Valiance: Who is the Intended Audience for the Chronicles?

Our discussion of valiance had led me to think (again) about Lewis' decision to write a series of stories for children. In a previous post I implied that Lewis did this to convey basic religious truths, themes, and principles to children. I further suggested that a Jewish Narnia should follow this path. 

Maybe that's not correct. Perhaps Lewis' goal was not to write a book for children, but a book for adults about children. 

Lewis comments on this directly in his dedication of Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. Writing to his god-daughter Lucy Barfield, he notes that girls grow more quickly than books, and that, by the time the book is in print, she will be too old for fairy tales. Nevertheless, he predicts, "some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again. You can then take it down from some upper shelf, dust it, and tell me what you think of it." 

Why do adults read fairy tales? And, more to the point, why would they read fairy tales about pre-teen children?    

In an effort to become, or remain, valiant. 

Children naturally display the necessary traits we have used to define valiance: enthusiasm, idealism, curiosity, trust, belief in a better future. Everything that adults have beaten out of themselves due to "real-life" prudence and planning. Why would an adult turn to a fairy tale if not to rekindle some of that spirit? Why would an adult read children's literature if not to revive in themselves idealism and hope for a brighter future?

Prof. Ward has eminently demonstrated that the theological messages of the Chronicles are already found in the Space Trilogy. Still one thing appears to me to be lacking (though I admit I need to think about this more): valiance.

Ransom is a fine character who overcomes spiritual and physical challenges to learn the truth about the universe. He is able to teach others and eventually saves the country/world from terrible evil. Is Ransom valiant? He shows persistence, perhaps even idealism and some bravery. But would he ever be confused with Reepicheep?

Does Ransom inspire in readers a renewal of spirit or simply an education of faith?

I think the answer is the latter, and that's why the Chronicles are necessary.