The Horse and His Boy: Chapter 8 “In the House of the Tisroc”
C.S. Lewis Read-Along, Vol. 5, Issue 9
Prince Rabadash’s pride is offended, so he devises a plan to steal Susan and allow Calormen to invade Narnia. Because it is rooted in pride, however, the plan is doomed to fail. Pride is “the complete anti-God state of mind.”
It is commonly reported that the High King of Narnia (whom may the gods utterly reject) is supported by a demon of hideous aspect and irresistible maleficence who appears in the shape of a Lion. Therefore, the attacking of Narnia is a dark and doubtful enterprise, and I am determined not to put my hand out further than I can draw it back.
Chapter 8 “In the House of the Tisroc”
While this chapter is only one long conversation, Lewis, as a master storyteller, carries tension throughout. As readers, we know Aravis and Lasaraleen are hiding behind the couch. We also quickly realize the Narnians have escaped one danger but are potentially facing a new one.
As the discussion between the three men begins, the narrator makes clear that tension exists even between these three Calormene men—the Tisroc, Rabadash, the crown prince and Susan’s suitor, and Ahoshta Tarkaan, the Grand Vizier and Aravis’ betrothed.
Rabadash uses the proper phrasing when addressing his father, but it’s obvious that he doesn’t mean all of the over-the-top praise. The Tisroc makes note of this but allows his son to continue to rant.
The plan Tumnus devised when Shasta was with the Narnians has worked. They’ve all escaped. Now, Aravis is hearing the aftermath from the Calormene side.
Actually hearing from Rabadash, we can see why Lewis gave him that name. It has the connotations of rabid or menacingly wild, dash or quickly, and rash or reckless. His name could also allude to ragabash, a British term for a worthless or idle person.
Demonstrating his spoiled nature, Rabadash throws a tantrum, demanding that he have Susan one minute and insulting her the next. The Grand Vizier tries to contribute to the conversation between father and son, but Rabadash continues to kick him. When the Tisroc tries to calm him, he just cries out, “But I want her. I must have her.”
In The Four Loves, Lewis writes about how some men want a woman.
