[Rimbaud]

I think the other area of major interest in this chapter is that, post-Breaking, the book now neatly divides itself. The reader becomes aware instantly with Book III that the thick main narrative strand of FotR cannot easily be recaptured, as the book splits in these opening chapters into the three strands. This is easy symbolism to understand, and the reader is left hoping that the strands will reunite, for closure and catharsis.

The other point on these natural schisms is JRRT's choice of which strand to start with in Book III. In terms of action, and emotive force, the scene of Boromir's death has the most impact, yet is that the author's sole reason to open with it?

On a more personal note, when stories split like this, do you have a favoured strand, and read a little impatiently through the others, until you return to the strand you have the most interest in? This question probably only applies to your first reading.