The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum - View Single Post - Literary Devices & such for Revised Silmarillion

***Mithadan*** · 08-29-2000, 06:14 AM

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Re: Literary Devices & such for Revised Silmarillion

I feel that the best way to present such materials is in the form of annotations or an "appendix". I am extremely hesitant about engaging in actual "rewriting" or the creation of detailed stories based upon hints or outlines in JRRT's work. In my view, this goes back to the unsettled issue of what is our goal. A canon, to me, would be historical in nature, clearing up (or more accurately stating supported positions on) inconsistencies and filling in gaps in the Silm. -- a scholarly work rather than literary. I would advocate against creating new "texts". The writing of new texts would more properly fall within the category of fan fiction rather than a canon. Such fan fiction-type writing would have value but only if separated from the "canon". I view the canon as more of a reference work.

BTW - the "canon" concept is being attacked again over at the White Council (xenite). To his credit, MM has started a second thread suggesting that there exists both room and a reason for a canon. If we can ever begin setting pen to paper, I wonder if access to the underlying debates should be provided so that readers can reach their own critical conclusions.

</p>Edited by <A HREF=http://www.barrowdowns.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_profile&u=00000004>Mithadan </A> at: 8/29/00 8:15:28 am

08-29-2000, 06:14 AM	#2
*Mithadan* Spirit of Mist Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Tol Eressea Posts: 3,313	<font face="Verdana"><table><TR><TD><FONT SIZE="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Animated Skeleton Posts: 0</TD><TD></TD></TR></TABLE> Re: Literary Devices & such for Revised Silmarillion I feel that the best way to present such materials is in the form of annotations or an "appendix". I am extremely hesitant about engaging in actual "rewriting" or the creation of detailed stories based upon hints or outlines in JRRT's work. In my view, this goes back to the unsettled issue of what is our goal. A canon, to me, would be historical in nature, clearing up (or more accurately stating supported positions on) inconsistencies and filling in gaps in the Silm. -- a scholarly work rather than literary. I would advocate against creating new "texts". The writing of new texts would more properly fall within the category of fan fiction rather than a canon. Such fan fiction-type writing would have value but only if separated from the "canon". I view the canon as more of a reference work. BTW - the "canon" concept is being attacked again over at the White Council (xenite). To his credit, MM has started a second thread suggesting that there exists both room and a reason for a canon. If we can ever begin setting pen to paper, I wonder if access to the underlying debates should be provided so that readers can reach their own critical conclusions. </p>Edited by <A HREF=http://www.barrowdowns.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_profile&u=00000004>Mithadan </A> at: 8/29/00 8:15:28 am __________________ Beleriand, Beleriand, the borders of the Elven-land.