The Silver Chair
#4 of 7 in The Chronicles of Narnia Series
What’s inside...
Deep underground, a web of evil magic holds a prince in captivity. Narnia is in peril, and only Eustace and Jill can help. Along with Puddleglum, a gloomy but valiant Marsh-wiggle, they are sent by the mighty lion Aslan to find Prince Rilian, heir to the throne. Their quest leads them past hungry people-eating Giants, and deep into the dark underground. However, the true test for this noble band of friends comes when they face an evil witch and her deadly enchantments.
Character compass
Jill Pole
Prince Rilian
King Caspian X
Eustace Clarence Scrubb
Puddleglum
The Lady Of The Green Kirtle
Trumpkin
Eustace Scrubb
Aslan
Discussion points
How did Jill and Eustace show courage throughout their adventure, and can you think of a time when you were brave like them?
What do you think the underground world of the Earthmen represents? Have you ever had to 'escape' from a situation that felt confining?
The Silver Chair traps Prince Rilian and keeps him from seeing things as they really are. Have you ever felt trapped by a thought or idea, and how did you break free from it?
Puddleglum has a rather gloomy outlook but proves to be very loyal and helpful. How do we understand the importance of different perspectives in our friends and in ourselves?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage connections between the book and the child’s own experiences, prompting personal growth and self-reflection.
Discuss the moral dilemmas faced by the characters to understand the child's perspective on right and wrong.
Use the fantasy elements of the story to explore real-world concepts, encouraging a blend of imagination and practical thinking.
Prompt your child to consider the importance of teamwork and friendship as demonstrated by the character's journey.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout 'The Silver Chair', the characters face numerous challenges and setbacks in their quest. Despite the difficulties, they persist in their mission, demonstrating the value of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by continuing to strive towards their goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal hobbies, even when they encounter obstacles.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: The protagonists, Jill and Eustace, along with Puddleglum the Marsh-wiggle, work together to overcome trials. Their success is largely due to their cooperation and mutual support.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of collaborating with others to achieve common goals and highlights how teamwork can make challenging tasks more manageable.
Example Lesson: Making ethical choices
Explanation: The characters frequently face moral dilemmas requiring them to choose between right and wrong. Their decisions impact their journey and teach them important lessons about integrity.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of evaluating their choices and considering the consequences, promoting ethical behavior in their interactions with others.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: Jill and Eustace often confront frightening situations that test their bravery. By facing their fears head-on, they grow stronger and more confident.
Real-World Application: This illustrates to children the importance of confronting fears as a part of growth. It encourages them to tackle new challenges and step out of their comfort zones.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: The characters must use their wits and intelligence to solve riddles and navigate tricky situations, which is crucial for their progress in the story.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to apply critical thinking skills to solve problems creatively and make informed decisions, both academically and in daily life.