Quote:
Originally Posted by Fordim Hedgethistle
At the same time, the Prologue seems to acknowledge that connection that exists between the forces of good and the forces of evil – perhaps even acknowledges the co-dependence of light and dark.
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Honestly, it was a really good post up there, Fordim, but it seems that you are taking it too far

. I'd be happier if the whole co-dependence of light and dark may be replaced with something like 'dark absence of light', or 'evil as lack of good' maxims. On the whole, I believe Tolkien
denies such co-dependence, and is rather in line with Boethius, with a dash of more active rather than passive resistence to Nothing (with capital N for the sake of its personification in Sauron
It is subject of interpretation, really. All quotes you provide us with are as good when interpreted as: Hobbits healthy customs,
once perverted, may become that and that
cheers