For years now, critics, authors, readers, Christians and Non-Christians alike have long-debated the issues of gender in C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia. With words like “peoplekind” surfacing now—specifically in Canada—we are living in a time where gender is becoming less and less limited in terms of the roles gender plays in the workplace, in the household, politically, and in hierarchical societies as a whole. Over the past century, women have become something outside of the limited realm of simply the provider of love and the up-keeper of the well being of their children. Since C. S. Lewis’ day, this has certainly changed. The goal of this particular exercise is, in and of itself, to discuss how gender and gender roles—as a result of Lewis’ theological perspective—are shaped in The Chronicles of Narnia, and try to answer the questions about C. S. Lewis’ views that many have come to ask. Is C. S. Lewis sexist? Is he misogynistic? With the help of research I will attempt to provide information in order for you, the reader, to make your own decision on the topic. This is, above all, a discussion regarding the roles the male and females play in Lewis’ Narnia—with specific regards to traditional Christian values—and an attempt to offer insight on the topic itself. Lewis' views were not always what they seemed, and—overall—he was a product of his environment.
So, join me in the discussion. Take a look. Familiarize yourself with the lore. Follow the links. Take in what you can, and decide for yourself what gender means, inside—and outside—the world of Narnia.