Book of the Century? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

***Gilthalion*** · 06-12-2001, 01:31 PM

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Re: Book of the Century?

While "primarily religious" is perhaps an overstatement as to its purpose (as I said, it was not "directly" Christian or Catholic), I think that the work is inescapably religious.

Indeed, a good portion of The Silmarillion is obviously setting forth the basis for the "religion" of the higher cultures of Middle-earth. That is to say, the "history" (or mythology if you prefer) of the interaction of the lesser races with the Valar and of the Creation.

I do not think that I have overstated the tone or the basis for much of the criticism that has greeted Tolkien's work. A close reading of the Salon article, and a general reading of critical articles as referenced in other threads, reveals these biases. The flavor of Modernist literature (and the tastes of its critics) is pretty well known. Again, I'm only sharing my (somewhat informed) opinion, since I am no authority on the subject and cannot present an objective study quantifying the trends of modern culture.

I suggest, however, that even a cursory glance at the changes in movies, popular music, and published fiction, reveals a steady and quickening movement away from the old days of Good Guys and Bad Guys, and toward Bad Guys and Worse Guys! I recall that many of my college professors (particularly one who taught poetry) were actively hostile toward "old fashioned" expressions of "absolutist morality." Even to the point of insisting that such works were NOT legitimate art!

Now, show me a critic of Tolkien who is NOT one of these Darksome fellows! I daresay, he (or she) is greatly outnumbered by critics of the contemporary nature that I described. There aren't many of the Old School left, and I haven't heard of any who violently object to Tolkien!

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06-12-2001, 01:31 PM	#11
*Gilthalion* Hobbitus Emeritus Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: South Farthing Posts: 635	<font face="Verdana"><table><TR><TD><FONT SIZE="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Hobbitus Emeritus Posts: 421</TD><TD><img src=http://home.att.net/~robertwgardner/lotrmap.gif WIDTH=60 HEIGHT=60></TD></TR></TABLE> Re: Book of the Century? While "primarily religious" is perhaps an overstatement as to its purpose (as I said, it was not "directly" Christian or Catholic), I think that the work is inescapably religious. Indeed, a good portion of The Silmarillion is obviously setting forth the basis for the "religion" of the higher cultures of Middle-earth. That is to say, the "history" (or mythology if you prefer) of the interaction of the lesser races with the Valar and of the Creation. I do not think that I have overstated the tone or the basis for much of the criticism that has greeted Tolkien's work. A close reading of the Salon article, and a general reading of critical articles as referenced in other threads, reveals these biases. The flavor of Modernist literature (and the tastes of its critics) is pretty well known. Again, I'm only sharing my (somewhat informed) opinion, since I am no authority on the subject and cannot present an objective study quantifying the trends of modern culture. I suggest, however, that even a cursory glance at the changes in movies, popular music, and published fiction, reveals a steady and quickening movement away from the old days of Good Guys and Bad Guys, and toward Bad Guys and Worse Guys! I recall that many of my college professors (particularly one who taught poetry) were actively hostile toward "old fashioned" expressions of "absolutist morality." Even to the point of insisting that such works were NOT legitimate art! Now, show me a critic of Tolkien who is NOT one of these Darksome fellows! I daresay, he (or she) is greatly outnumbered by critics of the contemporary nature that I described. There aren't many of the Old School left, and I haven't heard of any who violently object to Tolkien! <center><font face=verdana size=1> http://www.barrowdowns.comBarrow-Downs</a>~http://www.geocities.com/robertwgardner2000Bare Bones</a>~http://pub41.ezboard.com/btarostineruhirTar Ost-in-Eruhir</a>~http://www.geocities.com/robertwgard...ilthalion.htmlGrand Adventures</a>~http://www.barrowdowns.com/fanfichobbits.aspThe Hobbits</a>~http://www.tolkientrail.comTolkien Trail</a> </center></p> __________________ Please read my fan fiction novel THE HOBBITS. Wanna hear me read Tolkien? Gilthalion's Grand Adventures!