The structure of The Silver Chair resembles that of The Voyage of the "Dawn Treader" in that the narrative involves the main characters traveling from place to place, having an adventure in each place, much as the voyagers in The Voyage of the "Dawn Treader" sail from island to island. Also like The Voyage of the "Dawn Treader," the narrative of The Silver Chair is a spiritual journey. It is Jill's spiritual journey, as she learns to find her courage, to care for others, and to understand that there are high moral values for her to aspire to.

When Jill drinks from Asian's stream, she begins her spiritual growth. The process of her growth is complex, with setbacks, and it is unified by the idea of signs. "But, first, remember, remember, remember the signs," Asian tells Jill. In this, Lewis is probably drawing on two passages...