The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum - View Single Post - Psychological depth in Tolkien's characters

mark12_30 · 11-22-2003, 12:14 PM

Mr. Underhill, I quite heartily agree. And yet it is the intersection of Child's post (regarding Frodo's supernatural depth as well as his character-depth, which are difficult if not impossible to separate anyway) and how that related with his deeper spiritual encounters: primary examples of which were encounters with Goldberry, Arwen, Galadriel. I am certainly not suggesting that Arwen and Galadriel are psychologically shallow (and I haven't given Goldberry much thought, but I doubt she is either). Yet, as archetypal figures they do have a very strong effect on Frodo's spirituality. So I am wondering if considering them as archetypes (in addition to strong characters) brings another light into our consideration of Frodo's character.

I think (at least in Galadriel and Arwen) Frodo participates in encounters with archetypal figures-- who nevertheless carry deep emotional conflicts of their own.

11-22-2003, 12:14 PM	#103
mark12_30 Stormdancer of Doom Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Elvish singing is not a thing to miss, in June under the stars Posts: 4,349	Mr. Underhill, I quite heartily agree. And yet it is the intersection of Child's post (regarding Frodo's supernatural depth as well as his character-depth, which are difficult if not impossible to separate anyway) and how that related with his deeper spiritual encounters: primary examples of which were encounters with Goldberry, Arwen, Galadriel. I am certainly not suggesting that Arwen and Galadriel are psychologically shallow (and I haven't given Goldberry much thought, but I doubt she is either). Yet, as archetypal figures they do have a very strong effect on Frodo's spirituality. So I am wondering if considering them as archetypes (in addition to strong characters) brings another light into our consideration of Frodo's character. I think (at least in Galadriel and Arwen) Frodo participates in encounters with archetypal figures-- who nevertheless carry deep emotional conflicts of their own. __________________ ...down to the water to see the elves dance and sing upon the midsummer's eve.