The Power of The Last Battle

[jasmine_tarkheena]

The Last Battle is a very gripping story. It is also perhaps the most complex in the series. It deals with a lot of heavy themes on manipulation, life and death, lust (lust for power, that is), afterlife.

Shift manipulates Puzzle into pretending to be Aslan, "This is the will of Aslan" or "This is what Aslan wants". As time went on, Shift then gets manipulated by Rishda and Ginger. It's like you want to tell Shift, "Who's the puppet now?"

Eustace and Jill go back to Narnia. Since the events of The Silver Chair, Jill had overcome the bullies, so she is more confident. However, maybe when she gets to Narnia that time, Shift and Rishda are now the bullies or maybe it's just Rishda that's the bully. Anyhow, Eustace and Jill rescue Tirian and help rescue Narnia. Only that time Narnia can't be rescued.

Then there is the concept of the afterlife. Emeth talking of his meeting with Aslan is my favorite scene. Each book has it's own unique introduction to Aslan. Emeth's perspective is no exception.

[Benisse]

I'm not sure I can add my heart here in words, I mean more than what has been said, but reading over your descriptions I feel along with you. The Last Battle cuts deep. It seems like everything is coming to an end when you suddenly find it is the brightest beginning with joy beyond description.

I think it would be great if we read the Last Battle for our challenge next summer

I second that book nomination, Swan!

--Spoiler Alert!--
The Last Battle is tied as my favorite Chronicle, along with The Magician's Nephew. I remember hearing it the first time and being heartbroken at points (the "freed" dwarves, or the talking horses' tragic reception when coming to the rescue during the last battle)... Yet there is such courageous beauty too: the small creatures bringing food and drink to the poor king lashed to the tree, the insightful question of the young lamb at the bonfire, the description tying the Stable on the hill to the Stable in our world that once held something bigger than the whole world... Also I love how Puzzle is rescued and ultimately restored after his encounter with Aslan -- This narrative shows the deep power of redemption shining into even the biggest mess-ups in our lives! So there is hope for me too...