The Last Battle

The ending of The Last Battle is probably one of the most powerful endings to any of C.S. Lewis' books that we have read thus far. I really enjoyed it, and was actually surprised by it. I didn't realize that all of the main characters had actually died until C.S. Lewis explicitly told us.

My favorite part of The Last Battle was the overall idea that heaven was basically the creation of a 'new' Narnia. Everything that the children loved about Narnia were still a part of heaven, only now everything was brighter, happier, and a little bit better. A big part of me is afraid of the Second Coming, because I'm afraid I won't have the time on earth to accomplish everything I want to. I have a lot of big dreams and goals. I want to finish school, become a lawyer, get married, and have a family. This book helped to remind me that when the Second Coming does happen, I will be happier than imaginable. I won't even think about the things I 'missed' out on from this mortal life.

Another cool image for me through this book was the stable. I especially found it interesting that the dwarfs were put in the stable and it was a cold, dark, and frigtening place. Emeth on the other hand saw the light, found Aslan, and continued to prosper. This reminds me of many of Lewis' other books, specifically The Great Divorce, where he asserts that going to heaven or hell are all personal choices. The dwarfs didn't have the faith and were to prideful to be able to partake of the glorious state of the New Narnia. So instead they hid in the darkness, refusing to believe anyone who told them differently.

In my personal life I always hope that I can be open to other people's opinions and ideas. Pride generally comes from refusing to see the world from anyother perspective than your own.

The last thing I'll mention from this book is on the very last page. Lewis says something about how the joy and experiences we have in this life are merely a glimmer of the life to come, where we will reside in the glory of God. I think this is a beautiful concept and it helps to take away many doubts and fears that people have. I'm always amazed at how close Lewis comes to perfect Gospel principles.