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Post by Sparrow on Jul 5, 2004 13:37:25 GMT -6
The narrator of The Hobbit interjects comments into the story using first person ("I") and second person direct address ("you"). Note, for example, the fourth paragraph: "I suppose hobbits need some description" and further down: "If you had heard only a quarter of what I have heard about [Gandalf]". What impact does this voice have on the story? Do you think it gives the book a juvenile air? Or does it draw you into the story? Discuss.
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Post by Hilary on Jul 5, 2004 16:19:47 GMT -6
Paul Edmund Thomas, in his essay Some of Tolkien's Narrators , has this to say regarding The Hobbit:
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Post by Hilary on Jul 5, 2004 16:21:09 GMT -6
Thomas essay, pt II:
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Post by Hilary on Jul 5, 2004 16:23:47 GMT -6
Thomas essay, pt. III:
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Post by Hilary on Jul 5, 2004 16:32:01 GMT -6
Thomas essay, pt. IV:
This is only a portion of Thomas' essay; it is featured in its entirely in Tolkien's Legendarium: Essays on the History of Middle-earth, edited by Verlyn Flieger and Carl F. Hostetter; Greenwood Press, 2000.
Sorry that this was so long, but it seemed a good treatment of the topic at hand.
Personally, I found the narrative voice to be inclusive, rather than off-putting. I first read The Hobbit when I was 9, so I found it quite readable. I read LotR a few years later, and although I've reread that many times, it was quite a while before I revisited The Hobbit. Although it was intended as a children's book, I still found that I enjoy the tale as much as I did when I was 9, especially in light of knowing more of the story.
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Post by Fangorn on Jul 5, 2004 20:10:41 GMT -6
If I understand correctly, one of the major criticisms of Tolkiens works, has been his adherence to form, albeit person, narrative, or plot technique. Being more a poet myself than adept at prose, I often use an eccletic span of poetry techniques, even within one poem.
I think if you are paying that much attention to form and narrative, then the words themselves are not speaking powerfully enough to you. I think where Tolkien succeeds famously, is that no matter what his narrative device, it takes back seat to the world and the words he is drawing the reader into.
Could his work been written better by an editor well versed in form? I doubt it. For to me, the passion comes out when the words are your own, in your own voice. Perhaps not perfectly formed, and at times even raw. The emotion is so honest and true, form to me, is a million miles away, because the heart is here, next to me, beating relentlessly.
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Post by Greenleaf on Jul 6, 2004 3:40:09 GMT -6
First of all I'd like to thank Hilary for posting this essay. I found it very interesting and what drew my attention most are the following words of Tolkien:
It is clear that Tolkien did not feel as the "God" of his universe, who knows everything, but rather as an explorer who who was discovering a whole new world. That is, as I understand it, another confirmation that he hadn't made up his mind for a lot of things, which remained unknown and unexplained for us, the readers, to discover. A fact I really find very intriguing!
Now, back to the topic, I don't mind at all the juvenile air of the narrative. Quite the contrary. Tolkien relates the story in such a unique and masterful way, which makes it all the more appealing. When I read it, it makes me feel like the professor is talking to me personally, and I just love this feeling! And this masterful way is what makes this story, although originally meant for children, fascinating for so many adults.
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Post by Hilary on Jul 6, 2004 5:58:09 GMT -6
You're very welcome! ;D
This is actually only (approximately) half of Thomas' essay. The rest looks at Tolkien's efforts to find a narrative voice for Lord of the Rings.
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Post by McDLT on Jul 6, 2004 7:53:23 GMT -6
The narrator of The Hobbit interjects comments into the story using first person ("I") and second person direct address ("you"). Note, for example, the fourth paragraph: "I suppose hobbits need some description" and further down: "If you had heard only a quarter of what I have heard about [Gandalf]". What impact does this voice have on the story? Do you think it gives the book a juvenile air? Or does it draw you into the story? Discuss. When I read The Hobbit, I feel as if the writer is drawing me into the story. It makes it more personal; almost like I've become an extension of the story. We become more involved and attached to the story. We are able to take ownership of it and can really feel for the characters, especially Biblo. I love this method. Charles D ickens does a similiar thing with a lot of his stories too.
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Post by Desi Baggins on Jul 6, 2004 12:40:57 GMT -6
Great info Hilary!
I love the way the narrator talks to me. It always makes me feel like I am sitting right there. I also think that the way this is done gives the story a Hobbity feeling!
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profgandalf
Orc
In the library at Minas Tirith!
Posts: 8
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Post by profgandalf on Jun 12, 2012 20:13:49 GMT -6
I am writing an article “Father Knows Best: The Narrator’s Oral Performance as Paternal Protector in The Hobbit” in which I defend the voice of the narrator from those who find it patronizing and condescending. I have already presented it at the Ewbanks CS Lewis and Friends Colloquium at Taylor University this past May. Now I am polishing it. I would love to quote some of you as examples of adults who love the narrator.
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Post by Stormrider on Jun 12, 2012 20:48:48 GMT -6
Hi Progandalf. Your article sounds very interesting and we would love to hear more from it if and when you are able to share it with us.
You may have to find the email addresses of those who posted their comments on this topic for their permission to quote them. (I think you may have access to them using the members button at the top of the forum) Or Instant Message them by clicking on their name and a notice will go to their email addresses if they selected to be alerted that way. They have not posted on the forum in quite some time so may not see your request to quote them.
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profgandalf
Orc
In the library at Minas Tirith!
Posts: 8
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Post by profgandalf on Jun 12, 2012 22:24:32 GMT -6
Thanks Stormrider--I do not have much time. This thing needs to be to the printers by the 15th.
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profgandalf
Orc
In the library at Minas Tirith!
Posts: 8
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Post by profgandalf on Jun 20, 2012 7:32:09 GMT -6
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Post by Stormrider on Jun 21, 2012 6:20:24 GMT -6
profgandal, Thank you for sharing your paper. I will have to set some time aside to read it. I see you mentioned DesiBaggins in your references. She is my daughter and I am sure she will be honored to be referenced.
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