Tolkien's Anniversary

[Mithalwen]

Originally Posted by Durelin

A definite cheers!

As I recall, 'J.R.R.' and Edith's little story is a lovely one. Makes one feel very optimistic, even if you weren't meaning to.

I have to disagree - I find it rather sad. Edith always seems to me to be such a sacrificial figure, representative of so many gifted women of earlier generations who had to give up any hope of any fulfilment beyond the domestic sphere on marriage. the fact that her enforced conversion prevented an appropriate amateur outlet for her talents is particularly cruel. Even the measured and authorised Carpenter biography, shows in Tolkien a hardness worthy of Thingol.

I do wonder if it is a factor in my extreme dislike of the story of Beren and Luthien?

It is enough (as soon as my lenten abstinece is over) to make me pop along to the Miramar (where Edith was happy and Tolkien less so ) and toast Edith and feminism...