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To take a similar example: it is said in book V chapter 4 of the Witch-king's sword that "flames ran down the blade". Now for years I thought the Witch-king had a sword that was literally on fire. Only a few years ago did I realize that this statement follows a description of the great fires and red light out beyond the gate, in the field of Pelennor. Now when I re-read this it comes across to me quite clearly as meaning that the Witch-king's sword, raised in front of this red glare, is outlined by the fires behind. Now I could be wrong - maybe the sword really is on fire. But clearly it is at least possible (and, I think, probable) that the statement is not literally true.
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Ah, Derrida would be happy. . .the more you try to make sense of it, the more the text deconstructs on you. That line between the literal and the figurative is perhaps more slippery than you think, probably, or maybe not. . .
01-26-2005, 10:30 AM
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