bombadils influence on our reading of the narrative - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Boromir88 · 03-20-2005, 04:18 PM

Tom (as well as Farmer Maggot) are important in getting the hobbits to grow up. I think the reason we see Farmer Maggot different from the rest of the hobbits back in hobbiton, is because he's talked to Tom, and seen him. Similar instance with the Hobbits. Tom helped the hobbits learn there were people living in the Shire long before Hobbits, and there will be people living there long after. Your typical hobbit doesn't care about the outside world, and is only concerned about themselves (thinking anything else is "queer.") Where Bombadil taught the Hobbits there's much more out there besides The Shire.

Bombadil and Treebeard are interesting comparisons. Both the two ancient most beings left on Middle-earth, both have sort have been forgotten. Where they are different is Treebeard does something to help out in the War, Bombadil doesn't. Therefor Treebeard is still remembered, and Bombadil is just sort of known to very few and will most likely be forgotten.

03-20-2005, 04:18 PM	#4
Boromir88 Laconic Loreman Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: USA Posts: 7,519	Tom (as well as Farmer Maggot) are important in getting the hobbits to grow up. I think the reason we see Farmer Maggot different from the rest of the hobbits back in hobbiton, is because he's talked to Tom, and seen him. Similar instance with the Hobbits. Tom helped the hobbits learn there were people living in the Shire long before Hobbits, and there will be people living there long after. Your typical hobbit doesn't care about the outside world, and is only concerned about themselves (thinking anything else is "queer.") Where Bombadil taught the Hobbits there's much more out there besides The Shire. Bombadil and Treebeard are interesting comparisons. Both the two ancient most beings left on Middle-earth, both have sort have been forgotten. Where they are different is Treebeard does something to help out in the War, Bombadil doesn't. Therefor Treebeard is still remembered, and Bombadil is just sort of known to very few and will most likely be forgotten.