Yes, exactly! In the Rabadash/donkey scene, and in other scenes throughout the series, Aslan offers mercy and understanding even to people who have done wrong. Lewis very clearly believes - and shows - that all people have free will, and all people can become better than they are if they choose to. That is a kind and hopeful message, and it comes through even in The Last Battle by far my least favorite of the Narnia books. In comparison, Rowling is muddled at best, and often comes across as vindictive and mean-spirited.