Post by Stormrider on Jan 19, 2009 13:05:38 GMT -6
From: Annie2 (Original Message) Sent: 5/30/2003 6:22 PM
These pictures were lost--they were:
Sam's Box by John Howe
Northern Ithilien by Neil Truscott
Frodo's Phial (ROTK film image)
Wk10, Bk6, Ch4, DISCUSSION: The Symbolism of Spring
Sam, when asked how he feels, replies: "I feel like spring after winter"
What does Sam mean by this?
The entire chapter on Cormallen reminds me that Spring is a symbol of life and regeneration. Tolkien gives us many images that support this. The stark and violent imagery of Sauron’s Fall, the destruction of the Ring, and the eruption of Mount Doom covering the earth with smoke and ash stand in stark contrast to the loveliness of Ithilien and reminds me of the scene in the Hall of Fire. Everyone is celebrating with music, tales and songs. What is the company celebrating in Ithilien? What symbols of Spring do you see in this chapter and previous chapters?
Many cultures celebrate the coming of Spring with much jubilation. Also, it is hailed as the beginning of the New Year. In modern times we can look to China and many other Asian countries that celebrate the New Year with the coming of Spring. Even here in Middle-earth, Gandalf reminds Sam that it is "The fourteenth of the New Year . . . or if you like, the eighth day of April in the Shire reckoning. But in Gondor the New Year will always begin upon the twenty-fifth of March when Sauron fell, and when you were brought out of the fire." Is it meaningful that the beginning of Spring occurs with the fall of Sauron and the rescue of Frodo and Sam from Mount Doom? I am reminded of the darkness of winter followed by the light of spring. Where does the tradition of celebrating a Spring New year in Middle Earth come from do you think? Why do you think modern (European) calendars begin the new year in January? Why not March or April? Have Europeans and North Americans always celebrated the new year in January?
Gandalf makes a point of telling the hobbits that their gifts from the Lady were found safe and sound with them when they were air lifted out of Mordor and brought to Ithilien. Why does Gandalf deem it necessary to tell the hobbits this? Does he think that the gifts may have been forgotten? Or to reassure them that their treasures are safe? How are Sam’s box and Frodo’s phial symbols of Spring?
These pictures were lost--they were:
Sam's Box by John Howe
Northern Ithilien by Neil Truscott
Frodo's Phial (ROTK film image)
Wk10, Bk6, Ch4, DISCUSSION: The Symbolism of Spring
Sam, when asked how he feels, replies: "I feel like spring after winter"
What does Sam mean by this?
The entire chapter on Cormallen reminds me that Spring is a symbol of life and regeneration. Tolkien gives us many images that support this. The stark and violent imagery of Sauron’s Fall, the destruction of the Ring, and the eruption of Mount Doom covering the earth with smoke and ash stand in stark contrast to the loveliness of Ithilien and reminds me of the scene in the Hall of Fire. Everyone is celebrating with music, tales and songs. What is the company celebrating in Ithilien? What symbols of Spring do you see in this chapter and previous chapters?
Many cultures celebrate the coming of Spring with much jubilation. Also, it is hailed as the beginning of the New Year. In modern times we can look to China and many other Asian countries that celebrate the New Year with the coming of Spring. Even here in Middle-earth, Gandalf reminds Sam that it is "The fourteenth of the New Year . . . or if you like, the eighth day of April in the Shire reckoning. But in Gondor the New Year will always begin upon the twenty-fifth of March when Sauron fell, and when you were brought out of the fire." Is it meaningful that the beginning of Spring occurs with the fall of Sauron and the rescue of Frodo and Sam from Mount Doom? I am reminded of the darkness of winter followed by the light of spring. Where does the tradition of celebrating a Spring New year in Middle Earth come from do you think? Why do you think modern (European) calendars begin the new year in January? Why not March or April? Have Europeans and North Americans always celebrated the new year in January?
Gandalf makes a point of telling the hobbits that their gifts from the Lady were found safe and sound with them when they were air lifted out of Mordor and brought to Ithilien. Why does Gandalf deem it necessary to tell the hobbits this? Does he think that the gifts may have been forgotten? Or to reassure them that their treasures are safe? How are Sam’s box and Frodo’s phial symbols of Spring?