The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum - View Single Post - Movie comments - don't read if you haven't seen the movie yet!

Meriadoc1961 · 12-21-2001, 06:49 PM

Actually, I believe the character of Merry was very developed by Tolkien in the first book, and here are the reasons why:It was Merry who was the head of the conspiracy to watch over Frodo's actions in anticipation of his leaving the Shire. While still a teenager, Merry witnessed Bilbo disappear as the Sackville-Bagginses approached. He saw Bilbo put the ring back into his pocket, and Merry kept that information to himself until the conspiracy was formed because he perceived that Bilbo wished for it to remain secret. It was also Merry who read Bilbo's book, and kept its contents to himself, learning how Bilbo had said he found the ring in the process.It was Merry who left with the wagon load of furniture from Hobbiton to have it prepared for Frodo's arrival for his "retirement" in Crickhollow. Merry went out in the fog by himself to look for the other three missing Hobbits, finding them with Farmer Maggot, and it was Merry who went on ahead by himself knowing they were being pursued by the Black Riders to prepare the Hobbits a second supper.Merry had all things ready in advance for their immediate departure, and it was Merry who lead the companions through the Old Forest. In addition, he spent his time in Rivendell poring over maps of the countries into which the Fellowship was headed. All of this shows a very organized, efficient, and mature Hobbit. Most of Merry's depth was developed even before they met Bombadil. Pippin is somewhat less mature than the others, and if I remember correctly Merry is never scolded for his behavior by Gandalf, as was Pippin. Gandalf even commends Merry for his ability to have discerned the message on the doors of Moria best, leading Gandalf to his ultimately figuring out the riddle to open the enchanted doors.I really did enjoy the movie, and I believe that due to time constraints the character of Merry and Pippin may not have been able to be developed to the extent it is in the book. Merry is portrayed as more of a prankster and an immature juvenile in the movie, along with Pippin, his cousin and friend. I am not finding fault, just clarifying that I do think Tolkien was able to develop the characters of Merry and Pippin much better than could have been accomplished in a three hour movie.

12-21-2001, 06:49 PM	#59
Meriadoc1961 Wight Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 101	Actually, I believe the character of Merry was very developed by Tolkien in the first book, and here are the reasons why:<P>It was Merry who was the head of the conspiracy to watch over Frodo's actions in anticipation of his leaving the Shire. While still a teenager, Merry witnessed Bilbo disappear as the Sackville-Bagginses approached. He saw Bilbo put the ring back into his pocket, and Merry kept that information to himself until the conspiracy was formed because he perceived that Bilbo wished for it to remain secret. It was also Merry who read Bilbo's book, and kept its contents to himself, learning how Bilbo had said he found the ring in the process.<P>It was Merry who left with the wagon load of furniture from Hobbiton to have it prepared for Frodo's arrival for his "retirement" in Crickhollow. Merry went out in the fog by himself to look for the other three missing Hobbits, finding them with Farmer Maggot, and it was Merry who went on ahead by himself knowing they were being pursued by the Black Riders to prepare the Hobbits a second supper.<P>Merry had all things ready in advance for their immediate departure, and it was Merry who lead the companions through the Old Forest. In addition, he spent his time in Rivendell poring over maps of the countries into which the Fellowship was headed. All of this shows a very organized, efficient, and mature Hobbit. Most of Merry's depth was developed even before they met Bombadil. <P>Pippin is somewhat less mature than the others, and if I remember correctly Merry is never scolded for his behavior by Gandalf, as was Pippin. Gandalf even commends Merry for his ability to have discerned the message on the doors of Moria best, leading Gandalf to his ultimately figuring out the riddle to open the enchanted doors.<P>I really did enjoy the movie, and I believe that due to time constraints the character of Merry and Pippin may not have been able to be developed to the extent it is in the book. Merry is portrayed as more of a prankster and an immature juvenile in the movie, along with Pippin, his cousin and friend. I am not finding fault, just clarifying that I do think Tolkien was able to develop the characters of Merry and Pippin much better than could have been accomplished in a three hour movie. __________________ "If I yawn again, I shall split at the ears!"