To veer back to the original topic for a moment...
Finally got my computer and my book in the same place at the same time.
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Originally Posted by Groin Redbeard
I am confused, however, why you included Faramir in your examples of overt patriotism.
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Largely because of one statement:
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"For myself," said Faramir, "I would see the White Tree in flower again in the courts of the kings, and the Silver Crown return, and Minas Tirith in peace: Minas Anor again as of old, full of light, high and fair, beautiful as a queen among other queens: not a mistress of many slaves, nay, not even a kind mistress of willing slaves. War must be, while we defend our lives against a destroyer who would devour all; but I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend: the city of the Men of Numenor, and I would have her loved for her memory, her ancientry, her beauty, and her present wisdom. Not feared, save as men may fear the dignity of a man, old and wise."
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This is in distinct contrast to what he says earlier about his brother Boromir, that he was "proud and fearless, often rash, ever anxious for the victory of Minas Tirith (and his own glory therein)." Faramir does not speak of his own glory, but of his love of what he is defending, its present as well as its past -- and possibly he does not speak of its future because that is so plainly hanging in the balance in what appears to be a hopeless situation. But to me, these are some of the most patriotic words spoken in LotR, about the soldier's love for the land which he is fighting to save.