Psychological depth in Tolkien's characters - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

The Ninth Valar · 11-08-2003, 01:03 AM

Tolkien repeatedly states his books are about applicability, i.e. you can apply the lesson of the book to many things. Meaning, there is no overriding metaphor, nor definite allegory to cling to.

Look at the characters in this regard: they are lacking in some *stated* psychological detail, but in the eye of the reader, much of the depth you mentioned (the second descriptions for each character) can be implied. In turn, then, the reader is left some freedom with the story. When you make the characters more iconic, as Tolkien has, you let the reader relate more to the story and the characters. Applicability - the reader can lay the story over whatever events they wish - if they wish to apply it to something - and not be bothered with hugely detailed characterizations like you may find in a New York literary piece. Those stories can be allegory, but cannot be easily applied to real life, as Tolkien's work can. LotR gives the reader some freedom in deciding why people do what they do - even Saruman can be a tragic hero if you want.

That's my opinion.

11-08-2003, 01:03 AM	#2
The Ninth Valar Pile O'Bones Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: The other side of over there Posts: 23	Tolkien repeatedly states his books are about applicability, i.e. you can apply the lesson of the book to many things. Meaning, there is no overriding metaphor, nor definite allegory to cling to. Look at the characters in this regard: they are lacking in some stated psychological detail, but in the eye of the reader, much of the depth you mentioned (the second descriptions for each character) can be implied. In turn, then, the reader is left some freedom with the story. When you make the characters more iconic, as Tolkien has, you let the reader relate more to the story and the characters. Applicability - the reader can lay the story over whatever events they wish - if they wish to apply it to something - and not be bothered with hugely detailed characterizations like you may find in a New York literary piece. Those stories can be allegory, but cannot be easily applied to real life, as Tolkien's work can. LotR gives the reader some freedom in deciding why people do what they do - even Saruman can be a tragic hero if you want. That's my opinion. __________________ This is not for you.