In "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader," C.S. Lewis highlights the limitations of Eustace's knowledge. Despite his familiarity with various subjects, his understanding of dragons is severely lacking, demonstrating that academic knowledge does not always prepare one for real-life experiences. This contrast between expectation and reality plays a prominent role in the story.

As Eustace navigates his journey, his misconceptions about dragons lead to unexpected challenges. Lewis cleverly illustrates that not all learning is equal; some experiences, such as encountering dragons, cannot be fully grasped through books alone. This theme encourages readers to seek diverse experiences and to be open to new adventures beyond their conventional understanding.