THE HORSE AND HIS BOY by C.S. Lewis: A Study Guide for 8- to 10-year-olds By Amy C. Blake THE HORSE AND HIS BOY By C.S. Lewis Student: ____________________________________________ Teacher: ____________________________________________ The Horse and His Boy—Introduction and Chapter 1 Discussion Introduction: Clive Staples Lewis (29 November 1898 – 22 November 1963), commonly referred to as C. S. Lewis and known to his friends and family as "Jack", was a novelist, poet, academic, medievalist, literary critic, essayist, lay theologian and Christian apologist from Belfast, Ireland. He is known for both his fictional work, especially The Screwtape Letters, The Chronicles of Narnia and The Space Trilogy and his nonfiction, such as Mere Christianity, Miracles and The Problem of Pain. Lewis and fellow novelist J. R. R. Tolkien were close friends. Both authors served on the English faculty at Oxford University, and both were active in the informal Oxford literary group known as the "Inklings". The Horse and His Boy is a novel by C. S. Lewis. It was published in 1954, making it the fifth of seven books published in Lewis' series The Chronicles of Narnia. The books in this series are sometimes ordered chronologically in relation to the events in the books as opposed to the dates of their original publication. In this alternative ordering, The Horse and His Boy is the third book, taking place during the events of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Although it was published after The Silver Chair (due to Lewis not wanting to break up the Caspian triad), it was written before it, so in written order it is fourth. The story is also referred to as a story-within-a-story in the fourth published book, The Silver Chair. The Horse and His Boy is the only Narnia book which does not feature children from our world as the story's main characters, although the adult Queen Lucy, Queen Susan, and King Edmund (all of whom first appear in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) do appear in the book, and the dynamics of the story develop from Susan's interactions. Peter, the High King, appears in the book unrecognized by Cor but is also mentioned frequently by the Narnians. The adventures are mentioned twice in The Silver Chair. Corin, Cor (or Shasta), Aravis, Bree and Hwin all appear in the great reunion in The Last Battle. Lucy and Edmund still retain their memories of their time on Earth, as evidenced by Lucy's retelling of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Ch. 1: Setting is the time and place the story occurs. What is the setting of this book? Calormen (and the journey to Narnia); during the Golden Age of Narnia when Peter, Edmund, Susan, and Lucy rule. Who does Shasta call father? Is he his father? Arsheesh. No, he found Shasta nearly dead in a boat when Shasta was very young. Who is the stranger? A Tarkaan Describe the Tarkaan’s equipment. Round shield, scimitar, lance How does the Tarkaan know Arsheesh is not Shasta’s father? Shasta’s skin is pale like the Northerners while Arsheesh’s is dark like the Calormenes. How does Shasta feel when he realizes Arsheesh will sell him to the Tarkaan? A little anxious, but not sad because Arsheesh has always treated him badly. What can the Tarkaan’s horse do? Talk Why does the horse propose that he and Shasta run away together? The horse wants to go back to Narnia and freedom. The Tarkaan will be cruel to Shasta. Neither can travel alone without arousing suspicion. Why does the horse refuse to say, “May he live forever,” about the Tisroc, as is the custom of Calormen? He’s a free Narnian, and he doesn’t want the Tisroc to live forever anyway. What is the horse’s name? Bree Will Shasta lead Bree with reins and spurs? No, just hold on with his knees and let Bree lead. The Horse and His Boy—Introduction and Chapter 1 L R A X T J S H H A W T D U G T G F A N V H L J C T D D V R K A S E L C I N O R H C E Z R S C R M K H D A Y K C M G V C O I U K O P R T N A A Y G N I B T W R A S G D S I L H K B A ARSHEESH BOY BREE CALORMEN CHRONICLES HORSE LEWIS NARNIA NORTH SHASTA TARKAAN TISROC G H S E H A V G N X O Q N D D J E R E L Y N R S V R B A P Q Z Q E U M G A H L J M H T K D L S M E L N C H U D E M W B O H T R O N D O R W C N O S S U S H A S T A R F P Y B Z B S C O O J Z S W S S N B R U Z O P G W W K F Q I J R X E M L A Y Z U A S Z Y T P F I E L F T W The Horse and His Boy—Chapters 2-3 Discussion Ch. 2: Does riding make Shasta sore? Why? Yes. He’s not used to it, and he keeps falling off. What smell is missing from the air? Fish Why does Bree say they won’t be stealing to use the 40 crescents from the saddlebag? They’re prisoners and captives in enemy country. What does Bree fear talking horses don’t do? Roll in the grass Why doesn’t Bree want to talk about riding in the Calormene wars? He rode as a slave not as a free Narnian. What scares Bree by the sandhills? A lion What else is in the night? A horse and rider, probably a tarkaan. Who is it? A Tarkheena named Aravis How do Bree and Shasta find that out? When the lion drives them into the water together, the mare talks. What is the mare’s name? Hwin Where are Aravis and Hwin going? Narnia Are the four more or less likely to be noticed traveling together? Less, according to Bree Do Aravis and Shasta get along? No, she’s snobby and proud. He’s touchy about his lowly upbringing. Ch. 3: Why did Aravis run away from home? Her stepmom hates her and her dad’s making her marry an old man. What stopped Aravis from killing herself? Hwin spoke to her and convinced her to go to Narnia instead. Why did Hwin think Aravis would be happy in Narnia? No maiden is forced to marry against her will. What meeting place do the four choose in case they’re separated in Tashbaan? The Tombs of the Ancient Kings Why won’t the Calormenes go there? Ghouls What is Hwin’s plan? Go straight through the city as if the humans are peasants driving pack horses. Why doesn’t Bree like the plan? He’s prideful and can’t stand the idea of being shabby and looking like a packhorse. Compare the four characters. Aravis and Bree and proud, haughty. Shasta and Hwin are humble. The Horse and His Boy—chapters 2-3 1. Shasta was sore from riding Bree. True False 2. What smell was missing from the air? a. flowers b. salt c. fish d. all of the above 3. Bree fears talking horses don’t do what? a. roll in the grass b. eat oats c. talk d. none of the above 4. Bree loves to talk about riding in the Calormene Wars. True False 5. Aravis is a what? a. mare b. donkey c. lion d. Tarkheena e. none of the above 6. Why did Aravis run away? a. Her stepmom hates her b. Her dad promised her in marriage to an old man c. She doesn’t want to marry him d. All of the above 7. Hwin stopped Aravis from killing herself. True False 8. What meeting place did they choose in case they got separated in Tashbaan? a. The desert b. The tombs c. The river d. The Tisroc’s palace 9. Calormenes believe pixies haunt the Tombs of the Ancient Kings. True 10. Who comes up with the plan to get them through the city? a. Hwin b. Aravis c. Shasta d. Bree False The Horse and His Boy—Chapters 4-5 Discussion Ch. 4: How does Shasta get separated from the others in Tashbaan? The Narnians mistake him for Corin. Where do the Narnians think Shasta is from? Archenland What do they think he is? A prince What creature startles Shasta? A faun What is the faun’s name? Why does the narrator say readers might know him? Tumnus. He’s the faun from The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. What does Tumnus think happened to Prince Corin to make him so quiet? A touch of the sun What other creatures were in the room? Two dwarves and a raven How long had the Narnians been in Tashbaan? 3 weeks Why were they there? Prince Rabadash wants to marry Queen Susan. She’s there to see if she’s interested. Will she marry him? Why or why not? No. He’s cruel and self-centered. Ch. 5: Why does King Edmund think they’re in danger? He believes Rabadash will be angry at Susan’s rejection and kill them to marry her regardless. Why wouldn’t the Tisroc fear vengeance from Narnia? Because Narnia is small and the Tisroc would enjoy swallowing up the small, free lands anyway. Who tells of a route through the desert? Sallowpad the Raven What is Tumnus’ plan? Pretend to give a banquet on their galleon so they can take stores onto it and have a reason to be there to escape. What is the ship’s name? Splendor Hyaline Why didn’t Shasta tell the Narnians who he was? He was afraid they’d think he was a traitor and kill him. Who is the king of Archenland? Lune Why did Prince Corin disappear? He got into a fight defending Queen Susan’s honor. The Horse and His Boy--Ch. 4-5 Across 1. a faun 3. king of Archenland 4. why Corin disappeared 5. number of weeks the Narnians were in Tashbaan 6. wants to marry Queen Susan 7. Shasta's look-alike 8. Corin is prince of this land Down 2. name of Narnians' ship 5. ruler of Calormen 6. knows route through the desert The Horse and His Boy—Chapters 6-7 Discussion Ch. 6: What did the Tombs look like? Giant beehives Who arrived first at the Tombs? Shasta Does Shasta believe Aravis would leave her behind? Yes Would she? No. She’s more honorable than he thinks. What touched Shasta? A cat Where did the cat lead Shasta? To the desert side of the tombs What woke Shasta in the night? Jackals What scared away the jackals? A lion’s roar Who roared? The cat Why did the cat scratch Shasta? He confessed to throwing rocks at a stray cat once. Which mountain should they head toward, according to the Raven? Mt. Pire How would they recognize it? Two peaks split at the top Who arrived with the horses? An armed man, not Aravis Ch. 7: Who did Aravis meet in Tashbaan? Lasaraleen Where is Aravis’ father? In Tashbaan looking for her What is Lasaraleen like? Silly, vain, self-centered, absorbed with clothing and such Why can’t Aravis be carried out of the city on a litter with the curtain drawn? One doesn’t use litters outside of the city. It would draw attention. What plan did the girls make? To get Aravis out through the Tisroc’s garden, which borders on the river. Why couldn’t they go that night? A party What do Aravis and Lasaraleen encounter in the Tisroc’s palace? The Tisroc, Prince Rabadash, the Grand Vizier, and two servants What do they do? Hide behind the sofa Why does Aravis especially not want to meet Ahoshta Tarkaan, the Grand Vizier? That’s the man her father promised her to in marriage. Compare Aravis’ and Lasaraleen’s personalities. Aravis loves the country, sports, thinking, quiet. Lasaraleen loves the city, parties, dresses, noise. The Horse and His Boy—chapters 6-7 Draw a line from the description on the right to the word on the left that best matches it. beehives Grand Vizier Shasta location of Aravis’s father Aravis the first to the tombs cat the way Aravis will leave Tashbaan jackals shape of the Tombs of the Ancient Kings Mt. Pire stayed with Shasta at the tombs Lasaraleen person Aravis met in Tashbaan Tashbaan landmark the Raven said to head toward Tisroc’s palace woke Shasta Ahoshta Tarkaan the last to the tombs Illustrate your favorite scene from these two chapters. The Horse and His Boy—Chapters 8 Discussion Why is Prince Rabadash upset? Queen Susan and the Narnians escaped. The Tisroc didn’t let him take a fast ship after them. What did Rabadash do to the Grand Vizier when he quoted the Poets to him? Kicked him in the hindquarters Who is the Grand Vizier? Ahoshta Tarkaan, Aravis’ betrothed What does Rabadash “desire and purpose”? He wants the Tisroc’s armies to invade Narnia, kill all the royals, and take Susan for his wife. Why won’t the Tisroc attack Narnia? He thinks the kings and queens of Narnia are powerful magicians who freed Narnia from the White Witch. What is Rabadash’s idea for Calormen to attack Narnia and yet keep the Tisroc from blame if it fails? He’ll take 200 horses as if unknown to his father, cross the desert, take Archenland, then dart into Narnia because King Peter is off fighting giants, and get Susan. He’ll shed as little Narnian royal blood as possible. How does this help the Tisroc? If he fails, Tisroc claims ignorance. If he succeeds, Tisroc has Archenland. Will the Tisroc avenge Rabadash if he falls or is imprisoned? No What if Rabadash sheds more Narnian royal blood than necessary? His next brother will be Tisroc Is the Tisroc worried for Rabadash? No. He’s becoming troublesome and Tisroc would just as soon get rid of him. He has 18 more sons to succeed him. What does Tisroc say will happen to anyone who learns of their secret council? Death Why did they meet in the Old Palace? No one ever goes there. Do the girls get caught? No The Horse and His Boy—chapter 8 Unscramble each of the clue words. Copy the letters in the numbered cells to other cells with the same number. The Horse and His Boy—Chapters 9-10 Discussion Ch. 9: Why does Lasaraleen agree to take Aravis to the water-gate despite the scare from the Tisroc? Aravis threatens to scream What will happen if the girls are caught? Death Is Aravis scared at the Tombs? Of what? Yes; she’s afraid of the ghouls. What is the desert like at night? Cold Why can’t Shasta close his eyes against the sun’s glare? He must watch for Mt. Pire. Why can’t Shasta walk during the day? The hot sand burns his bare feet. How long does it take them to find the valley the Raven mentioned? Not until after the moon rose on the second night. More than 24 hours. What is perhaps the loveliest moment of Shasta’s life? Entering the pool and sticking his head into the cataract. Who says they mustn’t sleep? Do they? Hwin. Yes. When do they wake? Halfway through the morning. Who refuses to go? Why? Bree. He says he can’t possibly travel without a snack. What is the difference between freedom and slavery when it comes to what one is able to do? As a slave one is forced to do more than he/she thinks possible. As a freedman, one may be easier on oneself. Compare Hwin’s view and Bree’s view. See pages 136-137. Ch. 10: How do they know they’ve reached the North? The green of the Northern mountains. After they cross the Winding Arrow river, what land are they in? Archenland. When they look south from the mountains, what do they see? Rabadash’s army. Were the horses actually giving all their effort to reach Archenland? How do they find out? No. A lion scares them into going faster. What does Shasta do when Bree doesn’t stop to help Aravis and Hwin? Jumps from the saddle, runs back to the females, and yells at the lion to “go home.” What does the lion do? He goes. What has the lion done to Aravis? Scratched her back. Who let them in at the gate? The Hermit of the Southern March What does the hermit tell Shasta to do? Run straight ahead until he reaches King Lune. To what does the Hermit compare the scratches on Aravis’ back? 10 cuts of a whip. How old is the Hermit? 109 Does he believe in luck? No Why does Bree say he’ll never see Narnia? Because of his cowardliness in leaving the others to face the lion alone, he believes he’s only fit for slavery. How do Aravis and Bree feel about Shasta? Ashamed for looking down on him when he was the bravest of the lot. What does the Hermit tell Bree? He’s lost nothing but his self-conceit. The Horse and His Boy—chapters 9-10 Fill in the blanks. 1. Aravis threatened to ________________ if Lasaraleen did not take her to the water-gate. 2. Aravis and Lasaraleen would be ___________________ if they were caught. 3. Aravis was afraid of ________________________ at the Tombs. 4. The desert got ____________________ at night. 5. Shasta didn’t close his eyes because he had to keep _______________________ in sight. 6. When they reached the end of the desert, ________________ said they couldn’t go to sleep. 7. ____________________ refused to go on without a snack. 8. It was nearly _______________ o’clock by the time they set out again. 9. They knew they’d reached the North when they saw the ______________________ hills. 10. When they crossed the Winding Arrow, they were in ______________________________. 11. They saw _____________________________________________ when they looked south. 12. A _____________________ made the horses go faster than they thought they could go. 13. ________________________ went back to help Aravis and Hwin. 14. The lion ______________________ Aravis’ back. 15. ____________________________________________ let them in the gate. 16. The Hermit told Shasta to run until he found ___________________________________. 17. The Hermit was _____________________ years old. 18. The Hermit told Bree he’d lost his _____________________________________________. The Horse and His Boy—Chapters 11-12 Discussion Ch. 11: What is King Lune doing when Shasta finds him? Hunting Who does Lune think Shasta is? Corin Does the King believe Shasta about the attack? Yes What interests Lune about Shasta? His blood Why can’t Shasta keep up? He doesn’t know how to use the reins. Shasta gets lost in what? Fog/cloud Who comes up behind Shasta at the crossroads? Rabadash and his 200 horse How soon does Rabadash tell his men they must conquer Anvard? Within an hour. What does Rabadash tell his men regarding Narnian blood and Archenland blood? Narnian blood is precious, but they are to kill all males in Archenland and take the spoils for themselves. Which way does Shasta take? And Rabadash? Shasta goes right; Rabadash goes left. What stops Shasta’s pity party? Something large beside him on the dark path. What is it? A lion. What does the Lion say that he’s done? He’s been the one all along on Shasta’s journey. He even pushed the boat ashore so Arsheesh would find baby Shasta. Who does the lion say he is? Myself. Myself. Myself. Why does he say it three times? Who is he? Lewis is reminding his reader of the Trinity. Aslan is the Son of the Great Emperor Beyond the Sea. He represents Christ in Lewis’ made-up world. From where does the golden light come? The Lion Aslan How does Shasta respond? He falls at the Lion’s feet. What does Aslan do? Touches his tongue to Shasta’s forehead, then disappears. Ch. 12: How does Shasta know Aslan wasn’t a dream? A deep large paw print is in the ground. What fills the print? Water that becomes a stream. What does Shasta do? Drinks. Where is Shasta? Narnia Who speaks to Shasta? Hedgehog. Who of all the woodland creatures he meets has sense enough to act? Duffle the Red Dwarf Who takes the message to Cair Paravel? Stag Why does the Dwarf say he and his neighbors ought to be ashamed of themselves? Shasta is starving. What’s for breakfast? Porridge, eggs, bacon, mushrooms, toast, butter, coffee, milk What wakes him? Trumpets Who’s coming? Lord Peridan, Edmund, Lucy, Corin, and Narnian army. Does Edmund think Shasta is a traitor? No. Why does Corin knock down Thornbut? Thornbut won’t let him fight in the battle. What happens to Thornbut? Sprained ankle What does Corin convince Shasta to do? Wear the dwarf’s armor and join him in the battle The Horse and His Boy—chapters 11-12 Unscramble the tiles to reveal a message. The Horse and His Boy—Chapters 13-14 Discussion Ch. 13: What does Corin teach Shasta? How to use his reins. Why does Corin say Lucy is as good as a boy? She rides off to war. What does Shasta realize about his night-time trek through the mountains? Aslan stayed to his left so he’d be safe on the precipice. How does Shasta feel about the battle? Terrified. To whose perspective do we switch and why? Hermit’s because Shasta can’t see or understand the battle. How does the hermit see? His reflecting pool Can Aravis, Bree, and Hwin see? No, only cloudy shapes and colors. Why does Hermit call Rabadash a fool? For not making ladders. For not going home when the first attack failed. How are Corin and Shasta doing in battle? Corin is fighting well. Shasta falls. Who wins? The Northerners. Why is everyone laughing? Rabadash gets hung up by his chainmail on a hook on the castle wall. What did he say when he jumped? “The bolt of Tash falls from above.” Why won’t Lune let him down to challenge Edmund to fair combat? Because of his cowardly attack, he deserves no honorable treatment. Why does Rabadash cry? He can’t stand to be made ridiculous. Why does Darin say Lune shouldn’t chide Corin? It’s better for him to be brave than cowardly. What surprises Shasta? Lune hugs and kisses him. Ch. 14: What does Hwin want to do? Go on to Narnia. Why is Aravis reluctant to go? She’s not sure where she’ll go or what she’ll do in Narnia. Why is Bree reluctant to go? His tail hasn’t grown in properly. He’s vain. Why does Bree say he swears by the Lion and by the Lion’s mane when he fears lions? He means Aslan, but he doesn’t believe Aslan is really a lion. What is behind Bree as he explains away Aslan as a lion? Aslan the lion How does Hwin react to Aslan and he to her? She tells him he may eat her if he wants. He says, “I knew you’d not be long in coming to me.” What does he say to Bree? “Come. Touch. Smell. I am a true Beast.” What does Bree learn? He’s been rather a fool. What does Aslan tell Aravis? He’s the one who scratched her. One scratch for each cut of the whip the maid took. Who visits? Prince Cor/Shasta How did Shasta end up with Arsheesh? When Cor and Corin were born, a centaur prophesied that Cor would one day save Archenland. Bar (an embezzler in the pay of the Tisroc) kidnapped Cor. After a sea battle, a knight carried away Cor and died keeping him alive. From what danger did Cor save Archenland? Rabadash’s attack Where will Aravis live? Anvard Why don’t Aravis and Cor ride the horses? No one rides Talking Horses except in times of War. Why is Bree nervous? He doesn’t know what’s proper in Narnia and fears Talking Horses don’t roll. What does Hwin say? She’ll roll regardless. The Horse and His Boy—chapters 13-14 Across 1. Hermit calls him a fool 5. Why Bree doesn't want to go to Narnia 6. Country that loses the battle 8. What Hwin will do no matter what's proper Down 1. Corin teaches Shasta to use these 2. Aravis will live here 3. Wants to go to Narnia 4. Sees battle in pool 6. Visits Aravis at the Hermit's place 7. Hugs and kisses Shasta 9. What Aslan is The Horse and His Boy—Chapters 15 Discussion Is Lune welcoming? Yes, he’s hospitable. What story does Aravis tell Lune? Of Cor rushing the lion to help her and Hwin. How does Lune treat Hwin and Bree? With as much politeness as he does the humans. He treats them as equals. Who has seen to Aravis’ rooms? Queen Lucy What does Edmund mean when he says, “Even a traitor may mend. I have known one that did?” He’s talking about himself when he betrayed his family and Narnia to the White Witch in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Why does Lune object to killing Rabadash? He has no stomach for killing in cold blood. It would be different in battle. What do they decide to do with Rabadash? To give him another chance. How does Rabadash respond? Rudely. He won’t hear conditions. Who comes to deal with him? Aslan What doom befalls Rabadash? He turns into a dumb donkey. Will he always be a donkey? If he goes to the temple of Tash in Tashbaan at the Autumn Feast to become human again. If he ever goes more than 10 miles from the Temple, he’ll become a donkey again and never return to human. Does Lune mock Rabadash? He’s kind and compassionate. What happens to Rabadash? He obeys Aslan, stays in Tashbaan, becomes Tisroc, and is peaceable because he can’t leave. What is Rabadash called? Rabadash the Peacemaker to his face; Rabadash the Ridiculous behind his back. What do the others do? Party. Why won’t Corin be the next king? Cor is the heir by law. Is Corin upset? No, he’s thrilled. He can always be prince. What does it mean to be king, according to Lune? To be first in every desperate attack, last in retreat; in bad times, to look finer and laugh louder over a scantier meal than any man’s. What’s Corin’s nickname and why? Cor Thunder-Fist because he’s the best boxer in the land. Why do Aravis and Cor marry? To make it more convenient to quarrel and make up. Who’s their son? Ram the Great The Horse and His Boy Narnia Title ________________________________________________________________________ Author ______________________________________________________________________ Genre _______________________________________________________________________ Main characters _______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Setting _______________________________________________________________________ Basic plot _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ What I liked about the book ______________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ What I did not like about the book _________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Who should read this book _______________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________