Literary analysis of classic fantasy works by C. S. Lewis and Lewis Carroll

The works of C. S. Lewis and Lewis Carroll continue to influence fantasy literature through distinct narrative styles and themes.

In the Chronicles of Narnia franchise, specifically 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe', the 1979 animated adaptation produced by CBS offers a unique departure from the original text. Unlike the literary source, which sets the Pevensie children in the context of World War II, the animation omits the historical conflict, creating a more timeless atmosphere. Notable changes include Aslan delivering weapons to the protagonists instead of the appearance of Santa Claus, and a portrayal of the White Witch that emphasizes a more unsettling, nightmarish aesthetic.

Lewis Carroll’s 1865 work, 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland', utilizes nonsense and linguistic games to explore themes of identity, authority, and social rules. The narrative follows Alice as she enters a surreal world after following a White Rabbit, experiencing physical transformations that complicate her relationship with her environment. The story uses absurd encounters, such as the Dodo's race and interactions with various characters, to examine the instability of logic and power.