"Further up and Further in!": The Happy Ending of The Chronicles of Narnia "Further up and Further in!": The Happy Ending of The Chronicles of Narnia
Abstract
Drawing on the last volume of Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia, The Last Battle, this article seeks to find some ideas for thinking about the ultimate conclusion of human existence and human history that may be relevant for the Christian life also now. After showing that such an inquiry is consistent with the author's understanding of fairy tales, the author focuses her attention on two essential themes: the art of discernment between true and false hope and the Christian concept of the relationship between good and evil.
Based on the chosen book and in light of the larger context of Lewis's work, the article highlights three crucial elements of the spiritual life that are essential for an authentic experience of Christian faith vis-a-vis eschatological hope: a healthy and dynamic image of God, trust in human reason, and a non-dualistic understanding of the relationship between good and evil.