The Character Development of Arwen - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Durelin · 01-13-2004, 07:38 PM

I've always believed that the character of Arwen was not an important aspect of the story. Perhaps Tolkien planned her to be, but it did not end up so. Or, perhaps Tolkien thought this, too.

Not only was The Lord of the Rings from the hobbits points of view, but it was about the hobbits. (a little repition there, I know, but they are a little different) Aragorn was not as important a character as the hobbits, and Arwen certainly not as important as Aragorn, I'm afraid.

Arwen didn't need character development in Tolkien's mind: either for the benefit of the story, or for the reason that she is a feminine female (as stated before in this thread). The fact is, a feminine female didn't have much of a place in the story. Though you could also wonder if Tolkien was just incapable of creating such a female character. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

I hope that all made sense (and was sense-worthy...)

01-13-2004, 07:38 PM	#1
Durelin Estelo dagnir, Melo ring Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 3,063	I've always believed that the character of Arwen was not an important aspect of the story. Perhaps Tolkien planned her to be, but it did not end up so. Or, perhaps Tolkien thought this, too. Not only was The Lord of the Rings from the hobbits points of view, but it was about the hobbits. (a little repition there, I know, but they are a little different) Aragorn was not as important a character as the hobbits, and Arwen certainly not as important as Aragorn, I'm afraid. Arwen didn't need character development in Tolkien's mind: either for the benefit of the story, or for the reason that she is a feminine female (as stated before in this thread). The fact is, a feminine female didn't have much of a place in the story. Though you could also wonder if Tolkien was just incapable of creating such a female character. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] I hope that all made sense (and was sense-worthy...)