Tolkien and Catholic Saints - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

The Silver-shod Muse · 06-17-2002, 09:23 AM

I think it's safe to say that no matter how un-allegorical an author is trying to be, there must necessarily be some allegory because the reader needs some sort of comparison material within his or her understanding. By placing the Ainur/Vala and the Istari in such a hierarchy, Tolkien (perhaps inadvertently) made it easier for the common Englishman that practised some form of Christianity.

Also, when you believe something with all your heart and when you have lived by it for years, you cannot simply switch off its affect on your life when you're writing. Just because one dislikes allegory does not mean that one has the power to not use it.

06-17-2002, 09:23 AM	#19
The Silver-shod Muse Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: The shoulder of a poet, TX Posts: 388	I think it's safe to say that no matter how un-allegorical an author is trying to be, there must necessarily be some allegory because the reader needs some sort of comparison material within his or her understanding. By placing the Ainur/Vala and the Istari in such a hierarchy, Tolkien (perhaps inadvertently) made it easier for the common Englishman that practised some form of Christianity. Also, when you believe something with all your heart and when you have lived by it for years, you cannot simply switch off its affect on your life when you're writing. Just because one dislikes allegory does not mean that one has the power to not use it. __________________ "'You," he said, "tell her all. What good came to you? Do you rejoice that Maleldil became a man? Tell her of your joys, and of what profit you had when you made Maleldil and death acquainted.'" -Perelandra, by C.S. Lewis

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