Did Tolkein use examples from english literature to
 

hi wondered whether tolkein used any examples from english literature to create his stories...like Macbeth and the moving wood. it is quite similar to the ents and those trees that appear before Sarumn's doom. What do you think?

Greetings Thallassa,

And welcome to the Downs.

Writers' relationships with previous authors are very complex. You can find Tolkien's attitude about Macbeth in his essay, On Fairy-Stories. Carpenter also has a brief reference in his biography of The Professor. You should also check out the good discussion of Tolkien and Shakespeare in a previous thread here on the Downs. Here's the link:

Glamis? Cawdor? A bookworm's musings

Bethberry

[ December 18, 2002: Message edited by: Bethberry ]

Depends on your definition of the word 'English', Thalassa. [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

I have just finished reading Shakespears Macbeth, and I noticed that the character of Macbeth is very similar to that of Boromir, in that:

1) They both start of as warriors, noble and valient, or gereral "good guys"

2)They both are corrupted through the desire for something they cannot have. What the ring is to Boromir is power to Macbeth.

3)They are both fooled into thinking that getting what they want will have good results.

4) They both see what went wrong right at the end, but manage to die a nobal death, perhaps prooving that they are still the good guy they once were.

do you think that these parallels are a simple coincidence, or something more? I know that Tokien claims to hate the works of Shakespear, but perhaps without knowing it, the character of Boromir became Macbeth?

I don't think Macbeth did die a noble death, he was relying on what the witches told him and died when that didn't help him in the least, otherwise, I don't think he would've gone out and faught. (I might not be right, I've not read it in a while) Boromir, on the other hand, stood and faught even though he knew there was a possibility of dying.

It may not be a noble death, but it isn't that of a coward. However, that isn't a Tolkien issue. Bethberry's link above will lead you in the direction of such.

He doesnt realise this before he fights, but just before he dies. then I think he repents.