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"Caspian a Dud"? What Would Reepicheep Say?
A big thanks to everyone who shared their thoughts about the movie Prince Caspian. I'm looking forward to seeing it. But now it's time for a little controversy. My friend Justin Taylor, sent me a link to a review by Frederica Mathewes-Green who was bold enough to state that the book Prince Caspian is "rushed and thin." Wow! Here's how she starts:
Every once in awhile, a movie improves on the book on which it is based. In my bold opinion, Prince Caspian, the second Disney film drawn from C. S. Lewis's beloved Chronicles of Narnia, is such a movie. Criticism of C. S. Lewis is rightly taboo, but facts are facts: Prince Caspian, the book, is a dud.Now I know that many of you C.S. Lewis fans are feeling a sense of outrage right now. Steady. Steady. I would like you to comment on Frederica's views. But since I want to encourage restraint and civility, and because I'm in a weird mood I want to set a few ground rules. I ask that you write a response to Frederica in the voice and tone of that noblest of mice, Reepicheep.
I told you I was in weird mood. That's your assignment. How would Reepicheep react to such an outlandish accusation? I look forward to hearing your response. To add to the excitement let's make it a competition: The best response in Reepicheep's voice will receive a $15 iTunes gift card and dinner with Frederica Mathewes-Green. (Okay, the dinner is a joke. I can only do the gift card.)
Please enter the letter "y" in the field below:
Comments (33)
I have the great honor of knowing Frederica (er, Lady Mathewes-Green) as personal friend of our family and we knew about her review before it came out... With great respect, I believe she may well be in the right, regardless of my connections with her. The lordly creator of Narnia, C.S. Lewis, did a stupendous job when writing and leaving quite a bit to the imagination of his readers. Prince Caspian's film team did an extraordinary job of fleshing it out and making this, in my humble opinion, a landmark film in the world of cinematography.
I leave to go find my tail. :)
Posted by Jordan Diann | May 19, 2008 10:00 PM
It is my obligation, now that I am dwelling on my rash and hasty comment and re-reading the review, to add slightly. I would be so bold as to claim the book was a dud. Nothing of C.S. Lewis' work could possibly be such. However, the movie improved upon it greatly. Mathewes-Green's points about it being thin and possibly even rushed are valid. I'd dare to call it the weakest of Lewis' series; definitely the shortest. Additionally, it seems to say something about its "hurriedness" when you take into account, like Mathewes-Green noted that Lewis detours for four chapters to "catch you up" on the history of story.
Posted by Jordan Diann | May 19, 2008 10:24 PM
Upon my honor as Chief Mouse, this is an outrageous assertion. If the person making this claim were a man, I would challenge him to a duel to settle this score. As it is, I shall have to address this singularly discourteous belief that the book Prince Caspian is unworthy of our attention with words alone.
First of all, this charge is an affront to my honor. After all, Prince Caspian is where the first part of my own story is told. If one was to not to read this book, they would not understand the relationship between myself and the most noble of peoples, the Talking Mice of Narnia. The story of their bravery and devotion should not be brushed aside lightly. In addition, how should one understand the changes in my own life without understanding the entire tale of my life?
Secondly, do readers really believe that the epic story of the reordering of Narnia is, as this woman puts it, "a dud"? Narnia had been wrong for hundreds of years. The tale of the righting of this wrong, and the reappearance of the Great Lion Aslan in our land has lived on for generations, and should not be abandoned now.
Finally, saying that this book is unworthy of our attention is to miss a story of faith and devotion. Her Majesty, Queen Lucy the Valiant, truly lived up to her title in the pages of Prince Caspian. Indeed, it was her singular devotion to Aslan that saved us all, for she would not be turned aside from following his lead when the time came. When faced with the threat of her traveling party leaving her, she stood her ground, content to follow Aslan to the Utter East if that was where he led her (as he would years later, I should add). It also shows the steadfast faith of His Majesty, King Edmund the Just, who believed his royal sister from the first, despite the fact that he could not see the Great Lion himself at first. His faith that Queen Lucy knew of what she spoke, and that Aslan was indeed leading her is an example that can be commended to anyone. And although His Majesty the High King Peter and Her Majesty Queen Susan the Gentle did not follow at first, they were all persuaded in time to save Narnia. Trumpkin, the most noble of Dwarfs, also doubted, but he followed the High King when not all Dwarfs were prepared to do so. This show of loyalty to an office that had been vacant for a thousand years was truly commendable, as were the other instances of Trumpkin's loyalty.
I could continue in this vein for hours. I believe, however, that the point is made, and that the honor of my people has been upheld. I commend this to you, the reader, to judge rightly, and to know that any affront to my honor, or the honor of my people, will be met with a vigorous defense.
Posted by B. Minich | May 19, 2008 10:41 PM
I have always thought that in the Narnia series, Prince Caspian was the weakest of the novels.
Posted by Diane Jones | May 20, 2008 9:20 AM
"Caspian a dud?"
I was hoping for something a little more original.
Posted by Jesse P. | May 20, 2008 11:41 AM
(inhale helium)
It is not honorable to critize the work of an worthy man when that man is no longer able to defend his honor. It is honorable to extol the virtues of a filmmaker when that filmmaker's work is worthy of honor. Therefore we may speak well of the film, but remain silent on any shortcomings of the book.
(bow)
Posted by Drew Jones | May 20, 2008 12:53 PM
Hey Guys,
i have never seen the movie,
But a friend of mine said that Prince Caspian and Susain kiss.
If this is true I find it a disgrace.I am a teen and I dont want to watch movies that teach us and expect us to get into the romance.Well, Just thought I'd put that.Your Sister In Christ, Hannah
Posted by Hannah Williams | May 20, 2008 1:14 PM
To the right noble reverend Josh Harris, bondservant of Our Most Holy Lord, who in the desire to prevent the effusion of blood, charged us with the most goodly task of speaking with chivalry and love concerning the hasty comments of the noble Lady Frederica Mathewes-Green about the excellent tale of Prince Caspian the Tenth written by the right noble Scholar of Lore, C.S. Lewis.
Let me at the outset give you my thanks, Good Sir Harris, for this most excellent charge. It befits a chivalrous and goodly knight such as yourself. May all the saints and goodly knights hold one another accountable that the Most Holy Father of Our Most Excellent Lord Jesus the Christ be glorified in us and through us. Amen.
I must also needs say that the Lady Frederica Mathewes-Green is, in fact, a right noble and faithful Lady of Our Lord Jesus Christ as I have had the goodly opportunity to read some of her work. She has a most marvelous testimony.
With that said, it is with reluctance that I gainsay her comments about the goodly work of Prince Caspian. The work is fresh upon my memory, having just read it last week in preparation for the (as they say) "cinematic experience." The plot in the book is admittedly simple, and those with a more modern palate will probably find this Prince Caspian uneventful. But the good Sir Lewis, as he recounts in the goodly volume On Stories: And Other Essays on Literature , did not care for exciting and action-packed plots and page turners. For him, "story" was a net to capture that elusive yet wonderful experience he called "joy." And I think he succeeded in Prince Caspian. But it's the little things such as his style of narration and descriptions that so fill me with joy. Best of all is Aslan in the book, who plays only a very minor part in the movie. The awe and omnipotence of Aslan I can really feel and delight in in the book. The movie, however, makes Aslan almost an afterthought.
What really disappointed me in the movie (others will undoubtedly disagree with me in this) is not only that the movie places a huge emphasis on battle and combat, but that the movie also edited out the romp, frivolity and fun of the dancing scenes on the Dancing Lawn and the entire scene with Bacchus, Silenus and the Maenads, where Lucy, Susan and Aslan restore fun and games to all of Narnia.
The good Lady Mathewes-Greens says that the book is "rushed and thin", but that is exactly what I thought about the movie. The book is actually slow, thoughtful and delightful; the movie is rushed and hurried. The book is like a beautiful flower, whose glory not even Solomon could surpass, to be reflected and chewed on; the movie takes it and throws it into the furnace, though, of course, this makes the movie exhilerating and exciting; never a dull moment.
Each to his or her taste, of course. Above all, let us pray that both the book and the movie mgiht lead us into a better understanding of Our Lord Jesus Christ and His Holy Father, which is what the good Bard, Sir Lewis, intended in writing his children stories. May I always be
Your Humble Servant,
Keenan
Posted by Keenan Cole | May 20, 2008 3:31 PM
Greetings, Mr. Harris; Ramandu's daughter here. Although I am not Reepichip or a mouse, but, rather, the daughter of a star, I will give you my opinion of the movie.
If you will remember, at the end of The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Caspian marries ME. I do not appreciate Susan in the movie kissing MY future husband. And, having spoken to the REAL Susan, she does not appreciate the slightly immodest dress that the movie Susan wore in the last scene.
Sincerely Yours,
Ramandu's Daughter
AKA Mrs. Caspian
Posted by Diane Jones | May 20, 2008 4:18 PM
Well, Master Harris, I must say I was shocked to see the display of love on the parts of my lges Caspian and Susan. I do believe Susan had wanted to make Caspian see her. I felt there was love growing-what you would call "a crush". The kiss, though I feigned a calm demeanor, it still caught me off guard. I am rarely caught off guard. Even so, The battle was satisfactory. And I am rather glad to have my tail back.
Your humble servant,
Reepicheep
Posted by Vicky Jones | May 20, 2008 4:34 PM
Christian's having so much fun...Can I become a Christian? I have been checking out your blog for awhile and it's great. Never read any of the Narnia books. I have read I kissed dating goodbye like every other teenager from the 90's.
Love you blog!
Posted by Anne | May 20, 2008 5:22 PM
In my not-so-humble opinion, the novel does not exploit any of my heroic accomplishments in saving the great land of Narnia.
Then again, I'm a mouse.
Your Majesty's Servant,
R
Posted by Michael | May 20, 2008 7:05 PM
Sire, the man who has made this terrible decision to meandor from the proper story must be punished. He who challenges this shall have my sword to reckon with.
Posted by Charisa Falcione | May 20, 2008 8:11 PM
Me, though not having the honor and wit to be a son of adam, Reepichiep, the Major Captain of the mice army, am now writing to complain of what hast been told from Daughter of Eve,Mathewes Green.The outrageous "dud",refering to the book which hast my own reference in it, Prince Caspian. It is an amazing book. ALthough the movie was very good as well,the book is the original story of which the movie came from. And then thou hast the capacity to say a "dud",? I prythee; what hast come upon thy mind to say such an offence to ME ant to my own kin! Both works are of an amazing quality, a masterpiece. None of them should be comppeled as a dud;
With all respect and humility to the Daughter of Eve,Mathewes-Green ,I now say farethee well, my Lady
Posted by matt harder | May 20, 2008 9:25 PM
By your honor, master Harris, I cannot tolerate such an outrage. If these cowards called producers were within reach, they should feel the prick of my sword. And if this woman commentator was a man, we should have a battle to the death.
In Aslan's service,
Reep
Posted by Mark | May 21, 2008 2:04 AM
"Every once in awhile, a movie improves on the book on which it is based."
Even though I am a fan of the books, I don't think that Prince Caspian was the strongest of the series. In some ways the movie improved on the book by sending more spiritual messages. Things really messing up when we do our own thing instead of trusting God was demonstrated by the invasion of the castle. The White Witch Seance Scene showed how some people can't resist temptation. I was a little disappointed by the increase in violence and the "romance" between Caspian and Susan. How is Caspian going to tell his future wife what he didn't save himself for her in Dawn Treader? This movie was much, (so to speak) darker, than the book. The issues in this episode may make the movie version of Dawn Treader much more complicated than the book.
"Hey Guys,
i have never seen the movie,
But a friend of mine said that Prince Caspian and Susain kiss.
If this is true I find it a disgrace.I am a teen and I dont want to watch movies that teach us and expect us to get into the romance.Well, Just thought I'd put that.Your Sister In Christ, Hannah"
As a teen guy, I agree, (sadly our culture over-glorifies that kind of stuff) and having seen the movie, I can assure you they did kiss. I am at least glad that Caspian and Susan didn't go any farther.
"Greetings, Mr. Harris; Ramandu's daughter here. Although I am not Reepichip or a mouse, but, rather, the daughter of a star, I will give you my opinion of the movie.
If you will remember, at the end of The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Caspian marries ME. I do not appreciate Susan in the movie kissing MY future husband. And, having spoken to the REAL Susan, she does not appreciate the slightly immodest dress that the movie Susan wore in the last scene.
Sincerely Yours,
Ramandu's Daughter
AKA Mrs. Caspian"
I thought Ramandu's daughter died in Silver Chair but I agree with everything you said there.
Posted by James | May 21, 2008 1:09 PM
Sir Harris, the movie is unworthy of being connected with the honorable story of Prince Caspian. The tale was meant for mirth and delight, and allegorized the noble Christian faith. Lady Frederica meant well, but the movie is simply unorthodox. Were the producers to draw near me, they would feel the prick of my sword near their heart!
Reepicheep
Posted by Lauren | May 21, 2008 1:21 PM
Sir Harris, the movie is unworthy of being connected with the honorable story of Prince Caspian. The tale was meant for mirth and delight, and allegorized the noble Christian faith. Lady Frederica meant well, but the movie is simply unorthodox. Were the producers to draw near me, they would feel the prick of my sword near their heart!
Reepicheep
Posted by Lauren | May 21, 2008 1:21 PM
This is the second review that has said that the movie improves the book. My friend Sara over at www.thebookbeast.blogspot.com write the same thing. I LOVE the Narnia series, but honestly, would have to reread Prince Caspian because I remember it least of all of Lewis' novels. Maybe this has to do with this book being one of the least memorable of the series? I don't know, but it didn't impact me nearly like the other books did. I'm interested to reread the book and see the movie!
Posted by Danielle | May 21, 2008 1:52 PM
I agree with Jordan's first two comments. C.S. Lewis was only a man and more than slightly confused on key aspects of Christianity as history bears out.
IMHO, I also though "Caspian" was his weakest installment. The movie was much better than the book. Kudos to the director and producers for making it a great film to watch and enjoy.
Cheers,
William
Posted by William | May 21, 2008 5:19 PM
See, I disagree with the assessment that the movie is better than the book. The movie is better than the movie of the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, and I will grant that Prince Caspian is one of the weaker Narnia books . . . I just don't think the movie was better than the book for a lot of reasons (some of which I articulated above).
Posted by B. Minich | May 21, 2008 8:26 PM
See, I disagree with the assessment that the movie is better than the book. The movie is better than the movie of the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, and I will grant that Prince Caspian is one of the weaker Narnia books . . . I just don't think the movie was better than the book for a lot of reasons (some of which I articulated above).
Posted by B. Minich | May 21, 2008 8:26 PM
Truly, this is an insult that cannot be overlooked! The very core of Narnia lies within the tale which this critic brushes off so insolently. If it were not for the happenings captured within, our sweet land of Narnia would still be tangled fast in the snare of oppression. Upon my very honor and by the Lion's mane, I would be prepared to lay down my life if it meant that this recounting of the nobility of the High King Peter and all of the kings and queens of Narnia - and the reality of Aslan's presence - would be more ardently embraced.
As for her claim that the story is rushed and thin; I cannot deny that it is somewhat more brief than other Narnian tales, but do all tales need to be slow and thick to accomplish their purpose?
I believe much of the beauty of this tale lies in it's simplicity, which leaves the most important parts bared for all to savor without much difficulty.
This chronicle of the days of Prince Caspian and the renewal of the true Narnians resounds with the themes of trust, sacrifice, restoration, and hope.
To appreciate the Chronicles of our sweet land of Narnia without this portion would not only leave a hole, but...I can only describe the terrible void as being even more dreadful than living without a tail!
I rest my case, though my sword hand is ready at a moment's notice, to defend honor and country.
~Reepicheep - Chief Mouse
Posted by Tai Sophia Polczynski | May 21, 2008 8:55 PM
If I may have the honor of speaking here sir Harris, I must say it is detrimental to the honor of my clan to say that Lewis' book was a dud! If only this Fredrica was a man I would beseech you to allow myself and three of my best mice to pay this traitorous villain a visit and put things back where they belong with the sharp stab of our swords! However sire, it is not honorable to do such things to a lady, and I would cut off my own tail first. If I may be so bold though sir, I would suggest that you see the movie regardless of the danger involved. I would never be able to face myself if I turned back from such an adventure only because of what some people have said about it. I must say that weather it follows the book or not, it is in the line of duty for any self-respecting mouse to see this movie at once.
Yours respectfully,
Reepicheep
Posted by Matthew Beay | May 21, 2008 11:36 PM
Most noble Sir Joshua,
I read your request above and felt compelled out of honor to my creator, the renowned Mr. Lewis, to answer your most difficult question. The honor and loyalty of my esteemed species demands that I take an offense for my creator and challenge anyone who dares to criticize my creator. I single-handedly challenge anyone who dares to criticize The Chronicles of Narnia to combat!
However, I must admit that it is difficult to disagree with Ms. Frederica Mathewes-Green . Prince Caspian (where I shine as a fearsome warrior), would probably be the hardest movie for someone to make and doesn't live up to Mr. Lewis' typical storytelling. It lacks the pizzazz of some of the others in the series. It moves slower (which gives my heroics an opportunity to shine forth!) Though any book by Mr. Lewis is on the top of my list (My favorites being Prince Caspian, Voyage of the Dawn Treader, and the Last Battle.), it is slightly different from the others in the series.
After giving it much thought, I think I would agree with both sides of this discussion.
I remain humbly yours,
Reepicheep the Magnificent
Posted by YellerDaisies | May 22, 2008 5:54 PM
Alas! I wrote up a whole long-ish letter from Reepicheep...and it seems like it didn't get sent...or it got held back for some reason (?).
:(
Posted by Tai Sophia Polczynski | May 22, 2008 8:24 PM
It is a great privilege to defend the noble book, Prince Caspian, against this and any other criticisms. While I would never raise my paw against a woman in battle, I believe it is right for me and I do not hesitate to spar with words in this great debate where so much is at stake. And what is this assault? It is not the carefully measured strokes of logic or literary review, but a rash and treacherous stab at the heart of the whole series. Madam Matthews-Green claims to be a friend of the esteemed author C.S. Lewis and the wonderful Chronicles of Narnia, but brusquely dismisses the motive for which the series was created. She quotes Stuart Koehl in saying:
In many ways, Caspian is the weakest of the Narnia books, showing the effect of hurried composition, imperfect familiarity with the characters, and the need to present a message about the role of Christians in a time of war (it was a propaganda as well as an apologetic piece).
As for the propaganda jab, Prince Caspian was first published in 1951, after World War II and any need to defend it. His royal highness Prince Caspian, who always exercises much more restraint and civility than I, would say they speak in ignorance.
Regarding the apologetic accusation: Lewis was not a minister or preacher. (Those who are so quick to critique his theology often forget he had not formal theological training.) He was an English professor who used his writing talents to influence the thought of his day. He was a man of faith in an age of skepticism. All his books have some apologetic material in them; it was his signature touch. True Lewis fans love him for it and see it as a strength, not a weakness.
And though Prince Caspian is a small book, it explored this theme more than any other in the series. Every character, from His royal majesty Prince Caspian, the noble Narnian beasts, Trumpkin and Nikabrik, to their majesties the Pevensie children, and even the leftover Telmarine soldiers, had to choose whether or not to believe in Aslan. The real depth of the book comes in the variety of responses to this crisis of belief. That's the "complexity" of character that should have been developed in the film.
Furthermore, Lewis masterfully parallels two stories, that of his royal highness Prince Caspian and that of the majesties Queen Lucy, King Edmund, Queen Susan, and the High King Peter. Both are put in disorienting circumstances beyond their control. Both are unable to overcome on their own. Both have to choose to believe in Aslan and follow through on the responsibilities that that belief brings, relying on Aslan to bring victory in the end.
Understand, this mouse has no fear of battle, no fear of death. But it is not battle alone that gives a plot "traction" or ability to fight that makes a warrior honorable. True courage comes from trusting that a great Sovereign rules over all. It is faith that He will act in His way and His time that enables us to boldly do our duty, dangerous though it may be. It is this interplay of providence and personal responsibility that Lewis so artfully displays in the book. Aslan is not in need of being sought for endlessly in the woods. His intervention is never too late. As Trumpkin learned, He can play with any beast or human like a cat plays with a mouse if He so desires. And this mouse, for one, agrees with another wise beast who would "rather be eaten by Him than fed by anyone else." So it is ultimately for the honor of the Great Lion Aslan and the honor of the Great Emperor Beyond the Sea that I take my stand and gladly give my life in the defense of the beloved classic Prince Caspian.
Posted by Bethany | May 23, 2008 12:51 PM
Unlike my relatives who have responded here so prolifically...some of us are realists.
I stopped reading when the coats turned into trees.
Posted by Kathy Tucker | May 23, 2008 11:27 PM
Upon further reflection, I realized my statement, "His intervention is never too late," while true, is not a fair assessment of the movie's portrayal. I should say instead, "His intervention is never last-minute."
Posted by Bethany | May 24, 2008 2:03 PM
In the words of my esteemed pastor, Mike Pierson, "Why read the book? It will only ruin the movie!"
Posted by Jenn | May 25, 2008 4:19 PM
"I agree with Jordan's first two comments. C.S. Lewis was only a man and more than slightly confused on key aspects of Christianity as history bears out."
i know this is months old, but i just wanted to add a comment - while CS Lewis came to christ at some point in his life, he was not always a christian.
and he did write some wonderful works on christianity that had, and continue to have, a very profound impact on many people.
however, the chronicles of narnia were not (as so many of us have been led to believe) written to be a biblical or christian allegory - as said by Lewis himself, multiple times.
it makes sense that there would be numerous parallels to christianity and the bible as he was a christian and those morals and beliefs were essentially the core of his belief system - of course when writing stories about good and evil and LIFE - those morals would obviously be conveyed.
however, as he did not intentionally set out to write a biblical allegory, there were other elements of fantasy infused, which explains why so many critics who pick up on "mistakes" or "confusions" (like magic, etc) in his 'christian teachings for children' (aka the chronicles) would be right if they were an intentional allegory, but are actually quite mistaken.
perhaps the reason that people find caspian a "dud" is because its lessons are a little more subtle. the message that is conveyed in lucy's relationship with aslan is a strong message of humility - allegory or not.
i have to disagree with William, who i quoted at the beginning of my comment. i do not think that lewis was 'confused' about christianity. like any other piece of history - you must consider his writing and his life in HIS context, not ours. his christianity may not fit it with what TODAY says the key aspects are- as traditions and 'beliefs' are ever changing - but what about biblically? i would have to say that his beliefs do. as for his writing - his CHRISTIAN WRITINGS (think mere christianity and things HE labeled christian) fit. his fantasy and scifi obviously do not. they are works of fiction written out of creativity. his influences are as broad as his interests - God, the bible, astrology, science fiction, other world exploration, mythology - which is the reason all these things can be found in his other works.
im sorry if this appears offensive, i just find it discouraging when great authors or artists meet criticism that is unsound. everyone seems to want lewis and his work to fit neatly into a perfectly and lifelong christian package - the truth, however, is that he was not a man who could be labeled that way, it is unrealistic to think his work could be.
m.
Posted by mel | December 28, 2008 9:04 AM
Excuse me... I know this is dreadfully outdated, but I just came across this and thought it was simply hilarious. Too bad I missed out on the fifteen dollar gift certificate :(. You can, however, read my own thoughts on Prince Caspian on my blog :). I've always been a C. S. Lewis lover, and a Narnia nut(even though that sounds so undignigfied, I can't think of another way to put it). I have read "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" and I thought it was excellent.
~Meg
Posted by Meg | June 24, 2009 10:57 AM
Alright, so what I really meant to say (instead of saying I'm a Narnia nut) was that I am thrilled to see somebody who writes sensible books and still freely professes their appreciation and adoration for Narnia (the BOOKS as well as movies) :). I have found it hard to find genuines; there are the people that go "omg i love narnia and caspian is a hotty xox" and the supposedly 'intellectual' who disdains Narnia for being simple, magical, and (dare I say it) Christian. You defy them.
Higher Up and Further In!
~A Very Silly and Sentimental Meg
Posted by Meg | June 26, 2009 2:34 AM