The big city of Tashbaan provides an opportunity to explore the culture of Calormen. As the city shows, Calormen is a country of extremes, with many peasants and only a few who get to enjoy wealth. This contrasts with the promise of Narnia, where everyone has freedom. Narnia represents Christian spiritual enlightenment and freedom from the materialism and greed of Calormen, where few people enjoy economic stability or the ability to make their own choices about their life.