My Essay: "A Defense of Character: Boromir" - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

MatthewM · 07-02-2006, 11:31 PM

I understand what you're saying, I may edit that a bit, for it wasn't my intention to make the reader think that Tolkien didn't like Boromir that much. Although, I do think that the "bossy brother" quote is in a negative light. As Tolkien obviously prefered Faramir much more, some of the qualities Boromir didn't have are present in Faramir, and as Tolkien was talking about Faramir in Letter #244:

"He was motherless and sisterless...and had a 'bossy' brother. He had been accustomed to giving way and not giving his own opinions air..."

Tolkien goes on to praise Faramir even more. So in that respect, I see the "bossy brother" comment as a definite negative on Boromir.

07-02-2006, 11:31 PM	#7
MatthewM Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: New York Posts: 628	I understand what you're saying, I may edit that a bit, for it wasn't my intention to make the reader think that Tolkien didn't like Boromir that much. Although, I do think that the "bossy brother" quote is in a negative light. As Tolkien obviously prefered Faramir much more, some of the qualities Boromir didn't have are present in Faramir, and as Tolkien was talking about Faramir in Letter #244: "He was motherless and sisterless...and had a 'bossy' brother. He had been accustomed to giving way and not giving his own opinions air..." Tolkien goes on to praise Faramir even more. So in that respect, I see the "bossy brother" comment as a definite negative on Boromir.