan leads the procession of celebration through the towns, calling all who will to join in the merry company and revel in the victory.

Exercising his true authority as High King of Narnia, Peter offers Miraz a proposal of monomachy, single combat to determine the victor of the war. Yet, as Edmund delivers the offer, Miraz's men, Lords Glozelle and Sopespian, discuss their own plans to undermine Miraz's position and establish themselves in power.

As Trumpkin, Peter, and Edmund approach Aslan's How, they overhear a council-of-war between King Caspian, Trufflehunter, Doctor Cornelius, and Nikabrik. As all hope of victory seems lost, Nikabrik offers an alternative plan, one couched in a sweeping array of philosophical claims and rhetorical strategies that threaten to overturn Caspian's authority.

Is seeing believing? Or is believing seeing? As Lucy follows Aslan toward the Stone Table, the others must decide whether or not they can bear to follow someone they cannot see for themselves. Yet, as they walk by faith, not by sight, the glimpses of Aslan begin to bring repentance, grace, and sanctifying growth, preparing the Pevensies and Trumpkin ultimately for the path toward Caspian and the war against evil.

Having discovered that their quest down the gorge, taken contrary to Aslan's will, ends in failure, the children and Trumpkin double back to start again. Yet, as Lucy is summoned by the divine call of Aslan to instruct her siblings to obey his instructions, it remains to be seen whether or not Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Trumpkin have the faith necessary to follow a leading that they cannot physically see.

As the children and Trumpkin fall asleep exhausted from their journey, Lucy is beckoned awake and away from the camp to encounter the transcendent holiness of Narnia. This first of two visions, in which she remembers the deep magic of Narnia, ultimately prepares her for the greater vision of Aslan and her firm conviction in the face of her siblings' opposition.