In defense of Edmund (and Peter)

Contrary to my usual practice, I have no specific thesis I'm defending. I merely wish to make remarks on Edmund's behalf to the end that those who have seen him in a more negative light than myself might see him in a better light. So no specific thesis, but a specific purpose. Forthwith:

Edmund's first words: "'Oh, come off it!' said Edmund, who was tired and pretending not to be tired, which always made him bad-tempered. 'Don't go on talking like that.'"
So this is not a flattering opening, but Lewis provides a partially exculpating reason for the remark.

Edmund's second words: "'Trying to talk like Mother,' said Edmund. 'And why are you to say when I'm to go to bed? Go to bed yourself.'"

Again, not Mister Sweetypie, but, let's face it, his sister was being bossy with "It's time you were in bed." Any one who's observed oder sisters knows they do often have an annoying proclivity toward acting as maternal second in command. I think Ed's remark was testy but fair.
After the quibble about going to bed, Peter doesn't try to boss anyone, he simply states "I shall go to bed now." He gets the kids excited about exploring for birds the next day, and Edmund joins in the excitement with everyone else.

Edmunds third remark: "'Of course it would be raining!' said Edmund.

Given that he had ended the previous night in mutual excitement about exploring the woods, I think I'd be disappointed as well. Now Lewis probably did not assign this remark to Ed at random, but the point only need be that Ed is especially sensitive, not that he is a bad person.
Note also that it's Susan who rebukes him "Do stop grumbling, Ed." And also that once again Peter is above the fray, simply stating his own intentions: "I'm going to explore in the house." Lewis continues: "Everyone agreed to this and that was how the adventures began." So the pattern of the previous day is complete: 1. Conflict between Susan and Edmund, 2. Peter's personal leadership, 3. Mutual agreement. I do wish the movie had portrayed Peter better.

Edmund's fourth remarks: [Lucy comes back and reports having been gone for hours.] "'Batty!' said Edmund, tapping his head. 'Quite batty."

Given that "The others all stared at one another" Ed seems to be voicing what others may be thinking anyway. And not that Susan chimes in "Don't be silly, Lucy" [mother hen again]. I wish to note here that again Peter is the noble one; "'She's not being silly at all,' said Peter, 'she's just making up a story for fun, aren't you, Lu? And why shouldn't she?'" I've only seen the movie once so far, so maybe I missed it, but I didn't think they portrayed this. I'm really beginning to think that Peter was not given his due.

Edmund's fifth remarks are not recorded in their particulars, but we are told that "Edmund could be spiteful, and on this occasion he was spiteful." Point against Edmund.

However, when he does enter Narnia, it isn't long before he feels bad about teasing her about what he now knows was a true story, and seeks to make amends.
Also, note that when he's asked by the White Witch--under the guise of the Queen of Narnia--1. he is under the spell of *enchanted* Turkish Delight; 2. he does not straightforwardly agree to bring his siblings to see her; 3. not only does she not say anything about harming them, she pledges to make them Lords and Ladies; 4. she explicitly says that fauns are not to be trusted, because they spread wicked lies about her. It is not as if she says "Hey, let's sock it to your stupid siblings" and he says "Yeah, let's get 'em!" The real story is entirely different.
He naturally doesn't want to believe the faun's side of the story--is there really any particularly good reason for him to do so?--and this seems to be the main explanation of his not wanting to tell the others about the events of the day: "he felt sure the others would all be on the side of the Fauns and animals". The chief fault of Edmund's seems to be that he does not like to admit that he's wrong. This is mentioned just before he finds Lucy and then in the closing of Chapter 4: "He would have to admit that Lucy had been right, before all the others." That is a serious fault which can drag a person down, but, I more than suspect, it is one which we all share. The worst I can say about Edmund is that this common bad habit was somewhat more thoroughly entrenched than in many.

The main reason I did this study was simply out of curiosity: I had a different impression than a learned and pious friend. In such cases I do not automatically trust my instincts. Also, I think there's potentially an important theological point at stake, one illustrated very well in Lewis's _Great Divorce_: the choices that lead one down the road to perdition are very subtle. To the extent that Edmund becomes a caricature, I think this truth is obscured. I'm just glad it wasn't *me* upon whom the White Witch first came! (What if it was Peter or Susan or you: would we fare much better?)