[Tar-Palantir]

Ok, 2 cents coming from the peanut gallery,

Classification as classic, or mythology, or mythopoetic, or whatever is naught but a feel good justification to the fans and (in the case of 'classics') a hats off to the author.

I am not of the ilk that might have perused the classics section of the bookstore or library as a youngster seeking reading material. Who is most interested in LotR? Generally younger audience who justifiably view it as fantasy reading. I am a case in point that adults too can enjoy wrapping themselves in the breadth and depth of the writing. Still in all, in past, present and future, like me, most others will begin the journey young.

A stand-out does not mean a stand-alone, so why make it such? Why seek to to frame it as a golden light of essential literature? Not that it is not worth attempting if you feel to do so. You are only seeking to give it greater literary recognition, no? Nobly seeking to right an old wrong? Pulling it from the dirty claws of the 'fantasy' genre perhaps? Personally, I don't see the need.

There is a sublime humility present in the LotR, standing there amidst it's lessers. I think that this should be relished, we that have been indoctrinated know what is buried in there. Treasure yet still buried is all the sweeter in the finding.

Another consideration is the remainder of Tolkien's work. The Sil and LotR may stand out, but I believe the entire body of work falls short of their status and will never be categorized under any heading but fantasy. Should they be seperated? Would that serve a purpose? What greater good am I missing?

carry on.

[ March 04, 2003: Message edited by: Tar-Palantir ]