Tolkien & killling? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Osse · 07-21-2003, 05:40 AM

Reading through these posts i have noticed that many of you have referred to 'hidden meanings' or what Tolkien "meant". Looking for hidden meanings or allegories in Tolkien's work would be to disrespect him. Direct quotes that refer to letters regarding "inner meanings" demonstrate this;

"As for inner meaning or 'message', it has in the intention of the author none. It is neither allegorial or topical."

"...I cordially dislike allegory in all its manifestations..."

An author cannot write a book without influencing it personally, and their morals and ideals may sometimes be put into it, but in the case of Tolkien i think this is kept to a bare minimum. He writes history, either true or feigned and the wars written about in the book were in his opinion vittle to the storyline.

[ July 21, 2003: Message edited by: Osse ]

07-21-2003, 05:40 AM	#33
Osse Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: The Encircling Sea, deciding which ship to ruin next...could be yours. Posts: 274	Reading through these posts i have noticed that many of you have referred to 'hidden meanings' or what Tolkien "meant". Looking for hidden meanings or allegories in Tolkien's work would be to disrespect him. Direct quotes that refer to letters regarding "inner meanings" demonstrate this; "As for inner meaning or 'message', it has in the intention of the author none. It is neither allegorial or topical." "...I cordially dislike allegory in all its manifestations..." An author cannot write a book without influencing it personally, and their morals and ideals may sometimes be put into it, but in the case of Tolkien i think this is kept to a bare minimum. He writes history, either true or feigned and the wars written about in the book were in his opinion vittle to the storyline. [ July 21, 2003: Message edited by: Osse ] __________________ 'A thinking tyrant, it seemed to Vetinari, had a much harder job than a ruler raised to power by some idiot system like democracy. At least HE could tell the people he was THEIR fault.'