Sorry to be so slow getting back to my reply to
littlemanpoet. Events have been very hectic in RL.
Quote:
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I agree that [pity] is a key issue, but to say that it's the central one claims too much, I think. Unless you'd like to make a case for it....
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My initial post was a response to the idea that pity is a weakness which makes one vulnerable to one's enemies. To make my case for pity as the central issue, I would like to suggest some criteria for identifying a central theme, out of many. I know I have a tendency to write posts that are too long, so I won't get into applying these criteria in this post, but I would happily welcome others doing so (or commenting on these criteria). [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]
1. The central theme should be one which subsumes or encompasses other themes. That is, the other themes arise logically, analytically, or by historical precedent out of the primary theme. This primary theme is, then, the most inclusive theme.
2. The primary theme must play a critical, central, crucial role in the action/ plot. That is, in terms of the old dramatic idea of rising and falling action, the primary theme must be part of the climax and, I would even suggest, denouement of the action.
3. The primary theme must be significant to the character development of at least the main character and possibly other secondary characters as well.
4. The primary theme should be prominent at various points throughout the novel, or at least appear at significant points or intervals. I am not saying that every action and incident should involve it, but that there should be some form of recurring reference to it.
5. The primary theme should be voiced authoritatively in some form in the novel, that is, it shouldn't be found only by some esoteric fishing expedition. Nor should it exist by default.
As for the argument that nowadays we look down on pity as a contemptible emotion of superiority, I would like to offer an historical perspective. There has been much philosophical discussion about pity and mercy in the western tradition. The concern that pity is part of pride goes back at least as far as Saint Thomas Aquinas's
Summa Theologica. His Question 30, article 2 asks, "Whether the reason for taking pity is a defect in the person who pities?" His answer is no, pity is part of compassion and recognition that the troubling afflictions, problems and ills of others could easily happen to oneself.
Aristotle also wrote about whether pity is a good emotion, so this discussion has a long history. It isn't something that contemporary culture has just discovered.
Within Tolkien's values, it is pity which creates sorrow for others, leading to aid or mercy in alleviating others' misfortunes. It is a union of affections.
I think I've gone on long enough for one post!
Bethberry
PS. Greetings indeed,
theWhiteLady and many thanks for your gracious comments. I will in turn look forward to any ideas you wish to contribute here. *curtsies gravely*
[ July 30, 2002: Message edited by: Bethberry ]