The Silver Chair Courage Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Page)

Quote #1

"I don't know that anyone can exactly help. It stands to reason we're not likely to get very far on a journey to the North, not at this time of year, with the winter coming on soon and all. And an early winter too, by the look of things. But you mustn't let that make you down-hearted." (5.71)

Although Lewis wants us to see that Puddleglum is humorously pessimistic, there's another side to this description: Puddleglum really feels that the journey before them is doomed, yet he still thinks they should go. His bravery in the face of impossible odds becomes extremely important as they face their biggest challenges in Underland.

Quote #2

It was a horrible time. There seemed no end of the line of giants, and they never ceased hurling stones, some of which fell extremely close. Quite apart from the real danger, the very sight and sound of their faces and voices were enough to scare anyone.

Jill tried not to look at them. (6.81-82)

Sometimes it's quite hard to visualize the challenges that characters face in a book. But if you apply just a little imagination, it's easy to see how strong-minded Jill has to be to make it through this minefield. (Keep in mind, too, that she is only about ten years old at the time of these adventures.)

Quote #3

"Keep on. Move toward them," said Puddleglum. "Anyone you meet in a place like this is as likely as not to be an enemy, but we mustn't let them think we're afraid." (6.87)

Puddleglum gives the children some classic advice about how to behave when meeting hostile strangers. This is not the last time that Puddleglum will tell the children to "put a bold face on it" in the midst of danger.