Why did Arwen do that?? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Bêthberry · 09-03-2003, 11:59 AM

I have been unclear and clumsy in my argument and for that my apologies.

I do not mean to imply that Arwen's choice of death upon Aragorn's death is passive, not by any means. She does not die because it is easier to get her out of the way. Rather, Aragorn's death frees her to take her leave, finally, as the other elves have previously done. This is why, to me, Rimbaud's allusion to other elves who stayed behind is so crucial. Legolas also chooses to leave once Aragorn has died--he is free at last to submit to his heart's desire for closure, end, summation, his duty and his love now fulfilled. Here is the symmetry. It pertains also to Arwen. Her death is her self-fulfilment.

To expect her to stay and provide counsel to her children would be, I think, to demand that she continue to play a role of mother years after her child are responsible adults. This would be denial of her choice, in my humble estimation.

Bêthberry

[ September 03, 2003: Message edited by: Bêthberry ]

09-03-2003, 11:59 AM	#11
Bêthberry Cryptic Aura Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 6,003	I have been unclear and clumsy in my argument and for that my apologies. I do not mean to imply that Arwen's choice of death upon Aragorn's death is passive, not by any means. She does not die because it is easier to get her out of the way. Rather, Aragorn's death frees her to take her leave, finally, as the other elves have previously done. This is why, to me, Rimbaud's allusion to other elves who stayed behind is so crucial. Legolas also chooses to leave once Aragorn has died--he is free at last to submit to his heart's desire for closure, end, summation, his duty and his love now fulfilled. Here is the symmetry. It pertains also to Arwen. Her death is her self-fulfilment. To expect her to stay and provide counsel to her children would be, I think, to demand that she continue to play a role of mother years after her child are responsible adults. This would be denial of her choice, in my humble estimation. Bêthberry [ September 03, 2003: Message edited by: Bêthberry ] __________________ I’ll sing his roots off. I’ll sing a wind up and blow leaf and branch away.