JRRT's closely balanced M-E arguments

[Aiwendil]

This is an interesting point. I've always thought that, contrary to the literary academics' charge that Tolkien's world is morally black and white, much of the strength of his work derives from his skilful use of ambiguity.

Some great examples have been mentioned - but I think that Tuor of Gondolin is on to something interesting with the point that in some of these cases we are not only shown that ambiguity but also given closely reasoned arguments from each side in the form of dialogue between characters. A favorite example that comes to mind (and which skip spence touched on) is Turin's arguments with Beleg and later Gwindor concerning his policy of open warfare against Morgoth. What's interesting to me here is that, though the position taken by Beleg and Gwindor is clearly "right", Turin's arguments are reasonable and persuasive as well. I particularly like this quote from Turin:

For victory is victory, however small, nor is its worth only from what follows from it. But it is expedient also. Secrecy is not finally possible: arms are the only wall against Morgoth. If you do nothing to halt him, all Beleriand will fall under his shadow before many years are passed, and then one by one he will smoke you out of your earths. And what then? A pitiable remnant will fly south and west, to cower on the shores of the Sea, caught between Morgoth and Osse. Better then to win a time of glory, though it be shortlived; for the end will be no worse. You speak of secrecy and say that therein lies the only hope; but you could ambush and waylay every scout and spy of Morgoth to the last and least, so that none came ever back with tidings to Angband, yet from that he would learn that you lived and guess where.

The thing about this is that Turin's prediction is very accurate, and his reasoning is quite correct, as far as it goes. Ultimately, the secretive approach advocated by Gwindor cannot achieve victory over Morgoth. The realms of the Elves and Edain are indeed defeated one by one and a pitiable remnant does indeed take refuge on the south-west coast. The only thing Turin does not foresee (which of course makes all the difference) is that Earendil will reach Valinor and persuade the Valar to go to war.