Post by Stormrider on Jan 25, 2009 10:54:50 GMT -6
From: Algamesh_of_Arnor (Original Message) Sent: 3/9/2003 11:58 PM
We close out Book IV, Chapter Seven on a positive note as we look through Frodo's eyes at some symbolism strategically placed by Tolkien. As the trio nears the crossroads, Frodo notices a ruined statue and we as the reader are suddenly immersed into the mind of Frodo as we see and sense along with him.
My exact note in the sidebar here is, "significant? symbolism or third person symbolism - Frodo and reader same perspective?" I wrote this note so long ago that I now find myself a bit confused by my intent. I apologize if this doesn't "flesh out" well!
Anyway ... I felt that Tolkien thought it was important to rise above the doom and gloom again at this point in the story. Do you, as a reader, believe that Tolkien has good timing with such techniques? This is a direct reference to Aragorn and a foretelling of the beginning of the fourth age. Do you believe that Frodo may have thought about Aragorn here? And finally ... after all the excitement, Tolkien ends the chapter with - The Sun dipped and vanished, and as if at the shuttering of a lamp, black night fell. WOW! Talk about heading off any positive momentum! Why does our beloved author do this? Is it important to rein us into reality and the gravity of the situation here or could we have enjoyed the optimism without harm?
Your Thoughts?
* * *
From: Ruscosenda Sent: 3/11/2003 3:05 PM
I like the way Tolkien handles this. I believe he wanted us to feel the despair and hopelessness of the characters situation; however, he also understood that we needed a glimpse of hope every once in a while to keep the mood from getting too dark. He doesn't leave us in this hopeful state too long, lest we forget their despair; just long enough to take another breath before plunging back into the darkness.
-- Ruscosenda
We close out Book IV, Chapter Seven on a positive note as we look through Frodo's eyes at some symbolism strategically placed by Tolkien. As the trio nears the crossroads, Frodo notices a ruined statue and we as the reader are suddenly immersed into the mind of Frodo as we see and sense along with him.
My exact note in the sidebar here is, "significant? symbolism or third person symbolism - Frodo and reader same perspective?" I wrote this note so long ago that I now find myself a bit confused by my intent. I apologize if this doesn't "flesh out" well!
Anyway ... I felt that Tolkien thought it was important to rise above the doom and gloom again at this point in the story. Do you, as a reader, believe that Tolkien has good timing with such techniques? This is a direct reference to Aragorn and a foretelling of the beginning of the fourth age. Do you believe that Frodo may have thought about Aragorn here? And finally ... after all the excitement, Tolkien ends the chapter with - The Sun dipped and vanished, and as if at the shuttering of a lamp, black night fell. WOW! Talk about heading off any positive momentum! Why does our beloved author do this? Is it important to rein us into reality and the gravity of the situation here or could we have enjoyed the optimism without harm?
Your Thoughts?
* * *
From: Ruscosenda Sent: 3/11/2003 3:05 PM
I like the way Tolkien handles this. I believe he wanted us to feel the despair and hopelessness of the characters situation; however, he also understood that we needed a glimpse of hope every once in a while to keep the mood from getting too dark. He doesn't leave us in this hopeful state too long, lest we forget their despair; just long enough to take another breath before plunging back into the darkness.
-- Ruscosenda