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Thingol · 03-03-2002, 10:57 PM

What no comments for me? [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] I agree that in addition to being aesthetically pleasing good literature should try to convey some meaning or theme in it. Are you trying to say that you do not think that The Lord of the Rings is merely an enjoyable read, but without any real meaning to it? I hope that is not what you are getting at when you compare Tolkien's staying power with Elvis'. See my previous thread for some of the themes that The Lord of the Rings deals with. Personally I think The Lord of the Rings does a better job of dealing with its themes than Ulysses (which is on the top of many best novel of the 20th century lists), Moby **** , Slaughterhouse 5, and any other book that I've read so far. Just because The Lord of the Rings doesn't deal with the search for spirituality or some other modern theme does not make it any less of a book. The Lord of the Rings is the greatest story ever told. I don't see how you can not enjoy a book and consider it better than a book that you enjoy. Reading should be enjoyable, it should not be a job. One of the reasons I love Tolkien, the man, so much is because of his humility. Tolkien wrote his book for himself, he was not trying to send any message or show that he was smarter than anyone. I just love Tolkien and all that he stands for. Just because he isn't cynical or jaded doesn't mean he is any less of an author. Tolkien longed for a better world and he created in what my opinion was a perfect one. Tolkien was not the first author to do so, but he bears the most criticism for doing it. Just because Middle Earth is not our world does not mean that we can not take away any lessons from it. It is utter foolishness to dismiss Tolkien as a middle of the road artist just because you can not see the beauty of Middle Earth, or take away the valuable lessons that its characters learn.

[ March 04, 2002: Message edited by: Thingol ]

03-03-2002, 10:57 PM	#58
Thingol Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Long Island, New York Posts: 259	What no comments for me? [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] I agree that in addition to being aesthetically pleasing good literature should try to convey some meaning or theme in it. Are you trying to say that you do not think that The Lord of the Rings is merely an enjoyable read, but without any real meaning to it? I hope that is not what you are getting at when you compare Tolkien's staying power with Elvis'. See my previous thread for some of the themes that The Lord of the Rings deals with. Personally I think The Lord of the Rings does a better job of dealing with its themes than Ulysses (which is on the top of many best novel of the 20th century lists), Moby **** , Slaughterhouse 5, and any other book that I've read so far. Just because The Lord of the Rings doesn't deal with the search for spirituality or some other modern theme does not make it any less of a book. The Lord of the Rings is the greatest story ever told. I don't see how you can not enjoy a book and consider it better than a book that you enjoy. Reading should be enjoyable, it should not be a job. One of the reasons I love Tolkien, the man, so much is because of his humility. Tolkien wrote his book for himself, he was not trying to send any message or show that he was smarter than anyone. I just love Tolkien and all that he stands for. Just because he isn't cynical or jaded doesn't mean he is any less of an author. Tolkien longed for a better world and he created in what my opinion was a perfect one. Tolkien was not the first author to do so, but he bears the most criticism for doing it. Just because Middle Earth is not our world does not mean that we can not take away any lessons from it. It is utter foolishness to dismiss Tolkien as a middle of the road artist just because you can not see the beauty of Middle Earth, or take away the valuable lessons that its characters learn. [ March 04, 2002: Message edited by: Thingol ] __________________ Yet the lies that Melkor, the mighty and accursed, Morgoth Bauglir, the Power of Terror and of Hate, sowed in the hearts of Elves and Men are a seed that does not die and cannot be destroyed; and ever and anon it sprouts anew, and will bear dark fruit even unto the latest days.