The Horse and His Boy: Chapter 9 “Across the Desert”
C.S. Lewis Read-Along, Vol. 5, Issue 10
This chapter takes us from the innermost parts of Tashbaan all the way to the edges of Archenland and the North. This change of scenery follows the change of heart in Aravis more than anyone else in the group. She’s becoming more Narnian by the minute.
“It was Aravis who woke first. The sun was already high in the heavens and the cool morning hours were already wasted. “It’s my fault,” she said to herself furiously as she jumped up and began rousing the others. “One wouldn’t expect Horses to keep awake after a day’s work like that, even if they can talk. And of course that Boy wouldn’t; he’s had no decent training. But I ought to have known better.”
Chapter 9 “Across the Desert”
Terrified and shaken, Aravis and Lasaraleen pull themselves out from behind the couch. Their experience in hearing the Tisroc talk with Rabadash and Ahoshta has highlighted their two different perspectives.
Lasaraleen wants to call off their plans and go back home. Aravis is even more determined than ever to leave and to do so quickly. She even threatens to scream and have them both killed if Lasaraleen will not lead her out of the palace.
Lasaraleen says Aravis is “unsympathetic” and “unkind.” In a way, Lasaraleen’s right. Aravis does eventually apologize, but she also knows this is not the time for weaknesses and indecision.1 With Lasaraleen forced to go along with the plan, they quickly make their way to the boat landing.
In their last exchange, Lasaraleen and Aravis demonstrate their different viewpoints. They’ve witnessed the same scene and heard the same words, but Lasaraleen comes away calling Ahoshta “a very great man.” Instead, Aravis sees him as a “hideous groveling slave.”
Lasaraleen is a good friend and a decent person, but she has made her choice. Jesus said, “No man can serve two masters.”2 Lasaraleen has chosen to serve a life of comfort with beautiful dresses and fancy homes.
On the other hand, Aravis’ changing outlook allows her to see through all the external glories of the Calormene royalty. “Close the door softly behind me,” she tells Lasaraleen. She’s leaving it behind. As she gets out on the river and hears an owl, she thinks, “Ah! That’s better!” Aravis is almost ready to be a Narnian.
