Quote:
Originally Posted by Morthoron
Tolkien was fairly Victorian in worldview. The old forms were his comfort zone. He rarely went to see films, didn't drive a car, and was a devout Pre-Vatican II Catholic.
Thus "touching your cap" (ie., saluting or doffing a cap), which originated as "touching/tugging one's forelock", a sign of reverent deference from a vassal to a seigneur, was good in Tolkien's estimation as a sign of his own humility. It was bad for the squire because in essence it fed his ego, and was anything but humble, particularly if the squire expected such deference from his cottagers.
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Thanks much.
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“I am in fact a Hobbit (in all but size). I like gardens, trees and unmechanized farmlands; I smoke a pipe, and like good plain food...I am fond of mushrooms.” -J.R.R Tolkien
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