The Autobiographical Tolkien - 'Leaf by Niggle'...

[Tirned Tinnu]

Ah! Just stumbling back on subject for a moment - I know everyone's popped in their two cents and I thought I might too.
*Frowning in concentration and with care*
It's often that a writer will take up his pen to scribble a fantastical ditty about himself. It reflects his views on how he is treated, and how he expects to be treated.
I think Tolkien wrote "Leaf" because of his own conflicts, and because it makes a wonderful story! It's a metaphor, of course, for Life and God, and Purgatory and Heaven. But I stop there - who is Parish, then, in Tolkien's life? It's almost like Tolkien has already met his Parish. He describes the character so well. If not for Parish's crippled condition, I might think he was Lewis or Chris or Tolkien's editor!
But right back to the point - The story is one of morals. I think Tolkien was out to create a moral story, without actually naming God or Christ, or St. Peter! He wanted us to see our own versions of who the Jailers were. I loved "Leaf By Niggle", and I loved the way two men could work together to provide harmony for others.

[ September 06, 2002: Message edited by: Tirned Tinnu ]

[ September 06, 2002: Message edited by: Tirned Tinnu ]