The Insanity of Denethor

[Essex]

Estel,

but I still think that perhaps the worst change is to have him (or at least look like) all of a sudden change his mind on the idea of burning, but then having it be to late.

I can see what you're saying, but doesn't this (kind of) happen in the book? He does change his mind, but the madness (or pride) takes over again. This seems to occur twice in the Pyre scenes.

....Faramir moaned and called on his father in his dream. Denethor started as one waking from a trance, and the flame died in his eyes, and he wept; and he said: 'Do not take my son from me! He calls for me.'

Straight after this Denethor says

'He will not wake again,' said Denethor. 'Battle is vain. Why should we wish to live longer? Why should we not go to death side by side?'

and then after Gandalf has scolded him

Denethor followed him, and stood trembling, looking with longing on the face of his son. And for a moment, while all were silent and still, watching the Lord in his throes, he wavered.

But finally after this he decides to take his own life.

In a sense, it IS too late for Denethor, inasmuch as the Palantir has driven him mad, and it is too late to turn back.....


I agree with your point on Denethor looking angry when he sees the beacons lit. This is the one thing that bugs me about Jackson's Denethor. It was Denethor himself who had the beacons lit in the book. Why all this show of strife between Gondor and Rohan in the films?


Saraphim,

The staff-beatings were funny, but they just did not fit Gandalf.

OK, slightly over the top, but Gandalf DID strike Denethor in the book.

But Gandalf sprang up the steps, and the men fell back from him and covered their eyes; for his coming was like the incoming of a white light into a dark place, and he came with great anger. He lifted up his hand, and in the very stroke, the sword of Denethor flew up and left his grasp and fell behind him in the shadows of the house; and Denethor stepped backward before Gandalf as one amazed.