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Chapter 8
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Last Battle, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Belief, Deception, and False Prophets
The Value of Friendship
Redemption and Forgiveness
The End of the World
Summary
Analysis
Jewel tells Tirian that they must return to Stable Hill with Puzzle, as there is no point in returning to Cair Paravel. Tirian agrees but tells Jill and Eustace that they must return home. He does not want them to die serving his cause, which he now fears is hopeless. Jill and Eustace protest, claiming they have not even done anything yet. Tirian assures them they have helped plenty, but the children stubbornly insist that they will stick by him to the end. Furthermore, Eustace points out that they do not know how to get home and, therefore, could not leave if they tried.
Tirian wants to do the noble thing and make sure the children do not lose their lives for a country that he already feels is lost. In turn, Jill and Eustace also do what they feel is right and refuse to abandon the Narnian cause. Their resilience speaks to their fundamental belief in the righteousness of Narnia and Aslan. They embody the sort of selfishness that is the antithesis of figures like Shift.
Themes
Once that matter is settled, the group once again begins planning. They decide it would be best to approach Stable Hill in the dark, as they will have less of a chance of someone spotting them as they approach. Furthermore, the darkness will allow them to hide Puzzle until the proper moment. When the planning is done, they begin making their way to Stable Hill. On the way there, Jill and Eustace discuss what would happen if they died in Narnia. They wonder whether they would still be able to return to their world or if they would die there as well. Although the uncertainty scares the children, they take comfort in the fact that they feel like they are doing the right thing by helping Tirian and the Narnians.
Jill and Eustace’s discussion regarding death touches on an important theme in the novel. Although The Last Battle is largely concerned with the potential destruction of a country, it does not lose sight of the beings who populate the country. Through Jill and Eustace’s conversation, Lewis argues that it is worth giving one’s life for a noble cause. He also suggests that the children are especially brave because they are willing to stand by Tirian’s side despite their fear. Their behavior contrasts with that of the Narnian creatures who refused to help Tirian earlier in the novel because they were scared.
Themes
While Jill and Eustace discuss death, the rest of the group talks about what will happen at Stable Hill. Poggin is certain that many creatures will rally to Tirian’s cause when they learn the truth, including many dwarves. The group also contemplates what to do next if they are successful at Stable Hill. They wonder whether it is better to immediately face the rest of the Calormene force or to go into hiding to build up their strength. Throughout the entire conversation, Tirian thinks about the danger Tash might pose, though he does not say so aloud.
Largely, the group has a hard time planning what to do at Stable Hill because there are so many uncertain variables. So far, their plans have been foiled at every turn, and they know time is running out. In particular, Tash, who is Aslan’s antithesis, is a decided threat because he appears quite powerful and embodies death. Despite the many uncertainties, the group uses their faith in one another and in Aslan to carry on.
Themes
When the group approaches Stable Hill, they get quiet so they will not be caught. Slowly, they make their way as close as possible to the enemy camp and wait for night to fall. Tirian falls asleep on Jewel and wakes up when he hears a loud gong sound. Thinking it might be his last night alive, Tirian apologizes to Jewel for all of the ways he may have let him down over the years. Jewel responds that he cannot imagine a life without Tirian and thanks him for his friendship. Then, Tirian and the rest of the group get into position to observe what is happening in the camp.
Tirian and Jewel’s conversation reflects what the novel suggests is an ideal friendship. Both parties demonstrate what the other means to them, and each accepts the other’s faults. Their bond stands in sharp contrast to their opponents in this war, as they value mutual respect and sacrifice, while the Calormenes and Shift care only about themselves and attaining power.
Themes
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Rishda and Ginger, who are surrounded by a crowd of animals, bring Shift out next to a blazing fire. Rishda sends Ginger into the crowd, urging him to play his part well. Then, at Rishda’s behest, Shift tells the crowd that a donkey has been pretending to be Aslan. Shift claims that the donkey’s deception has angered a deity he calls “Tashlan” and warns the crowd to be wary of falling for the donkey’s trick. Jill realizes that Rishda and Ginger have played a clever trick. By telling part of the truth, they have thwarted Tirian’s ability to use Puzzle as proof of his claim.
Because Rishda, Shift, and Ginger can no longer use Puzzle, they invent a new scheme, which is every bit as blasphemous. By combining Aslan and Tash’s names, Rishda is suggesting that the values of the two deities are the same, which they are not. To make matters worse, Rishda has also foiled Tirian’s plan, once again diminishing the Narnians’ chances of success.
Themes
