The Magician's Nephew

1. Uncle Andrew believes that certain people, because of their superior intelligence, do not have to follow the same rules that ordinary people must. At least one other person in the story thinks the same thing. Using examples from the book, discuss this question and whether you agree with it or not.

2. Discuss what happened to end the world of Charn. Why did it happen? Is there any similar threat in our own world?

3. What did Digory do that he regretted afterwards? Who did his deed affect and how? How did he right that wrong? What is the significance of the term "Son of Adam" and Digory's role in the world of Narnia?

4. Discuss the founding of Narnia from the points of view of the following three characters: a) the horse (Strawberry), b) Uncle Andrew and c) Digory.

5. Why did the witch eat the apple from the tree in the palace's garden? What effect did it have on her? Discuss what Aslan says to Polly: "That is what happens to those who pluck and eat fruits at the wrong time and in the wrong way. The fruit is good, but they loathe it ever after..." (p. 174)

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

1. Discuss the relationship of time in Narnia to time in the children's world. Who is the old professor? Based on your knowledge of The Magician's Nephew, how much time has gone by in the professor's life in relation to the world of Narnia? What hints are there in the story about how much time has gone by? How much time do the children spend in Narnian, in Narnian terms and in their own world's terms?

2. In the beginning the children have trouble with Lucy's claims that she has been to Narnia. What does the Professor say about this? How does he apply logic to this situation?

3. Throughout the book there is a paradox about Aslan, which the beavers especially talk about. They say he is good and terrible. Discuss some of these passages and what they might be saying about Aslan. Compare what they say about Aslan to what is said about God in the Bible.

4. What is the magic of the Emperor as the witch understands it? How does Edmund fit into this? What is the deeper magic that she didn't know about--and from what time period is it? Compare this to the story we all know which is the basis for C.S. Lewis' story.

5. Aslan tells Beaver (p. 137) "All names will soon be restored to their proper owners. In the meantime we will not dispute about noises. Speculate on what he might mean by this.

Prince Caspian

1. What has happened to Narnia since the children left at the end of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe?

2. There is a rebellion going on. Who is the leader? Who is on the rebels' side? What are its goals? What magic is used to support their cause?

3. Trumpkin doesn't believe in Aslan, or the horn. What is his saving virtue and why?

4. In your opinion, why is Lucy the only one who can see Aslan? How does each react to her claim that she saw Aslan? What happens to the party when they don't follow Lucy's advice the first time? What does Lucy learn from this? What do the others learn?

5. Tell the story of Nikabrik. Why does Caspian think he turned out this way?

6. Compare Aslan's moving through the town and asking people to come with him to the call Jesus made to the apostles.

7. How does Aslan solve the problem of what to do with the Telmarines who don't want to live under the new rule? What does he tell the children about future trips to Narnia?

Voyage of the Dawn Treader

1. Tell the story of Eustace. What were his parents like? What kind of person was he before the trip to Narnia? What happened to transform him and how did that affect his life?

2. Describe the character of Reepicheep. Why was he the only one who was not embarrassed when Lucy agreed to read the magician's book? What was the voyage preparing him for? How did he end his voyage?

3. How did Caspian deal with the poor governance of the Lone Islands? In your answer, tell how he regained control of the Islands as well as what he did to set up a better government.

4. What had happened to one of the lords on the island of Deathwater? What happened to the voyagers of the "Dawn Treader" when they visited that place?

5. What were Lucy's temptations when she read the magician's book? Which did she give in to? What was the result? What did she learn from this?

6. What did the voyagers find on the trip to the dark island? How did they escape?

7. What was Caspian's strategy for getting his crew to go on with him to the end of the world?

8. Lucy and Edmund are told by Aslan that they will not return to Narnia. Why not? Why does this upset Lucy? How does Aslan comfort her?

The Silver Chair

1. Jill and Eustace wanted to go to Narnia. How did they get there? Why does Aslan say they came?

2. What is the task Jill is given? What are the four signs? What prevented the children from following some of them? Why did everything work out in the end?

3. On page 21, Aslan tells Jill "Here on the mountain I have spoken to your clearly: I will not often do so down in Narnia. Here on the mountain, the air is clear and your mind is clear; as you drop down into Narnia, the air will thicken." What do you think he means by this? Give some examples of how she and the others sometimes get confused.

4. Give a little description of the character of Puddleglum. What does he think about himself? What do the children think of him at first? What do they find out about him in the difficult circumstances they get into?

5. What happens to the attitude of the children, especially Jill, after they meet the lady who invites them to Harfang? What are the consequences of their being taken in by this lady? What happens to them in Harfang that bothers all of them, but Puddleglum the most?

6. What are the children and Puddleglum's first impressions of the prince? What happens while the prince is in the silver chair? How does Puddleglum help the children in their decision?

7. How do the children, Prince Rilian and Puddleglum resist the witch's enchantment to try to keep them from believing in Aslan and Narnia? How do they finally overcome her? What is Puddleglum's final argument?

8. On their way home, the children stop in Aslan's country and see Caspian. What is his age? What would he appear like if he were in Narnia instead? What do the children hope for? What are they promised by Aslan?

The Horse and His Boy

1. How did Aravis find out that Hwin was a talking horse? Why did they go to Narnia together?

2. Why does Shasta leave his home to search for Narnia?

3. How does Shasta meet King Edmund, Queen Lucy and Prince Corin for the first time?

4. What does Aravis overhear at the house of Tisroc?

5. When the horses are traveling across the desert and they realize they have lost a lot of time, what does Hwin say to Bree to try to get them to hurry a little quicker? What finally does make them move faster?

6. How did Aravis first treat Shasta? What did Shasta do which changed her mind?

7. Aslan teaches Aravis a lesson. What was it and why did he do it?

8. After the others are safe within the hermit's walls, what is Shasta asked to do? What does C.S. Lewis say is the reward for doing one good deed?

9. What does the hermit say about luck? What does Aslan tell Shasta he has done for him when Shasta thinks he's been unlucky?

10. What is Bree's personality like? What happens to him on the journey to change this?

11. When Shasta asks Aslan who he is, what is his answer? What do you think this answer means? See Exodus 3:13-14.

12. When the Hedgehog is told that enemies are attacking Anvard, what is his reaction? Why? How does the High King find out about the coming attack?

13. What happens to Rabadash? Why does he become a peaceful king?

14. What does Shasta find out about his birth? What does this mean for his future role in the kingdom? He doesn't want this responsibility, but what is the reason he cannot refuse?

The Last Battle

1. How is Narnia deceived into thinking Aslan has returned? What kinds of things is "Aslan" asking of the Narnians which throws them into confusion?

2. How does the King obtain help for Narnia and who comes to help him?

3. In the battle what side do the Dwarfs take? What is their motto?

4. What did Emeth do which his father didn't want him to? What happened to him after the battle? How did his belief in Tash help him?

5.What did Tirian see when he entered the stable door?

6. Why wasn't Susan there?

7. What does Lucy try to do for the Dwarfs? Why is she unable to help them?

8. How did the kings and queens of Narnia and the Pevensies' parents go to Aslan's country?

Questions by Sharon Mollerus. Used with permission.

Note: We are unable to supply an answer key to these study questions. Original thought is looked for in answering many of these questions for which there is no "one right answer". We hope these questions will assist parents in discussing the book with their children. Those who haven't read the book themselves could still discuss these questions and ideas in a general way with their children, have their children discuss it with others who have read the book, or seek summaries of the book online to better understand it.

Also see... Our Narnia Page

Discussion/Essay Questions

We are unable to supply an answer key to these study questions. Original thought is looked for in answering many of these questions for which there is no "one right answer". We hope these questions will assist parents in discussing the book with their children. Those who haven't read the book themselves could still discuss these questions and ideas in a general way with their children, have their children discuss it with others who have read the book, or seek summaries of the book online to better understand it.

1. Explain the basic cloth-making process from the time the wool is still on the sheep to the finished product.

2. Was it right for Nicholas not to tell his father about all of his suspicions concerning the Lombards? Why? What would you have done in his place?

3. Why do the townspeople gather for archery every Sunday?

4. In Chapter 4, Nicholas' uncle, John Stern, is asked if he is familiar with the Isle of Wight. What significance does the Isle of Wight have later in the story?

5. In Chapter 18, Nicholas has nearly solved the mystery, but has no proof because he can't get into the barn belonging to Master Leach. When he goes to Master Richard, the parson, for help, what is he advised to do? How did the advice work?

6. Explain why Master Fetterlock's opinion of Nicholas changes from Chapter 12, where he accuses Nicholas of having a "clacking tongue" to the end of the story where he calls him a "man of honour".

Vocabulary Words:

Please note that many of the words in this list will need to be identified within the context of the book. Some are even defined in the book, but it may be useful to take note of them as they may reappear in later chapters. The many illustrations will also be helpful in understanding some of the terminology. I'm including not only unfamiliar words, but also the names of places and historical figures.

Chapter 1 - factor, apt, doublet, array, mountebank, truant, sarplers, wool-fells, drover, piebald, man-at-arms, laden, Cotswolds, Calais, Sandwich, Southampton, Oxford, Witney, Northleach, Gloucester, Burford, Westwell, Lombards, Wars of the Roses, King Richard III, King Henry Tudor.

Chapter 2 - weals, swill, knave, mutton, thatch, dovecot, trestle, poultice, draught, chirurgeon, userers, poser

Chapter 3 - distaff, casement, jerkin, aquiline, brocade, rushes, damask, refectory, flagons, goblets, venison, Lavabo, obeisance, requiescat in pace, kirtle, coif, Bristol

Chapter 4 - ballad, manchet, yokel, cockney, punctilious, ewer, wainscot, joiner, capons, pasties, trenchers, scullion, quizzically, sweetmeats, privateers, churlishly, Flemish, Isle of Wight, Bartolomeo Diaz, Cape of Good Hope, Kublai Khan, Florence

Chapter 5 - turpentine, bolster, chequered, rogues, coffer, florins, varlet, anelace, victual, fobbed, commission, Sebastian Cabot, Isle of St. Brandan, Brazil, Cathay, Indies, Canary Islands, Azores, Madeira, Cristofero Colombo, Marco Polo, Venetian, Dingle Bay

Chapter 6 - Whitsuntide, Rood screen, taper, almshouses, parson, chantry, Master, burgess, Prymer, larder, stirrup cup, fulsome, ledgers, betrothal, garrison, guild, clothiers, wolds, milk-sop, parsonage, prie-dieu, comfit-jar, fleur-de-Lis, stachel, bravado, Flanders, Messer

Chapter 7 - tithes, illuminating, birching, Psalters, Hotch Potch, palfrey, pillion, parchment, tethered, Dover

Chapter 8 - ransacked, buttercups, cot, faggots, bequeathed, minstrels, lute, staves

Chapter 9 - prodigious, cordial, peregrine, stag, sluiced, viol

Chapter 10 - sepulchral whisper, gibbet, corpse, retainers, dais, flaxen, Vespers, quivers, cross-bow, sidling, mariners, Paternoster, pang

Chapter 11 -. Saracen, fleece, carding, spinsters, clay daub, swaddled, ply, afffix, dyers, fullers, gallows, ledgers, timbers, loom, shuttle, bobbins, harness cords, grizzled, warp, battens, weft thread, dormer window, wares, damasks, besotted, japes, trumpery, wanton, nap, teazles, minx

Chapter 12 - Hoodman Blind, prating, ducking-stool, spiked palings, mercers, haberdashers, cordwainers, sundry, halberds, kersey, frieze, alehouse, victuallers, tabor, quarterstaff, Quintain, smote, impetus, apothecary, phial, gesticulating

Chapter 13 - vantage, Tanners, Pange Lingua, sickle, mart, Alps, binding, agog

Chapter 14 - suffused, smith, dirge, ribald, hurdy-gurdies, parsonage, commended, refuse, tinder-box, tenterhooks, Bruges

Chapter 15 - stylo, quagmire, ostler, venison, combatants, suave, drawl

Chapter 16 - courtiers, circuitous, retinue, tang, cockle-shells, portcullised, battlements, urchins, whit, buttressed, porters, postern, Quay, pennons, rigging, emblazoned, plied, wherry, mulled, bower, skeins, Rouen, waylay

Chapter 17 - "bearded sacks", sully, wolds, tantalizing, mettle, livery, vicarage, chirurgeon, knave, Hospice, yoked buckets, cloister

Chapter 18 - pillion, calvalcade, bower, ague, casement

Chapter 19 - pilloried, Rouen, light motes, pallor, hazard, surety

Essay/Discussion Questions:

We are unable to supply an answer key to these study questions. Original thought is looked for in answering many of these questions for which there is no "one right answer". We hope these questions will assist parents in discussing the book with their children. Those who haven't read the book themselves could still discuss these questions and ideas in a general way with their children, have their children discuss it with others who have read the book, or seek summaries of the book online to better understand it.

Day One

1. How long had it been since Santiago had caught a fish?

2. Santiago's eyes were not old- they were the colour of the ______, and______?

3. How did the other fishermen react to Santiago?

4. What was on the walls of Santiago's shack? What used to hang there?

5. How did Santiago get his dinner that night, and what was it?

6. What does Santiago say is "his alarm clock"?

7. In his dreams, how did the lions play?

Day Two

1. How did Santiago and Manolin meet in the morning? What did they eat for breakfast?

2. Did Santiago realize that he was going "far out"? (give page reference)

3. Did Santiago speak of the sea as feminine or masculine?

4. When did Santiago think he would catch 'the big one'? (give page reference)

5. What did Santiago use for bait?

6. How did Santiago keep his bait lines?

7. When the man-of-war bird dove into the sea, what happened?

8. Did Santiago like the Portuguese man of war?

9. What did Santiago like to watch eat the Portuguese man of war?

10. Use one word to describe how Santiago 'works' his big fish.

11. The lights of what city are visible on the horizon?

Day Three

1. Who did Santiago wish was with him?

2. In what direction was the fish pulling?

3. What did Santiago hope the fish would do? Why ?

4. What added drag to the line, and pleased Santiago?

5. What did Santiago eat for breakfast?

6. Santiago considered the fish his _______?

7. What was the biggest fish that Santiago had ever caught? Was he alone those times?

8. What did Santiago promise to do if God allowed him to catch the fish?

9. What did Santiago do to convince God to allow him to catch the fish?

10. What had happened in Casablanca?

11. What did he dream about that night?

Day Four

1. What woke him up?

2. How many times had the fish jumped?

3. What did Santiago eat for breakfast?

4. When was Santiago going to say 100 Our Fathers and Hail Marys?

5. What was on Santiago's head?

6. What was the fish doing all this day?

7. What did Santiago kill the fish with? What time was it?

8. What did he do with the fish?

9. What did Santiago drink throughout this ordeal?

10. What attacked his fish enroute?

11. What did Santiago taste on his return trip?

Day Five

1. Who met him in the morning? What did he do when he saw the old man?

2.How big was the fish? Did the fish beat Santiago?

3. What is Manolin determined to do now?

4. Who did Santiago give the fish head to? Why?

Questions courtesy of Kathie McGann

Discussion/Essay Questions:

We are unable to supply an answer key to these study questions. Original thought is looked for in answering many of these questions for which there is no "one right answer". We hope these questions will assist parents in discussing the book with their children. Those who haven't read the book themselves could still discuss these questions and ideas in a general way with their children, have their children discuss it with others who have read the book, or seek summaries of the book online to better understand it.

The Winged Watchman is one of those books which can be enjoyed by people of many different ages. The story is appealing even to fairly young children (I read most of it aloud to my five year old) and yet some of the ideas it brings up can be rather heavy. Consequently some of the following questions may even be challenging for a high schooler.

1. What is a landwatcher? Why are they despised by the Dutch?

2. In chapter 2, Mr. and Mrs. Verhagen are discussing a neighbor's son who was made a landwatcher. Why is Mrs. Verhagen so shocked? What does Mr. Verhagen respond? Disuss how being a Catholic should be reflected, not only in fulfilling one's religious duties, but also in one's behavior "outside of church."

3. How did Joris discover that Hendrik Schenderhans was not trustworthy? Consider the significance of telling lies even in trivial matters.

4. What is an underdiver? Why were there underdivers staying at the Winged Watchman?

5. How did Trixie get to be part of the Verhagen family? Why did Leendert's questions about Trixie make Mrs. Verhagen nervous? What happened to Trixie after the war was over?

6. Who was Hildebrand? Why was Uncle Cor irritated by Hildebrand? How does Hildebrand respond to the following question from Uncle Cor on page 142? "But how is one to love one's enemy, when he acts like the Germans?" Explain the answer and discuss whether you think it is true.

7. What is the Winged Watchman? What role did it play in the story? Why is the name appropriate?