The Importance of Setting. - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Boromir88 · 10-08-2004, 09:37 AM

I definately had Mount Caradhras in mind for "Antagonist." That is a clear one. You can argue the journey of Frodo and Sam, any sort of place could act as the antagonist. Mount Doom, Gorgoroth, Emyn Muil, all "physical places" that get in the way and try to stop Frodo from his one task.

I like your post about the Barrow-downs. That is an interesting one that I never really thought of. Good point, we get to see Frodo choose between his friends or his own life, definately reveals a lot about him.

Neferchoirwen · 10-08-2004, 11:31 AM

I'd think that the Prancing Pony is a place where characters were revealed. Aragorn was introduced here, and in the case of the movies, the Wraiths were introduced up close. Also, it is also the place where Gandalf's efficiency couldn't be questioned.

Shelob's does a lot, as it reveals another side of Sam, aside from revealing who and what Shelob, and not to mention the unreliable truth behind Gollum.

Boromir88 · 10-08-2004, 01:10 PM

Imladris, another thing I thought of with the barrow-downs, would be the old forest itselft. It could also add atmosphere. We hear Fatty Bolger speak so badly of the place, Merry says there's nothing to fear, and of course its this mystical place. What more to make it mystical then having a barrow-wight, some strange Bombadil, and walking trees? Another thing to look at would be just because a place "seems" or is "thought" of as evil, the author will throw a curveball and put in something not expected. The Old Forest has such a bad name to most hobbits, but yet the good-hearted Bombadil dwells there. Fangorn, is full of of bad news, and as is described "the air is so close." Yet, the loveable Ents are there. With Lothlorien, Boromir as well as Eomer, seems to give it a bad name, because of what people don't understand, but the place is mistaken, and as you said, is a place of peace and rest.

Neferchoirwen, very true about the Prancing Pony. We see hear Butterbur, a warm, kind, although not totally bright inkeeper, in a warm kind inn to stay at. And, then we have this mysterious Strider who first comes off as a man to stay away from, but we now get to see his lineage, and that "sword that was broken." It is here where we first get to see Aragorn's will, and determination of becoming a King. I think, Shelob's lair is the hardest test for Sam, here is where we get to see how truly loyal he is to Frodo. As you said, we see that treachorous Gollum.

10-08-2004, 11:31 AM	#2
Neferchoirwen Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: RtR: 483.3 miles, Fords of Bruinen Posts: 512	I'd think that the Prancing Pony is a place where characters were revealed. Aragorn was introduced here, and in the case of the movies, the Wraiths were introduced up close. Also, it is also the place where Gandalf's efficiency couldn't be questioned. Shelob's does a lot, as it reveals another side of Sam, aside from revealing who and what Shelob, and not to mention the unreliable truth behind Gollum. __________________ On really romantic nights of self, I go salsa dancing with my confusion. ~Speed Levitch http://crevicesofsilence.blogspot.com/

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

10-08-2004, 09:37 AM	#1
Boromir88 Laconic Loreman Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: USA Posts: 7,521	I definately had Mount Caradhras in mind for "Antagonist." That is a clear one. You can argue the journey of Frodo and Sam, any sort of place could act as the antagonist. Mount Doom, Gorgoroth, Emyn Muil, all "physical places" that get in the way and try to stop Frodo from his one task. I like your post about the Barrow-downs. That is an interesting one that I never really thought of. Good point, we get to see Frodo choose between his friends or his own life, definately reveals a lot about him.

10-08-2004, 01:10 PM	#3
Boromir88 Laconic Loreman Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: USA Posts: 7,521	Imladris, another thing I thought of with the barrow-downs, would be the old forest itselft. It could also add atmosphere. We hear Fatty Bolger speak so badly of the place, Merry says there's nothing to fear, and of course its this mystical place. What more to make it mystical then having a barrow-wight, some strange Bombadil, and walking trees? Another thing to look at would be just because a place "seems" or is "thought" of as evil, the author will throw a curveball and put in something not expected. The Old Forest has such a bad name to most hobbits, but yet the good-hearted Bombadil dwells there. Fangorn, is full of of bad news, and as is described "the air is so close." Yet, the loveable Ents are there. With Lothlorien, Boromir as well as Eomer, seems to give it a bad name, because of what people don't understand, but the place is mistaken, and as you said, is a place of peace and rest. Neferchoirwen, very true about the Prancing Pony. We see hear Butterbur, a warm, kind, although not totally bright inkeeper, in a warm kind inn to stay at. And, then we have this mysterious Strider who first comes off as a man to stay away from, but we now get to see his lineage, and that "sword that was broken." It is here where we first get to see Aragorn's will, and determination of becoming a King. I think, Shelob's lair is the hardest test for Sam, here is where we get to see how truly loyal he is to Frodo. As you said, we see that treachorous Gollum.