In Praise of Christopher Tolkien

[Morthoron]

Originally Posted by davem

I have to say I've been a bit disappointed by the amount of criticism JRRT's son & literary executor has received on this forum of late. I think its about time to put the other side.

*Raises an eyebrow*

Ummm...has someone put a gun to your head? Is CT standing behind you right now, dictating this post?

Honestly, unless you are in imminent danger, suffering dementia, or merely being sarcastic, I find your "disappointment" at odds with your numerous posts attacking CT and the Family Trust over the last few months. Considering you have lead the bull rush to castigate CT and the Tolkien family, I am skeptical regarding this sudden act of contrition.

[skip spence]

Hehe, I suppose that davem is now being in held in the wine-cellar of CT's French mansion, typing apologetic posts with beady brow and unsteady hands under the unsettling gaze of a huge wild boar with tusks blooded, ever ready to charge and maul at his master's command.

[davem]

Originally Posted by Morthoron

Honestly, unless you are in imminent danger, suffering dementia, or merely being sarcastic, I find your "disappointment" at odds with your numerous posts attacking CT and the Family Trust over the last few months. Considering you have lead the bull rush to castigate CT and the Tolkien family, I am skeptical regarding this sudden act of contrition.

So, in your opinion, it is not possible that a great man may have faults as well as virtues? Or that one must either focus solely on criticising him for his faults or praising him for his virtues?

CT is, for me, both a hero & a villain - he is a bully, intolerant & uncaring of others' work, & deserving of criticism for it. He is also a loyal son, brilliant literary executor, & if he has faults - which he certainly does - they do not cancel out his virtues, because they are motivated by loyalty to his father's memory.

You'll also note two things: 1) that I am the one who started a thread in praise of him & 2) that the other thread criticising his behaviour in the 'Mirkwood' afffair is still going strong...

[Morthoron]

Originally Posted by davem

So, in your opinion, it is not possible that a great man may have faults as well as virtues? Or that one must either focus solely on criticising him for his faults or praising him for his virtues?

No, that is not my opinion, I never said such a thing. I am referring to your odd and decidedly self-serving wording here:

Originally Posted by davem

I have to say I've been a bit disappointed by the amount of criticism JRRT's son & literary executor has received on this forum of late. I think its about time to put the other side.

You're disappointed at the forum? Better that you be disappointed in yourself, as you were the prime fomenter and bitterest assailant over a prolonged period. It's rather like Brutus blaming the Romans for murdering Caesar.

[davem]

Originally Posted by Morthoron

No, that is not my opinion, I never said such a thing. I am referring to your odd and decidedly self-serving wording here:



You're disappointed at the forum? Better that you be disappointed in yourself, as you were the prime fomenter and bitterest assailant over a prolonged period. It's rather like Brutus blaming the Romans for murdering Caesar.

Or for the days when people got irony without the need for some little 'smiley' type icon. Maybe they should add 'wink' icons to any new editions of Gulliver's Travels - what do you think?

But that aside, does anyone want to contribute to a thread on Christopher Tolkien? Or must this become yet another discussion about me?

[Morthoron]

Originally Posted by davem

Or for the days when people got irony without the need for some little 'smiley' type icon. Maybe they should add 'wink' icons to any new editions of Gulliver's Travels - what do you think?

What do I think? I thought your entire first post was ironic, and I questioned your motivations right from the start. The whole thing smacked of disingenuousness, which is why no one has posted remarks, save to mention the incongruity of your comments.

Originally Posted by davem

Or must this become yet another discussion about me?

No, I won't prolong this thread any further. I have no interest in trying to discern which part of your posts are ironic and which aren't.