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'Yes,' said Peter, 'I suppose what makes it feel so queer is that in the stories it's always someone in our world who does the calling. One doesn't really think about where the Jinn's coming from.' 'And now we know what it feels like for the Jinn,' said Edmund with a chuckle. 'Golly! It's a bit uncomfortable to know that we can be whistled for like that. It's worse than what Father says about living at the mercy of the telephone.'

C. S. Lewis#125

FearComfortPowerControlAgencyDependencySupernatural

About this quote

What does it mean?
Lewis illustrates the discomfort of realizing we might be summoned by unseen forces, comparing it to being on call by a phone.
In plain terms
Realizing you can be called by others is uncomfortable.
What can you take from it?
Accepting external control over your time feels intrusive.

Where it applies

  • fantasy setting
  • daily life
  • unexpected events

Putting it to work

  • consider external calls on time
  • reflect on agency

Questions to consider

  • Do you feel controlled by others?
  • How do you handle unexpected calls?

Another view

The metaphor relies on a fictional context that may not translate.

More from C. S. Lewis

  1. But I thought you didn't believe in the Horn, Trumpkin, said Caspian. No more I do, your Majesty. But what does that got to do with it? I might as well die on …

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  2. 'You have listened to fears, Child,' said Aslan. 'Come, let me breathe on you. Forget them. Are you brave again?'

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  3. 'If your Majesty is ever to use the Horn,' said Trufflehunter, 'I think the time has now come.' Caspian had of course told them of his treasure several days ag…

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