How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Page)
Quote #1
[Jill] didn't mind in the least standing on the edge of a precipice. She was rather annoyed with Scrubb for pulling her back—"just as if I was a kid," she said—and she wrenched her hand out of his. When she saw how very white he had turned, she despised him. (1.15)
Jill is still having miserable, selfish thoughts because she's just left Experiment House. She's not yet willing to admit what a horrible person she's being, but the appearance of Aslan will put an end to her unjust thoughts—no one can stand in his presence and justify wicked behavior.
Quote #2
And she was tall and great, shining, and wrapped in a thin garment as green as poison. And the Prince stared at her like a man out of his wits. But suddenly the lady was gone, Drinian knew not where; and they two returned to Cair Paravel. It stuck in Drinian's mind that this shining green woman was evil. (4.60)
One of Lewis' strong points as a children's writer is that he doesn't mind telling his readers how it is. Though the lady in green is beautiful, there is also no doubt that she's up to no good. Drinian's impression of the place and Rilian's odd behavior help him get an accurate reading on the nature of the lady.
Quote #3
"This road leads to the burgh and castle of Harfang, where dwell the gentle giants. They are as mild, civil, prudent, and courteous as those of Ettinsmoor are foolish, fierce, savage, and given to all beastliness." (6.89)
Though Puddleglum suspects it, the children don't yet understand that this beautiful, delightful creature really has wickedness in her soul and intends nothing but evil for them. However, their hardships on Ettinsmoor have made them susceptible to her charms and exposed them to danger when they expected help.
Quote #4
The Queen was dreadfully fat and had a double chin and a fat, powdered face—which isn't a very nice thing at the best of times, and of course looks much worse when it is ten times too big. The King put out his tongue and licked his lips. Anyone might do that: but his tongue was so very large and red, and came out so unexpectedly, that it gave Jill quite a shock. (8.110)
Although appearances couldn't have helped the children discern the real nature of the Lady, it certainly is serving Jill well here. She doesn't like the look of the giant queen and the behavior of the king is somewhat creepy and disconcerting. Jill and Eustace still don't get it, but it does put them on their guard.
Quote #5
And then it was not a toy lion, but a real lion, The Real Lion, just as she had seen him on the mountain beyond the world's end. And a smell of all sweet-smelling things there are filled the room. But there was some trouble in Jill's mind, though she could not think what it was... The Lion told her to repeat the signs, and she found that she had forgotten them all. At that, a great horror came over her. (8.117)
It's clear that although Aslan is big and potentially dangerous, he is goodness itself. If you're in doubt about this, take a look at this description. Usually when you get a character who is accompanied by sweet or good smells, they are considered saintly. But notice how Jill becomes troubled by his appearance. This isn't because Aslan is bad; it's because Jill hasn't done as she promised, so now she has to face up to her poor judgment and try to make things right, which makes her uncomfortable.
Quote #6
"Didn't you hear what those giants were saying? 'That's a nice tender haunch of venison,' said one of them. 'Then that stag was a liar,' said another. 'Why?' said the first one. 'Oh,' said the other. 'They say that when he was caught he said, Don't kill me, I'm tough. You won't like me.'" (9.128)
If Puddleglum and the children were in any doubt about the nature of the giants of Harfang, this overheard conversation puts an end to it. It's an extreme taboo in Narnia to slay and eat a talking animal (equivalent to murder and cannibalism) and Puddleglum has to break it to the children that they've transgressed in partaking of the meal.
Quote #7
"But of this you may be assured, that whatever she said to you, she said of a good intent. You do not know her. She is a nosegay of all virtues, as truth, mercy, constancy, gentleness, courage, and the rest." (10.152)
Once again, the witch Queen has duped another victim into believing she is good. This time, it's Rilian and he's trying to convince the children and Puddleglum that they've got it all wrong about her. However, their experience at Harfang has taught them that despite her beauty, the lady is quite evil.
Quote #8
"Is it not the most comical and ridiculous thing in the world to think of them all going about their business and never dreaming that under their peaceful fields and floors, only a fathom down, there is a great army ready to break out upon them like a fountain! […] Why, they themselves, when once the first smart of their defeat is over, can hardly choose but laugh at the thought!" (11.158)
We might be able to excuse Rilian for his light treatment of regicide (king-slaying) and tyranny, since he is technically not in his right mind, but Jill can't help loathing him for wanting to destroy a whole civilization to please his lady. The question remains: If an enchanted Rilian did kill his father and take the throne, would he have been evil for doing so? Or is the witch the only one to blame? Over to you, Shmoopers.
Quote #9
"I am sure that Queen is a witch and an enemy. And those Earthmen would knock us on the head as soon as look at us. There's a stronger smell of danger and lies and magic and treason about this land than I've ever smelled before." (11.161)
Puddleglum is about the only one who has kept his good-and-evil sensors aligned throughout the journey, and right now, the alarms are going off. The crew has to decide what to do about watching Rilian in the silver chair. Puddleglum understands that they should hang around to see if they can gather any more information that will help them discern who is really good and bad in this scenario.
Quote #10
For the last few minutes Jill had been feeling that there was something she must remember at all costs. And now she did. But it was dreadfully hard to say it. She felt as if huge weights were laid on her lips. At last, with an effort that seemed to take all the good out of her, she said: "There's Aslan." (12.179)
Despite the strong enchantments of the witch Queen, Jill is able to bring Aslan's name to mind to the bitter end. Perhaps it's because he is the Ultimate Good in Narnia or because he's still calling to her in this moment of need. Either way, this last thread of good inspires Puddleglum to fight back and help conquer the Queen.
Quote #11
"That Witch has laid a train of magic spells so that whenever she was killed, at that same moment her whole kingdom would fall to pieces. She's the sort that wouldn't so much mind dying herself if she knew that the chap who killed her was going to be burned, or buried, or drowned five minutes later." (13.189)
If you wanted ultimate proof that the Queen of Underland personifies evil, here you have it. She has made sure that her world will collapse so that all of her minions and potential conquerors won't be able to enjoy their freedom for very long. Nice.