Was Boromir a mistake?

[Kalessin]

I think Silver is on the right lines here in terms of a moral sensibility beneath the narrative, but Reyna is spot on - it's a story which is meant to be exciting and entertaining [img]smilies/tongue.gif[/img]

Faramir did not go, specifically because Boromir aggressively asserted his right to represent Gondor, and was backed by Denethor. It was not a 'mistake', or continuity error ... Boromir's presence is entirely consistent and his personality, and relationship to both Faramir and Denethor, is clearly outlined in The Return of the King. The traits of father and sons are illustrated at length within the narrative, and whilst Faramir is ultimately a more noble figure (and IS able to resist the ring), it is Boromir who acts as a catalyst for dynamic narrative, and elicits a range of reactions in the reader (thus providing entertainment!).

Peace