The initial segment of C.S. Lewis’s allegorical novel introduces the setting and establishes the premise of the narrative. It provides an overview of a dismal, perpetually twilight city from which the protagonist embarks on a bus journey to a brighter, more substantial realm. This chapter primarily serves as an introduction to the contrasting realities explored throughout the book.
Understanding the opening chapter is crucial as it lays the foundation for grasping the central themes of the novel, such as the nature of good and evil, the choices individuals make, and the consequences of those choices on their spiritual journey. The contrast between the grey town and the possibility of something more offers readers a framework for interpreting the characters and their motivations.
