Yes, it is Aravis. A. Ra. Vis. Let’s move on, shall we?
I doubt anyone would notice the Christian themes unless they were heavily schooled for or against Christian theology. None of the biblical twaddle is there. The same themes and struggles in the books can be found in many other adventure/fantasy literature.
I think the ape/monkey thing was only a device to show the stupidity of man, by implying that those who use deception for the goals of power and greed lessen themselves to sub-human status.
Besides, is the bible really 100% wrong? Love thy neighbor and all that? I’m atheist but I wouldn’t be silly enough to say that the golden rule is wrong because it’s found in the christian bible.
I remember the first time I read Last Battle, how horrifed I was as I got near the end. I won’t spoil it, but I was very sad that everything was ending (despite the ulitmately happy ending for the heroes).
Horse and His Boy, when I was younger, was probably my least favorite (perhaps because none of it actually takes place in Narnia, but in Calormen and Archenland). OTOH, the same is true of Dawn Treader, my favorite. In any case, HHB really grew on me over the years. I like the theme that you can never question, and often never find out, what Aslan is doing in the life of another person. That’s not your story. Your story is what Aslan is doing with you.