Poetry in LOTR - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Estelyn Telcontar · 02-14-2004, 04:06 AM

Poetry in LotR also emphasizes the cultural diversity of the various races. Just think of the difference between the hobbits' down-to-earth Bath Song and the 'high poetry' of the Elves, or the heroic, alliterative free verse of the Rohirrim. Each culture has its own distinctive style, giving us a feeling of the depth of diversion in Middle-earth. Even Tom Bombadil, who is a unique character, has a unique style of poetry to characterize him. I think the poetry shows those differences much more so than the everyday prose of the characters, especially since Tolkien 'translated' that into Common Speech for his readers.

02-14-2004, 04:06 AM	#8
Estelyn Telcontar Princess of Skwerlz Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: where the Sea is eastwards (WtR: 6060 miles) Posts: 7,500	Poetry in LotR also emphasizes the cultural diversity of the various races. Just think of the difference between the hobbits' down-to-earth Bath Song and the 'high poetry' of the Elves, or the heroic, alliterative free verse of the Rohirrim. Each culture has its own distinctive style, giving us a feeling of the depth of diversion in Middle-earth. Even Tom Bombadil, who is a unique character, has a unique style of poetry to characterize him. I think the poetry shows those differences much more so than the everyday prose of the characters, especially since Tolkien 'translated' that into Common Speech for his readers. __________________ 'Mercy!' cried Gandalf. 'If the giving of information is to be the cure of your inquisitiveness, I shall spend all the rest of my days in answering you. What more do you want to know?' 'The whole history of Middle-earth...'