by becca » October 19th, 2004, 1:24 pm
i'm writing an essay on the children in the books at the moment, so here are some snippets you may find interesting
Besides the choice of common names from the mid twentieth century, I think Lewis chose them for their traditional meanings, to further contribute to the overall allegorical idea.
‘Peter’-Greek, meaning ‘A rock’. Like the apostle of Christ, the foundation stone of Jesus’, or his equivalent; Aslan’s church?
Susan-biblical name also. It derives from the Hebrew ‘Susannah’ who is mentioned in Luke 8:2,3, a woman who was healed by Jesus and his apostles, and later goes on to use her own money to help them in their ministry. In Narnia-she is a support to her brothers and sister with her arrows.
Hebrew for 'Lily'-reflection of her beauty? Rabadash does say she is beautiful
Edmund, -a traditionally English name, means ‘protector’.
Lucy- I didn't think I could find a reason to explain her name, except that of Lucy Barfield. But then I found out that it is the feminine form of Lucius, which is latin, i think, for 'light'. keeping this in mind, you can see how she could be seen as the 'light' to her siblings, leading them on when she is the only one who knows the right direction to go in.
hope thats of some help. i think it's all quite fascinating!