Betrayal is the greatest possible wrong that can be committed in the world of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe...and we're saying that in a world where people are turned into statues, sacrificed on rocks, and drafted into the army at a very young age.
The consequences of treachery are not limited to the information recounted by a spy or the tactical advantage he gives. Instead, traitors themselves are forfeit to the other side, and they can only be redeemed by the sacrifices of others.
Questions About Betrayal
- What are Edmund's excuses for betraying his brother and sisters to the White Witch? Does he really believe these excuses in his own heart?
- Is Edmund surprised when the Witch double-crosses him? Support your answer with quotations from the book.
- Why isn't Mr. Beaver surprised by Edmund's betrayal? What signs does he notice that indicate Edmund might be treacherous?
- How might Edmund's experience as a traitor who is redeemed prepare him to become "King Edmund the Just" at the end of the book? Why is Edmund better suited to become a wise judge and councilor than Peter, who has never betrayed anyone?
Chew on This
Despite Edmund's treacherous alliance with the White Witch, he is always a good person at heart; he simply deludes himself briefly.
Edmund's own experience as a traitor teaches him to understand the mindset of people who violate ethical principles, making him better suited to dole out justice as an adult than his brother or sisters.