Has anyone ever read C.S. Lewis's "The Magician's Nephew" it is the first book in "The Chronicles of Narnia." One of the chapters in "The Magician's Nephew" is titled "Jadis and the Deplorable Word." The premise of this chapter has to do with jealousy and destruction. Where the evil witch Jadis says a word so horrible it can only be described as deplorable. A word so bad that when she speaks it, it destroys an entire world. Has anyone other than myself wondered what that word could be. Why is it that Lewis is very careful to make sure that his readers are unawair of what the word is. Is he afraid that in the hands of the wrong reader that word may get spoken again? Words of creation from the bible or other religious books are out spoken for all to hear. "Let there be light." Why is it that horrible words are hidden from everyones ears. What amazing power words have. They have the power to create entire worlds and destroy them with but a whisper.
What do you think the deplorable word was? What word would have the power to destroy an entire world? Why do you think this? What are your thoughts?
Thanks for listening,
Rob
Originally posted by deathbypawnAfter my sister taught me to read and I got past the first couple training books, I sat down and read the whole series. I have always liked them. I read them again a couple years later. I owe these books for my advanced ability at reading through most of my school years. It's been so long now I may have to just read them again.
Has anyone ever read C.S. Lewis's "The Magician's Nephew" it is the first book in "The Chronicles of Narnia." One of the chapters in "The Magician's Nephew" is titled "Jadis and the Deplorable Word." The premise of this chapter has to do with jealousy and destruction. Where the evil witch Jadis says a word so horrible it can only be described ...[text shortened]... oy an entire world? Why do you think this? What are your thoughts?
Thanks for listening,
Rob
Nyxie
PS : I think the word was "hate"
I think you have to remember that C.S Lewis was an overt christian and all his writings are infused with christian doctrine. Having said this, the Narnia series is a fantastically written story, which I love dearly and which I still rate as a must read today.
The idea of a word which is so dangerous and powerful as to destroy the whole world, is I think a metaphor rather than an actual reality. Nyxie is right in that hate seems to be the most likely of words and Aslan always speaks of love, forgiveness and benevolence so it seems to fit in that evil would carry the opposite message. However I think it is not so much the word spoken itself, that has the power, but the knowledge of what the word means. Hate, once it has become manifest to those who hear it spreads like wildfire and this notion can be seen in many popular fictional stories, eg: Yoda's speech about fear leads to pain, pain leads to hate, hate leads to suffering.
I wonder if Lewis saw the irony in his story, that supressing knowledge (ie the knowledge of hate) to protect people is something I feel christianity thrives on even today. The idea of coming to god so he can protect you from evil also contains the idea that if you are taught not to question that love, but to recieve it without opposition. God is all loving, all forgiving, you will have no desire for knowledge of other things, things that may tempt you away from god. There is a story (I can't remember the origin) that words were given to humanity by a demon, and the moment humankind learned words, they became tainted with the evil that knowledge carries. This is also born out in the Adam and Eve story. Knowledge is a bad thing, because it allows you to make choices and christianity does not want that.
I'm straying from the subject and my intention is not to rant, so I shall conclude that withholding knowledge of Lewis' evil word can be seen as a either a protection from that supposed evil, or a suppression of choice. Just my personal view.
Oh and if you haven't yet read The Screwtape Letters by Lewis, do so.
Originally posted by StarrmanTo me knowing God would be a search for the truth. This is where so many religions and religious ideas diverge from my spiritual beliefs.
I think you have to remember that C.S Lewis was an overt christian and all his writings are infused with christian doctrine. Having said this, the Narnia series is a fantastically written story, which I love dearly and which I still rate as a must read today.
The idea of a word which is so dangerous and powerful as to destroy the whole world, is I thin ...[text shortened]... Just my personal view.
Oh and if you haven't yet read The Screwtape Letters by Lewis, do so.
It is not so much the word hate, but the way it is used, and what it emcompasses.
Does anyone remember the first time they told a parent they hated them? Will you remember that when your parents die?
Perhaps love could not only be the creator of all things but also the destroyer. As anyone whom has experienced a broken heart in the past will tell you love hurts. That is not to say that love is the deplorable word...far from. My view may be peradoxial in nature. Lewis lived during world war 1 and much like his friend tolkien he very much opposed industrialization at the cost of destroying nature...this being said perhaps the deplorable word could be industry or just man.
Please excuse my grammar and spelling it can only be described as deplorable.
Thanks for listening
rob
Originally posted by deathbypawnSo is that where the Monty Python sketch about the "fatal joke" comes from? So funny it kills anyone hearing it, broadcast by the British Army to the Germans in WWII, needed to be translated to German in relays so as not to kill one's own people and etc
Has anyone ever read C.S. Lewis's "The Magician's Nephew" it is the first book in "The Chronicles of Narnia." One of the chapters in "The Magician's Nephew" is titled "Jadis and the Deplorable Word." The premise of this chapter has to do with jealousy and destruction. Where the evil witch Jadis says a word so horrible it can only be described ...[text shortened]... oy an entire world? Why do you think this? What are your thoughts?
Thanks for listening,
Rob