The Problem of Susan

I have written about the Problem of Susan in Narnia many times here, and James has written on his own site and commented here as well. But as I head off to Pub Night tonight, I realise that I have linked to one of the member's websites websites a couple of years ago, but have never put up his take on "The Problem of Susan." He had sent it again in another context last week, and I went back and recognised it immediately as I read.  He has some drily humorous phrases in which I can hear his real-life voice. 

Part of his motive may simply have been to make up the right number for "the Seven Friends of Narnia." He had the four Pevensie children from Lion, Witch, and Wardrobe, he had Jill and Eustace from Dawn Treader and Silver Chair, and he had Digory and Polly from Magician's Nephew. Eight. Someone is superfluous to requirements. Lucy, Peter, and Polly never put a foot wrong, or only momentarily; Edmund, Digory, Eustace, and Jill are repentant sinners who have graduated to hero; that leaves Susan. (Bolding mine.) 

This is classic Earl Wajenberg speech. It's also a good essay, because he notices things. Enjoy.