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doug*platypus · 12-11-2003, 09:14 PM

Ah, a truly fundamental and important question. I can't believe this thread only has one page so far!

At first reaction, I would say that no, the Lord of the Rings has not shaped my moral code. That would be mixing cause and effect. I am drawn to the books because I share similar feelings to Tolkien and his characters on many themes. Gandalf as the wise teacher, Frodo and Sam as tenacious "everymen", Faramir and Aragorn as ideal, morally incorruptible leaders. These are all ideals near and dear to me, but I choose to think that I had these already without the books.

However, I must admit that I first read the Lord of the Rings when I was about 10 years old. So it is quite likely that it was one of the sources that helped to shape my beliefs in how the world, and more realistically, myself should be. Of course the influence a book has is not nearly as palpable as that of family. My mother and particularly my grandmother were far more important in shaping my moral code, but I don't underestimate the impact that a great book, movie or even TV series (The Simpsons) can have.

The most important thing that Tolkien has gifted to me is a faith in the written word, and an aesthetic appreciation for language. The words he uses, the sentences, and the sounds of each word are so important in the Lord of the Rings. There was never a more finely crafted piece of literature. Even the great masterpieces have their literary flaws, and few writers would painstakingly review the way JRRT did.

Also, I like to think that, especially as I have grown older, wiser and more cynical (this happens as you come to a deeper understanding of the way this world works), Lord of the Rings and Star Wars have allowed me to keep faith. Lucas and Tolkien by resurrecting old mythologies have shown us stories that contain brave, selfless acts, and show us that human beings can accomplish a great deal. Some people may think it's sad that I have to turn to fiction to find these things. I don't adhere to any religion, because I have seen too much prejudice and hatred generated as a result of peoples' different beliefs. Also, for every story of people doing good in this world there are a hundred where evil, heinous crimes are being committed. The moral structure inherent in the Lord of the Rings is important to people like me.

12-11-2003, 09:14 PM	#26
doug*platypus Delver in the Deep Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Aotearoa Posts: 960	Ah, a truly fundamental and important question. I can't believe this thread only has one page so far! At first reaction, I would say that no, the Lord of the Rings has not shaped my moral code. That would be mixing cause and effect. I am drawn to the books because I share similar feelings to Tolkien and his characters on many themes. Gandalf as the wise teacher, Frodo and Sam as tenacious "everymen", Faramir and Aragorn as ideal, morally incorruptible leaders. These are all ideals near and dear to me, but I choose to think that I had these already without the books. However, I must admit that I first read the Lord of the Rings when I was about 10 years old. So it is quite likely that it was one of the sources that helped to shape my beliefs in how the world, and more realistically, myself should be. Of course the influence a book has is not nearly as palpable as that of family. My mother and particularly my grandmother were far more important in shaping my moral code, but I don't underestimate the impact that a great book, movie or even TV series (The Simpsons) can have. The most important thing that Tolkien has gifted to me is a faith in the written word, and an aesthetic appreciation for language. The words he uses, the sentences, and the sounds of each word are so important in the Lord of the Rings. There was never a more finely crafted piece of literature. Even the great masterpieces have their literary flaws, and few writers would painstakingly review the way JRRT did. Also, I like to think that, especially as I have grown older, wiser and more cynical (this happens as you come to a deeper understanding of the way this world works), Lord of the Rings and Star Wars have allowed me to keep faith. Lucas and Tolkien by resurrecting old mythologies have shown us stories that contain brave, selfless acts, and show us that human beings can accomplish a great deal. Some people may think it's sad that I have to turn to fiction to find these things. I don't adhere to any religion, because I have seen too much prejudice and hatred generated as a result of peoples' different beliefs. Also, for every story of people doing good in this world there are a hundred where evil, heinous crimes are being committed. The moral structure inherent in the Lord of the Rings is important to people like me. __________________ But Gwindor answered: 'The doom lies in yourself, not in your name'.