Hmmm, very interesting thought, Gwaihir. The only thing I have to say lies more in the realm of philosophy rather than in the book itself. I doubt that Tolkien, as a Catholic, would have espoused the idea that for good to happen (the salvation of men), bad must also happen (the rebellion of the Noldor, kin-slaying, etc.). Some of you more knowledgeable folks out there might know otherwise (if so, then I'd have to disagree with the dear professor, but this board is about him, not me, so it doesn't matter). What I think Tolkien meant to convey was that good can/will happen even though evil has occurred. Thus, evil never triumphs, for good can/will always come from it. And that's not to say that either Tolkien or I believe evil is good or evil can be good, but merely that good things can happen as a result of evil things. Providence would have allowed the good to happen even if evil hadn't been done. Somehow, men would have been saved, regardless. But in the case of the Noldor, evil happened. Yet out of the (unnecessary) evil came good. Anyway, great topic, and very well supported. I hadn't thought of that before.
[ July 02, 2003: Message edited by: aragornreborn ]
[ July 02, 2003: Message edited by: aragornreborn ]
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At the name of Jesus every knee should bow and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. - Phil. 2:10-11
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