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

davem · 11-17-2003, 03:51 AM

I think part of the problem is that many of Tolkien's characters are serving a kind of dual purpose. If we take Faramir, for instance. Faramir is not just an individual, with feelings & emotions, he is also a symbol.

Up to his appearance we've heard a lot about the 'Glory of Gondor' & the 'Wisdom of the Numenoreans', but what have we seen of Gondor? Boromir, & he is hardly an advert for the Glory or Wisdom of Gondor?

But then we meet Faramir - noble, wise, self sacrifycing - willing to see his beloved city go down in defeat rather than use the waepon of the Enemy. Faramir is a good man, trying to live up to the Numenorean ideal.

Up to meeting Faramir, we, & Frodo, have been made fully aware of what the West is fighting against. With Faramir we are presented with a living symbol of what they are fighting for.

Perhaps the character's psyches are a bit inaccessible for some readers because of this 'dual' function. For me, it adds depth, & makes the characters more, rather than less believable.

11-17-2003, 03:51 AM	#11
davem Illustrious Ulair Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: In the home of lost causes, and forsaken beliefs, and unpopular names,and impossible loyalties Posts: 4,240	I think part of the problem is that many of Tolkien's characters are serving a kind of dual purpose. If we take Faramir, for instance. Faramir is not just an individual, with feelings & emotions, he is also a symbol. Up to his appearance we've heard a lot about the 'Glory of Gondor' & the 'Wisdom of the Numenoreans', but what have we seen of Gondor? Boromir, & he is hardly an advert for the Glory or Wisdom of Gondor? But then we meet Faramir - noble, wise, self sacrifycing - willing to see his beloved city go down in defeat rather than use the waepon of the Enemy. Faramir is a good man, trying to live up to the Numenorean ideal. Up to meeting Faramir, we, & Frodo, have been made fully aware of what the West is fighting against. With Faramir we are presented with a living symbol of what they are fighting for. Perhaps the character's psyches are a bit inaccessible for some readers because of this 'dual' function. For me, it adds depth, & makes the characters more, rather than less believable. __________________ “Everything was an object. If you killed a dwarf you could use it as a weapon – it was no different to other large heavy objects."