The Silver Chair Justice and Judgment Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Page)

Quote #4

"We've brought the anger of Aslan on us," [Puddleglum] said. "That's what comes of not attending to the signs. We're under a curse, I expect. If it was allowed, it would be the best thing we could do, to take these knives and drive them into our own hearts." (9.129)

Puddleglum is right to be freaked out about eating a talking animal—it's a huge taboo in Narnia—but he's taking his fear a little too far, considering that he hadn't done it on purpose. Also, Aslan is a merciful ruler who understands the intentions of his subjects and judges them carefully.

Quote #5

"Once and for all," said the prisoner, "I adjure you to set me free. By all fears and all loves, by the bright skies of Overland, by the great Lion, by Aslan himself, I charge you—" (11.166)

This is a moment of dual judgment in the story. On one side, we have Jill, Puddleglum, and Eustace struggling with common sense in the face of the Black Knight's call for justice. On the other, there is the mention of Aslan, which conjures up the idea of the mission and a sense of duty.

Quote #6

"Lie there, vile engine of sorcery," he said, "lest your mistress should ever use you for another victim." (11.168)

The newly freed Prince Rilian addresses the silver chair as though it were a sentient being, truly responsible for the suffering he's been through. He passes sentence on the device and then hacks it to pieces. (He definitely needs some fresh air.)