Leaf by Niggle - Allegory?? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

doug*platypus · 01-19-2003, 02:53 AM

I've equipped my Rohan shield in anticipation of the usual barrage of anti-allegory JRRT quotes.

Leaf by Niggle showed me a different side of Tolkien the writer, and I really enjoyed it. It seems a rail against the modern world in the spirit of George Orwell's 1984 or The Wall by Pink Floyd. Am I wrong, or does Niggle get judged and placed into heaven by a panel of godlike judges? And then Parish comes along as well, because Niggle wanted him there, right? What kind of a place does he end up in? It's not a lunatic asylum, is it?

I've only read the story once so far, and am still very confused about it. I'd be interested to hear from any other people who have read it. If you haven't read it, it can be found in compilations Tales from the Perilous Realm or Tree and Leaf.

01-19-2003, 02:53 AM	#1
doug*platypus Delver in the Deep Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Aotearoa Posts: 960	Leaf by Niggle - Allegory?? I've equipped my Rohan shield in anticipation of the usual barrage of anti-allegory JRRT quotes. Leaf by Niggle showed me a different side of Tolkien the writer, and I really enjoyed it. It seems a rail against the modern world in the spirit of George Orwell's 1984 or The Wall by Pink Floyd. Am I wrong, or does Niggle get judged and placed into heaven by a panel of godlike judges? And then Parish comes along as well, because Niggle wanted him there, right? What kind of a place does he end up in? It's not a lunatic asylum, is it? I've only read the story once so far, and am still very confused about it. I'd be interested to hear from any other people who have read it. If you haven't read it, it can be found in compilations Tales from the Perilous Realm or Tree and Leaf. __________________ But Gwindor answered: 'The doom lies in yourself, not in your name'.