I have always found this chapter very affecting; my first read of it inspired me to draw a picture of Boromir's death scene, something which always comes to mind when I read it again. The scene in the film was as I had imagined it all those years ago, and thus, is one of my favourites in both book and film.
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Aragorn knelt beside him. Boromir opened his eyes and strove to speak. At last slow words came. "I tried to take the Ring from Frodo," he said. "I am sorry. I have paid." His glance strayed to his fallen enemies; twenty at least lay there. "They have gone: the Halflings: the Orcs have taken them. I think they are not dead. Orcs bound them." He paused and his eyes closed wearily. After a moment he spoke again.
"Farewell, Aragorn! Go to Minas Tirith and save my people! I have failed."
'No!" said Aragorn, taking his hand and kissing his brow. 'You have conquered. Few have gained such a victory. Be at peace! Minas Tirith shall not fall!"
Boromir smiled.
"Which way did they go? Was Frodo there?" said Aragorn.
But Boromir did not speak again.
'Alas!" said Aragorn. "Thus passes the heir of Denethor, Lord of the Tower of Guard! This is a bitter end. Now the Company is all in ruin. It is I that have failed. Vain was Gandalf's trust in me. What shall I do now? Boromir has laid it on me to go to Minas Tirith, and my heart desires it; but where are the Ring and the Bearer? How shall I find them and save the Quest from disaster?"
He knelt for a while, bent with weeping, still clasping Boromir's hand. So it was that Legolas and Gimli found him.
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I was wondering, what is it about this chapter which is so emotionally gripping? Firstly, there is the actual death of Boromir which is written with real gravitas. Boromir has his final words, in which he admits to his failing in trying to take the ring, giving him a final touch of honesty where he has not always seemingly been honest previously. He also lies amongst the bodies of the enemies he has slain, thus marking him out as an effective warrior. He dies in pain, but not without trying to seek assurance that the people who look up to him will be helped; his last words are not for himself but for those below him in the hierarchy of Gondor. This brings to mind an image of a 'good soldier', perhaps that of the 'Unknown Soldier'. He is loyal to his people and dies after confessing his failings.
Here Aragorn shows just why he is loved and admired. He comforts Boromir in his dying moments. It is not immediately apparent whether Aragron truly means these words, but as the tale moves on, it becomes clear that he did admire Boromir as a comrade; after all, it's hard to imagine Aragorn crying over a man he did not admire. And it is Aragorn who leads the funeral lament. He displays himself as any respected military leader might; he is affected by the death of a valued comrade, even a little shaken by it. He tends the body with honour and dignity, leading his living comrades in mourning, and once all due respects have been paid, turns his mind to the next move.
If Aragorn's actions are viewed as a whole, including those written about in this chapter, it is more possible to see him as a rounded figure. I too can find him he comes out with slightly pompous words at times, but I think this is perfectly allowable for a character who is supposed to be a king in exile, a military leader.
About the mourning song - perhaps this song would be based upon a familiar format used at such tragic events; I noticed how they spoke of the points of the compass in turn, which did suggest that an established 'format' was being made use of. And verbosity does seem to be commonplace in Middle Earth, so I don't find it so peculiar that words could be composed on the spot.
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I did think of M&M playing Aragorn in my planned remake of the movie & now I think I may be on to something. If we had Britney as Arwen & Madonna & Galadriel we could have he makings of something....
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Well we already have
Jerry Springer The Opera* so why not
Tolkien The Rock Opera? Perhaps not...
*And yes, it is a genuine opera, I have seen it.