How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Page)
Quote #1
"Well, I was with [Caspian] on that journey: with him and Reepicheep the Mouse, and the Lord Drinian and all of them […] and what I want to say is this, that I'm the King's man; and if this parliament of owls is any sort of plot against the King, I'm having nothing to do with it." (4.53)
We feel this is a good time to remind you that Eustace is only about ten years old. Still, he understands the importance of loyalty and the consequences of betraying a good friend to an enemy. Though Glimfeather and the Parliament of Owls support King Caspian, Eustace's forthright behavior in declaring his loyalties shows that he wants to live up to high ethical standards.
Quote #2
"That's the spirit, Scrubb. That's the way to talk. Put a good face on it. But we all need to be very careful about our tempers, seeing all the hard times we shall have to go through together. Won't do to quarrel, you know." (5.75)
If Puddleglum had a motto, it would be "Put a bold face on it." He's the type of creature who likes to anticipate the worst and prepare for it, but not because he's morbid. Puddleglum wants to be a certain kind of Marsh-wiggle: prepared, constant, brave, and steadfast. Always embracing the worst-case scenario means that when the worst happens, Puddleglum doesn't budge from his high standards of behavior.
Quote #3
Puddleglum's question annoyed her because, deep down inside her, she was already annoyed with herself for not knowing the Lion's lesson quite so well as she felt she ought to have known it. This annoyance, added to the misery of being very cold and tired, made her say, "Bother the signs." She didn't perhaps quite mean it. (7.101)
Unlike Puddleglum, who spends his life preparing for the worst, Jill and Eustace are not used to real hardship. When they find themselves struggling to survive on Ettinsmoor, they realize that they aren't really as tough as they thought, and neither are they as fond of adventures. So it is that Jill behaves in a less-than-honorable way toward Puddleglum and finds herself less dedicated to Aslan's instructions than she's supposed to be. And she knows she's done badly on both counts.
Quote #4
Jill, who was new to that world, was sorry for the poor stag and thought it rotten of the giants to have killed him. Scrubb, who had been in that world before and had at least one talking beast as his dear friend, felt horrified; as you might feel about a murder. But Puddleglum, who was Narnian born, was sick and faint, and felt as you would feel if you found you had eaten a baby. (9.128)
Taboos can often be relative; for instance, if you are an American, you probably love peanut butter. However, if you moved to Italy and asked your Italian friend to make you a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, they would be horrified and think you are super gross.
Okay, that's a lighter version of what is going on at this luncheon in Harfang, but it illustrates a similar point: Jill doesn't quite understand the rules about consuming animals in Narnia, but she can see that a custom has been transgressed. Puddleglum, however, knows the rules and how to behave and feels the full responsibility of his actions.
Quote #5
"There's one thing you've got to remember. We're back on the right lines. We were to go under the Ruined City, and we are under it. We're following instructions again." (10.148)
Following instructions seems like an unexciting thing to do, but in Narnia, it's a sign that your faith is strong. Puddleglum understands that in order to be a true Narnian—in order to be part of Aslan's team—you've got to follow his commands, even if they seem to go against common sense and the need for personal safety. Jill is freaked out by the Earthmen and feels pretty certain that she's in a bad situation, but Puddleglum reassures her that they're doing the right thing.
Quote #6
"There are no accidents. Our guide is Aslan; and he was there when the giant King caused the letters to be cut, and he knew already all things that would come of them; including this." (10.154)
Puddleglum seems to be the only one carrying a moral compass on this trip—he constantly has to remind everyone about their mission, Aslan's instructions, and how things work if you are an ethical person. Here, Rilian tries to dash the crew's hopes about the words written on the surface of the giant city—but Puddleglum is sticking to the truth of Aslan's signs.
Quote #7
What had been the use of promising one another that they would not on any account set the Knight free, if they were now to do so the first time he happened to call upon a name they really cared about? (11.166)
The three adventurers find themselves in a huge moral dilemma when Prince Rilian asks them to free him from the chair in the name of Aslan. On the one hand, they promised one another not to release the Prince during his fit, but on the other, Rilian's request is one of the signs Aslan asked them to follow. What to do? In the end, Puddleglum makes them see that some promises are more important than others.
Quote #8
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)
The Queen of Underland is in the process of enchanting Jill and her companions, making them believe that Narnia and the upper world is nothing but fantasy. Jill makes a last stand by relying on the strongest belief she has in her: the existence of Aslan.
Quote #9
"I'm on Aslan's side even if there isn't any Aslan to lead it. I'm going to live as like a Narnian even if there isn't any Narnia." (12.182)
Puddleglum isn't really buying into the Queen's blather about the non-existence of Aslan and Narnia. In true Puddleglum form, he concedes that things are bleak, but fights the Queen by insisting on living for his "fantasy world," which he says is far better than the Queen's dismal kingdom.
Quote #10
"Truly, friend Golg, I have half a mind to come down with you. For this is a marvelous adventure, and it may be no mortal man has ever looked into Bism before or will ever have the chance again." (14.205)
Rilian has a hard decision to make: detour to Bism and have a fabulous adventure, or return to Narnia and see his father before the old king dies. It may seem like a no-brainer, but Rilian is a man of principle, who comes from a line of explorers and has some big shoes to fill in that department. Fortunately, Jill is able to convince him that he has greater priorities at the moment and they return to the upper world.