The Chronicles of Narnia, #1
The Magician's Nephew
by C. S. Lewis
Contents
SIX: THE BEGINNING OF UNCLE ANDREW’S TROUBLES
Overview
Jadis clings to the children and is carried into London, where her power and menace grow. She overawes Uncle Andrew, enslaving him to procure transport, wealth, and servants for her planned conquest. Digory and Polly quarrel then reconcile, while Aunt Letty refuses Andrew money just before Jadis strides into the drawing-room.
Summary
Polly and Digory surface in the Wood between the Worlds with Jadis clutching Polly’s hair, revealing the rings pull along anyone in contact. In the Wood, Jadis weakens and the children force her to let go, but when they jump for home, Jadis seizes Digory’s ear and is carried with them.
They arrive in Uncle Andrew’s study, where Jadis, now terrifyingly strong and beautiful, dominates the room. She identifies Uncle Andrew as a petty magician and commands him to obtain conveyance, fine clothes, jewels, and slaves, threatening magical punishments if he disobeys. Cowed, Uncle Andrew hurries out.
Ignoring the children, Jadis impatiently follows after Uncle Andrew. Polly and Digory argue over blame, then reconcile when Digory admits fault and explains his fear for his ill mother. Polly promises to return if she can, and departs through the attic tunnel.
Meanwhile, Uncle Andrew steadies his nerves with drink, dresses in his best clothes, and flatters himself, fantasizing about Jadis’s admiration. He sends the housemaid to fetch a hansom, then asks Aunt Letty for money. She firmly refuses, recalling his mismanagement and debts. At that moment, the door bursts open and the splendid, imposing Jadis appears in the drawing-room.
Who Appears
- Queen JadisWeakened in the Wood but terrifying in London; subjugates Uncle Andrew and demands transport, riches, and slaves to begin conquest.
- Uncle Andrew (Mr. Ketterley)Cowed by Jadis and forced into servitude; then grows vain, dresses up, and begs Aunt Letty for money.
- Digory KirkeFeels momentary pity for Jadis; argues with Polly, apologizes, and worries Jadis might frighten his ill mother.
- Polly PlummerPushes to escape Jadis, criticizes Digory’s choices, secures apology, and departs through the tunnel promising to return.
- Aunt Letty (Letitia Ketterley)Firmly refuses Andrew money, exposing his past mismanagement, moments before Jadis enters the drawing-room.