The Problem of Susan
| Fanfiction | |
|---|---|
| Title: | The Problem of Susan |
| Author(s): | Neil Gaiman |
| Date(s): | 2004 |
| Length: | 3029 words |
| Genre: | |
| Fandom: | The Chronicles of Narnia |
| External Links: | |
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Fantasy author Neil Gaiman's 2004 short story The Problem of Susan depicts its protagonist, Professor Hastings (who strongly resembles an adult version of Susan Pevensie), dealing with the grief and trauma of her entire family's death in a train crash, as she is interviewed by a college literature student regarding her opinion on Susan's place in the Narnia books by C.S. Lewis.
Since the publication of Gaiman's story, The Problem of Susan has become used more widely as a catchphrase for the literary and feminist investigation into Susan's treatment.
Context
In 'The Last Battle', the final book in the Chronicles of Narnia series, Susan Pevensie is the only one of the primary characters of the series to not die in our world and move on to Aslan's Country. She is described as having forgotten the world of Narnia, and given it up for caring about looks and social functions.
Synopsis
Reception
Impact
The term The Problem of Susan has become a general term for all analysis of Susan and her treatment. Meta written on the subject such as The Problem of Susan by RJ Anderson refer to it by the name.