Psychological depth in Tolkien's characters

[Lyta_Underhill]

I believe that Tolkien was more of a poet than an author. His greatest strenght lies in conjuring up wonderful pictures, using analogues and adjectives that create visions in the reader's head.

He does conjure up some amazing pictures in my and others minds, Falagar! I think also there is credit to be given to the logical and mythological consistency in his world as a backdrop to the story and characters therein. The fact that every name has a discoverable meaning, each event has a resonance in an earlier event that has been put down by Tolkien as background adds to the richness of story that may serve to augment, at least in effect, the depth of characters in the tale. The characters have a delineated history, which is enriched as one delves into the Legendarium more and more but which is hinted at in the main tale, thus giving more of a suggestion of depth beyond what is actually given outright to the reader.

Perhaps I mistake historical or mythological depth for psychological depth, but, then again, I am not up on my terminology and do not have an advanced English degree (although my husband the Witch King does, but he isn't talking--actually, he is rolling his eyes at my overdone Tolkien obsession as it is!)

Cheers!
Lyta

P.S. It is good to see this thread re-awakened!