You're probably right re: Lewis's intentions. Your arguments are excellent, and you've certainly convinced me of the layers of meaning -- and I'm one of those people who was really arguing the opposite side, for a long time.

I still don't like it. Sadly, the more insight I get into the Narnia books, the less interest I have in rereading them. I'm rather sorry my parents didn't know what the books were about, when they gave them to me as a child, because it's been hard having my perceptions changed. I wish I still thought they were just pure fantasy (while, of course, being jealous of people for whom the real interpretation makes them better).

Can we at least agree the recent reordering of the book is bizarre? *g*