To each his own.
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Originally Posted by Gordis
The point was made even without Boromir
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I rather think Boromir's fall provided a harrowing, operational example of the breakdown of civil and civic order and was a valuable addition to the story. There's something in Tolkien that wants to explore the old warrior code, its vulnerabilities as well as its honours and dignities. And of course something else interesting to have the "spare", Faramir, turn truer than the "heir."
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Originally Posted by Gordis
Tom? But he didn't need the Ring at all - that was the difference
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There's something to be said for the ability not to take oneself so seriously. Humour adds distance that counteracts pomposity.
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Originally Posted by Gordis
IMO, the Wise failed
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In fairy tale, there are characters, often of ambiguous or enigmatic status, whose role is to push other characters towards revealing or discovering their own spirit, often with the all too obvious peril that those so tested may fail. Rather like the Faun in [i]Pan's Labyrinth[/b] or the bowdlerized figure of Mr. Tumnus in Narnia. It is part of the attraction of fantasy.
Still, I suppose, it is the attraction of the character to merit an apologist.