Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. What do you know about knights in medieval Europe? What did knighthood have to do with the idea of chivalry?

Teaching Suggestion: While the reality of knighthood was more complex, students’ likely preconceptions of it may actually aid their understanding of Prince Caspian, which draws heavily on knighthood as an ideal. One facet of chivalry students may be less familiar with is piety, which for the purposes of this novel you may wish to explore: Considering religious belief in the context of other knightly virtues (bravery, honor, etc.) can lay the groundwork for the novel’s consideration of The Triumph of Faith and Courage.

• “Medieval Chivalry” discusses the development, purpose, and “rules” of chivalry (also available in audio format).
• The Worcester Art Museum has online images of their large “armory” collection, including weapons and armor from medieval Europe.

2. What examples of the fantasy genre are you familiar with? What do you think makes a story a fantasy?

Teaching Suggestion: Since many of the elements most traditionally associated with contemporary fantasy can be found in the Narnia series, you can use this prompt to get students thinking about Lewis’s role in shaping the genre.