Quote:
I now see him as an even more petulant, aggresive, arrogant and childish figure. You may think this is extreme, but to me I really get this view of Boromir when I read the books now.
|
I don't find it extreme at all, I can see exactly what you mean. Boromir also uses negative satire at times and being sarcastic when he shouldn't, making him look childish. Indeed, I even sympathize more for Denethor than some others, it's certainly easier to hate the man than to like him. (I've always been a softie for these types of characters, that have just been befallen with tragedy).
There were definately problems with Boromir, or there would be no need for his repentance in his final hours. I would argue that most of the problems Boromir causes are after Lorien, when his desire for the ring became shown. There were times (Moria and Lorien) where he voiced his opinion about not going there, but he really wasn't a big problem towards the fellowship then. Even other members said they would prefer not to go into the mines, or into Lorien, it was just Boromir who flat out said I'm not going unless you all go. The main problems with Boromir are after Lorien, when it never says but seems pretty clear, Galadriel addressed Boromir's problem to him (the ring), and when all the times he seemed to supress it, it's now on his mind constantly. He starts biting his fingers, muttering, looking at Frodo, and of course the argument he has with Aragorn. I would say these moments are out of his character, and the effect of the Ring was getting to him. Once the ring is literally and figuratively out of his reach, he realized what he had did, and was sorry for it. "What have I done? What have I said? Frodo a madness took me. But it has passed..." "I'm sorry. I have paid."
I do agree that the movies do project Boromir a lot better, and this made me see some things in the book, that I hadn't before, making me respect him more.