Uncle Andrew Ruins the Fun: (The Magician’s Nephew)

 

 While seemingly inconspicuous, a conversation between Polly and Digory perfectly encapsulates the work of C.S. Lewis and some of the other Inklings (mostly Tolkein). In The Woods Between the Worlds, Digory is represented as an adventurous individual who appears to embrace the fantastical world around him, wanting to explore it while Polly is far more cautious. Polly is anxious about finding her way home with Digory wishes to venture further. He is guided by his imagination with Polly being somewhat grounded. Polly’s reservations are delaying the adventure and are potentially risking them getting caught by Uncle Andrew who is portrayed as a scientistic force that wants to “take away the rings before [they] have had any fun.” Science is seen as something that takes away or discards myth.

What I mostly get out of it is that life is experienced rather than reasoned. Lewis wants us to embrace myth just as Digory is embracing the adventure before him. This may seem like a stretch but I tend to read into things. 

 

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