Marriage in Middle-earth II (unhappy) - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Kalessin · 04-05-2002, 11:01 PM

Interesting. After reading Unfinished Tales a little while ago it seemed to me that the Erendis and Aldarion story was possibly Tolkien's most subtle portrayal of a romantic relationship. I felt as though there were observational elements to his drawing of the characters - right down to their "body language" (Tolkien wouldn't have used this phrase), that gave some authenticity.

It struck me as peculiarly modern, more like the kind of bittersweet short story Doris Lessing or Nadine Gordimer might have produced.

Of all Tolkien's works, it was the one where I had the least conception of what the ending might be (while reading it), and where the relationship was the most human.

Reasons? Perhaps some observation or experience - who knows, perhaps it is inappropriate to contextualise too much ...

04-05-2002, 11:01 PM	#14
Kalessin Wight Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Earthsea, or London Posts: 175	Interesting. After reading Unfinished Tales a little while ago it seemed to me that the Erendis and Aldarion story was possibly Tolkien's most subtle portrayal of a romantic relationship. I felt as though there were observational elements to his drawing of the characters - right down to their "body language" (Tolkien wouldn't have used this phrase), that gave some authenticity. It struck me as peculiarly modern, more like the kind of bittersweet short story Doris Lessing or Nadine Gordimer might have produced. Of all Tolkien's works, it was the one where I had the least conception of what the ending might be (while reading it), and where the relationship was the most human. Reasons? Perhaps some observation or experience - who knows, perhaps it is inappropriate to contextualise too much ...