The Instability of Faith: A Deconstructive Reading of Lucy Pevensie in The Chronicles of Narnia

Abstract

Lucy Pevensie is commonly portrayed as a symbol of innocence, faith, and unwavering belief throughout The Chronicles of Narnia. Previous studies have largely emphasised her positive moral qualities and spiritual steadfastness, often treating her faith as stable and coherent. But a closer examination revealed tensions, contradictions, and moments of uncertainty that complicate such interpretations. This study aimed to examine the instability of faith in Lucy Pevensie’s character through a deconstructive reading of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian, and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. This study applied a qualitative literary research design using textual analysis. Drawing on Jacques Derrida’s deconstructive theory, the analysis focused on binary oppositions such as faith and doubt, certainty and uncertainty, as well as obedience and hesitation. Relevant passages, dialogues, and narrative events related to Lucy’s beliefs, emotional conflicts, and spiritual experiences were selected and examined to identify contradictions and shifting meanings within her characterization. The findings showed that although Lucy is predominantly constructed as a figure of faith, her belief is neither fixed nor entirely stable. Throughout the trilogy, her faith was repeatedly challenged by doubt, social pressure, emotional vulnerability, and moments of hesitation. These tensions demonstrated that faith in Lucy’s characterisation was continuously negotiated rather than permanently secured. Moreover, the study showed that faith and doubt are not mutually exclusive opposites but interdependent elements that shape the complexity of her character. This study concluded that Lucy’s faith should be understood as a dynamic, unstable construct rather than an absolute and unchanging quality. Through deconstruction, the dominant interpretation of Lucy as an unwaveringly faithful character was reconsidered, revealing the complexity and multiplicity of meanings embedded within her characterisation.