by MKnProud » August 28th, 2006, 12:36 pm
I have a similar reaction to Last Battle; I don't want it to end, ever. I have read the Chronicles at least once a year since I was introduced to them in the 4th grade and each time, I finish smiling through tears. While the Lord of the Rings books, much as I love them, tend to depress me for a few days after I finish them, Last Battle gives me a hope a joy that actually re-energize me. I think it's in the differing views of 'heaven.' LOTR has the characters separated in death; beloved friends or families spilt forever after death. In Narnia, however, it's the opposite. Once the Friends have come safe into Aslan's Country, they see beloved friends they lost ages ago and not only that, their parents are there as well. They even get to have both Narnia AND England, since they're both on the mountain range. As an MK, that has always touched me deeply- the hope, the dream, that someday all goodbyes will be over and all those I've loved will be with me; I won't have to miss one dear person to be with another. I love Jewel's statement that "I have come home at last! This is my real country! I belong here. This is the land I have been looking for all my life, though I never knew it till now." That chokes me up every single time.