Post by Stormrider on Jan 19, 2009 12:35:29 GMT -6
From: Annie2 (Original Message) Sent: 5/18/2003 8:39 PM
The picture was lost--it was by Ted Nasmith
Wk9, Bk6, Ch2, DISCUSSION: Stars and Shadows
Throughout the LOTR we meet with the symbolism of Stars and Shadows, Even here on this desolate plain, one star is visible in the sky,
What do you think Sam means by this description of Shadow and Star? Is he saying that light is stronger or more powerful than shadow? Or that darkness can never reach the light? Or . . . ?" What does this mean to Sam?
Why do you think that seeing that lone star brings Sam the feeling of hope and comfort? Do you see this as a source of strength for Sam? What does it say about the faith of a simple Hobbit? Does this passage reveal the Author’s faith in some way?
As we discovered in TTT, the stars and the moon hold a special fascination for Master Samwise. In a post under the "Two Towers" study: Week Five - Sam’s view on the Stars and Moon, Selmo shares this:
"To Sam the stars are mysterious. Their nature and purpose are beyond his ability to comprehend, as are the Elves. Sam is also aware of the Elves’ Well-known liking for star-light, so he associates the stars with the Elves and is thereby comforted."
How is Sam comforted here in the Land of Shadow? What do you think there is in elves and in their love of starlight that Sam holds so dear? Whatever power or beauty there was in that star, it affected Sam deeply. " Now, for a moment, his own fate and even his master’s ceased to trouble him. He crawled back into the brambles and laid himself by Frodo’s side, and putting away all fear he cast himself into a deep untroubled sleep."
I have heard some say that the star Sam saw in Mordor was Earendil’s star. Its light was caught by Galadriel and put in the phial she gave Frodo. Earendil’s star is said to be a sign of hope to those oppressed by darkness and evil. What do you think about this?
Or could this be the star of Gil-galad?
Sam sang this in the darkness on Weathertop.
The picture was lost--it was by Ted Nasmith
Wk9, Bk6, Ch2, DISCUSSION: Stars and Shadows
Throughout the LOTR we meet with the symbolism of Stars and Shadows, Even here on this desolate plain, one star is visible in the sky,
"Sam saw a white star twinkle for a while. The beauty of it smote his heart, as he looked up out of the forsaken land, and hope returned to him. For like a shaft, clear and cold, the thought pierced him that in the end the Shadow was only a small and passing thing: there was light and high beauty of ever beyond its reach."
What do you think Sam means by this description of Shadow and Star? Is he saying that light is stronger or more powerful than shadow? Or that darkness can never reach the light? Or . . . ?" What does this mean to Sam?
Why do you think that seeing that lone star brings Sam the feeling of hope and comfort? Do you see this as a source of strength for Sam? What does it say about the faith of a simple Hobbit? Does this passage reveal the Author’s faith in some way?
As we discovered in TTT, the stars and the moon hold a special fascination for Master Samwise. In a post under the "Two Towers" study: Week Five - Sam’s view on the Stars and Moon, Selmo shares this:
"To Sam the stars are mysterious. Their nature and purpose are beyond his ability to comprehend, as are the Elves. Sam is also aware of the Elves’ Well-known liking for star-light, so he associates the stars with the Elves and is thereby comforted."
How is Sam comforted here in the Land of Shadow? What do you think there is in elves and in their love of starlight that Sam holds so dear? Whatever power or beauty there was in that star, it affected Sam deeply. " Now, for a moment, his own fate and even his master’s ceased to trouble him. He crawled back into the brambles and laid himself by Frodo’s side, and putting away all fear he cast himself into a deep untroubled sleep."
I have heard some say that the star Sam saw in Mordor was Earendil’s star. Its light was caught by Galadriel and put in the phial she gave Frodo. Earendil’s star is said to be a sign of hope to those oppressed by darkness and evil. What do you think about this?
Or could this be the star of Gil-galad?
But long ago he rode away,
and where he dwelleth none can say;
for into darkness fell his star
in Mordor where the shadows are.
and where he dwelleth none can say;
for into darkness fell his star
in Mordor where the shadows are.
Sam sang this in the darkness on Weathertop.