On Developing the Imagination

Published on June 02, 2009 by Discussion Cafe

Discussion Resource:
The Nation | 6 May 2009
"Into the Wardrobe: C.S. Lewis's Narnia"
By Jordan Davis

1. Is true genius a result of nurture or nature? Or both?
2. What were some of the things that influenced the development of Lewis's imagination as a child?
3. Discuss the importance of developing reading habits during childhood and adolescence. What role does howwe read play in the development of imagination?
4. How does modern technology affect reading habits of today's children? What effect does that have on the development of the imagination?
5. What are some of the biggest influences on a child's imagination today?
6. Lewis acknowledged Christian influence on the Chronicles of Narnia. Yet a reader need not share his faith in order to appreciate, and even love, the books. Discuss the role of one's faith in imagination
7. Discuss the fact that many Lewis fans completely miss the Christian influence on his writing. Is this positive? Negative? Does it matter?

(NOTE: It is suggested that you tackle a few, but probably not all of, the following. In a group of 3-10, it is likely that one or two of these questions can result in the conversation taking off on it's own. Let it! These are merely here to help steer the conversation when needed.)