When I read 'Leaf' for the first time years ago, I got the feeling that it was all so unfair (now I can't even tell what or why, just some resentment) I can't say I disliked the story, on the contrary. As H-I wrote in his initial post
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i have found many similarities of Niggle with myself
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I found time at last to re-read 'Leaf' today - or was it yesterday? and then searched for the threads here. The threads on Tolkien's life are most enlightening.
There are a couple of thoughts not related to him directly that I'd like to have your opinion about.
1. It appeared to me that while alive Niggle was a *creator* despite all procrastination and distractions. After being trained/cured in the purgatory he learns to *work* but then he evidently doesn't bring anything new into his picture. He is able to finish his picture, but would he have been able to design it first place working regular hours? Or could the design become so grand if the beginning and the end of the project were scheduled?
2. Who's that only person that appreciates Melkin's work in real world? A *worthless* teacher. But... Should we praise him for sympathy and deep understanding, or did she prove no better than the others by letting the 'leaf' gather dust in the dark corner and finaly perish in the fire?
Opinions welcome (mine is currently sunken in beer [img]smilies/confused.gif[/img] ) Perhaps some other time, if nobody comes with another bottle... or asks to type a report.....