The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum - View Single Post - Psychological depth in Tolkien's characters

mark12_30 · 11-14-2003, 11:57 AM

Of course mankind has always been flawed. Tolkien wrote endlessly about the fall and its repercussions. Those repercussions are everywhere.

But society has not always valued pleasure and happiness over character and virtue. There is a great contrast between the pursuit of truth and virtue, versus the pursuit of happiness. And there have been numerous seasons where society valued truth and virtue more.

(Edit) Thanks, Hilde!

One of the things I find oddly comforting about Tolkien is his ability to value both virtue and happiness. The hobbits are praised for their enjoyment of everyday blessings; and Strider crowned Aragorn can still enjoy a pipe and a mug of good beer. But the pipe and the beer don't make him less virtuous. What am I getting at? It's not a rabidly puritannical avoidance of pleasure.

I think we come full circle to innocence again; I'd like to develop that but haven't the time at the moment...

[ November 14, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

11-14-2003, 11:57 AM	#37
mark12_30 Stormdancer of Doom Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Elvish singing is not a thing to miss, in June under the stars Posts: 4,407	Of course mankind has always been flawed. Tolkien wrote endlessly about the fall and its repercussions. Those repercussions are everywhere. But society has not always valued pleasure and happiness over character and virtue. There is a great contrast between the pursuit of truth and virtue, versus the pursuit of happiness. And there have been numerous seasons where society valued truth and virtue more. (Edit) Thanks, Hilde! One of the things I find oddly comforting about Tolkien is his ability to value both virtue and happiness. The hobbits are praised for their enjoyment of everyday blessings; and Strider crowned Aragorn can still enjoy a pipe and a mug of good beer. But the pipe and the beer don't make him less virtuous. What am I getting at? It's not a rabidly puritannical avoidance of pleasure. I think we come full circle to innocence again; I'd like to develop that but haven't the time at the moment... [ November 14, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ] __________________ ...down to the water to see the elves dance and sing upon the midsummer's eve.