The Translator Conceit

[littlemanpoet]

Originally Posted by Formendacil

But "trespass against good style" suggests that Tolkien's style here is in bad taste, or possibly just vulgar.

Suggests, but does not unequivocally state. I'm not saying that Tolkien trespassed against good style. I'm not saying he didn't. I'm saying, "let's not use the TC as a gloss; that's not its primary purpose.

Personally, I find the " 'igh-falutin' speech" to be very enjoyable.

Me too.

The issue, therefore, is not that the style is "bad", persay, but that it is not fitting, or satisfying in its use.

Well said.

Now, I will readily admit that you probably didn't intend your statement to be taken the way I have. But I cannot be sure. You are, by own admission, a writer, and a writer ought to know his words. So while I assume that you don't mean what you seem to say, I cannot, as a devotee of such styles, not respond to such a comment. Let us not confuse the argument...

Thanks for the request for clarification. I hope this answer does the job.