Susan Pevensie in The Chronicles of Narnia

Introduction

Susan Pevensie, one of the central characters in C.S. Lewis’s renowned series, The Chronicles of Narnia, is a complex and multifaceted figure whose role in the narrative is both pivotal and often misunderstood. As the second-oldest of the four Pevensie children, Susan is introduced in the first book, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, as a practical, responsible, and maternal figure who often finds herself at the crossroads of adventure and caution.

Originating from London, Susan and her siblings are evacuated to the English countryside to escape the Nazi air raids during World War II. It is here, in the sprawling mansion of Professor Digory Kirke, that they stumble upon the magical world of Narnia through a wardrobe. Susan’s character is defined by her sensibility, her protective nature towards her siblings, and her reluctance to embrace the unknown, which sets her apart from her more adventurous siblings.

Susan’s significance in the series extends beyond her individual character traits; she represents a unique blend of maternal care, practical wisdom, and the challenges of growing up. Her journey through Narnia and her interactions with other characters reflect broader literary traditions of coming-of-age stories and the struggle between reason and imagination.

Role in the Story

Susan’s storyline in The Chronicles of Narnia is marked by her initial skepticism and subsequent involvement in the magical world of Narnia. In The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Susan is hesitant to believe Lucy’s tales of a world behind the wardrobe, preferring the comfort and safety of their temporary home. However, as the reality of Narnia becomes undeniable, Susan takes on a crucial role in the children’s quest to help the faun Tumnus and ultimately to defeat the White Witch.

Throughout the series, Susan’s practicality and maternal instincts are consistently highlighted. She is the voice of caution, often questioning the wisdom of their actions and advocating for a more sensible approach. For instance, when the children discover that Tumnus has been taken by the White Witch, Susan expresses her reluctance to proceed but ultimately agrees to help, demonstrating her commitment to doing what is right despite her fears^[3].

In Prince Caspian, Susan returns to Narnia with her siblings and plays a key role in the battle against the Telmarines. Her bravery and archery skills are showcased when she saves Trumpkin the dwarf from being drowned and later defeats a Telmarine in an archery contest^[5].

Despite her contributions to the narrative, Susan’s character becomes less central in the later books. In The Last Battle, she is notably absent from the final reunion, a decision by C.S. Lewis that has sparked considerable debate and criticism, often referred to as "The Problem of Susan"^[5].

Character Analysis

Susan’s personality is a rich tapestry of maternal care, practical wisdom, and a deep-seated desire for safety and comfort. She is often described as sensible, responsible, and kind, traits that make her a stabilizing influence on her siblings. Her maternal instincts are evident from the beginning, as she takes on a caretaking role towards her younger siblings, particularly Lucy and Edmund^[2].

One of Susan’s most defining characteristics is her practicality. She is the voice of reason in a world filled with magic and uncertainty. This practicality, however, also makes her less adventurous than her siblings, often leading her to question the wisdom of their actions and prefer the comfort of familiar surroundings^[3].

Despite these traits, Susan is not without her strengths. She is compassionate and comforting, as seen when she supports Lucy during Aslan’s sacrifice and comforts her through the night^[1]. Her gracious nature, described as courteous, kind, and merciful, adds a layer of depth to her character^[1].

However, Susan’s flaws are also significant. Her reluctance to accept the unknown and her preference for comfort over adventure can make her appear unadventurous and unimaginative. This aspect of her character has led to criticisms that she is less courageous than her siblings^[2].

Themes and Symbolism

Susan embodies several key themes in The Chronicles of Narnia. Her character represents the tension between reason and imagination, as well as the struggle between growing up and holding onto childhood. Her practical nature and desire for safety symbolize the human inclination towards comfort and familiarity, while her eventual involvement in the adventures of Narnia highlight the importance of stepping beyond one’s comfort zone^[3].

Susan also plays a significant role in the theme of maternal care and responsibility. Her maternal instincts towards her siblings reflect the nurturing and protective aspects of motherhood, adding a layer of realism to the fantastical world of Narnia^[2].

The controversy surrounding Susan’s absence in The Last Battle has led to interpretations that she represents a character who has lost touch with the divine love and imagination that Narnia symbolizes. This absence can be seen as a commentary on the challenges of maintaining faith and imagination in adulthood^[5].

Cultural Impact

Susan Pevensie has had a significant cultural impact since her introduction in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Her character has been portrayed in various adaptations, including films, television series, and stage productions. These portrayals have often highlighted her practical and maternal aspects, making her a relatable and endearing character to audiences.

However, Susan’s character has also been subject to criticism and controversy. Her absence in The Last Battle has been seen by some as a sexist or punitive move by C.S. Lewis, leading to ongoing debates about her role in the series^[5].

Despite these controversies, Susan remains a beloved character in the Narnia series. Her influence can be seen in other literary and cinematic works that feature strong, practical female characters who navigate between reason and imagination.

Critical Reception

The critical reception of Susan Pevensie has been varied and often contentious. On one hand, she is praised for her practicality, maternal care, and bravery in the face of adversity. Her character adds a grounded and realistic element to the fantastical world of Narnia, making the story more relatable and engaging^[3].

On the other hand, Susan’s character has faced criticism for her perceived lack of adventure and imagination. Her absence in The Last Battle has been particularly contentious, with some critics arguing that it reflects a sexist or dismissive attitude towards female characters who grow up and lose their connection to the magical world^[5].

The debate surrounding Susan’s character has also led to deeper analyses of her role within the broader themes of the series. Scholars have explored how Susan represents the complexities of growing up, the importance of maternal care, and the challenges of maintaining faith and imagination in adulthood^[5].

Legacy

Susan Pevensie’s legacy in The Chronicles of Narnia is multifaceted and enduring. Despite the controversies surrounding her character, she remains a compelling and relatable figure who embodies the complexities of growing up and the struggle between reason and imagination.

Her influence can be seen in other works of fantasy and literature that feature strong, practical female characters. Susan’s character has also inspired discussions about the role of women in fantasy literature and the challenges of portraying female characters in a way that is both realistic and empowering.

In contemporary discussions, Susan’s character continues to be a subject of interest and analysis. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing practicality with imagination and the need to maintain a connection to the magical and divine aspects of life.