Life or Honor?

[Boromir88]

Matthew took all my material , nice post.

I guess I'll just expand a little more with some examples...

Boromir is obviously the most noticeable when it comes to favoring honor over life.

'I can well believe that Boromir, the proud and fearless, often rash, ever anxious for the victory of Minas Tirith (and his glory therein), might desired such a thing and be allured by it.'~The Window on the West

Boromir not always thinks things through, he likes to throw himself into situations that maybe he shouldn't. I think Faramir describes him well with 'anxious' and 'rash.'

Also, I think we see some more when he tells us why he's there at the Council:

'Therefore my brother, seeing how desperate was our need, was eage to heed the dream and seek for Imladris; but since the way was full of doubt and danger; I took the journey upon myself.'~The Council of Elrond

Not only does Boromir's pride show through here, but also, he's plunging himself into a situation that is full of 'doubt' and 'danger,' because that's the guy he is. He's always the one to throw himself into dangerous situations in order to make a name for himself.

And with Gandalf it's all about life. But, not is it his own life, I think he will risk his own life if it is necessary for the good of Middle-earth...as we see him sacrifice himself in taking on Durin's Bane, he risked everything so the Fellowship would still be able to continue on. So, it's not his own life that he's worried about, but it's the life of others that he favors. He will trade in his 'glory' or 'honor of others' to save people's lives

The first instance that comes to mind is his choice to save Faramir. He could have gone off and followed the Witch-King, which is what he at first wanted to do. He wanted to deal with the thread of the Witch-King, but instead of going after and being the 'saviour' he chooses to save Faramir's life.

And this is something Gandalf consistantly does, always caring about the life of others before his own personal accomplishments:

'Nay I came rather to guard the hurt men that can yet be healed; for the Rammas is breached far and wide, and soon the hose of Morgul will enter in at many points.'~The Siege of Gondor

This is when Denethor asks was Gandalf overmatched by the Witch-King. And Gandalf simply says no, he came back to guard the hurt.

Now, I don't necessarily think 'honor' is a bad thing. I think there is a difference between seeking honor for yourself and giving honor to others. In Boromir's case he was seeking his own honor, which I think is a definite fault...it works along with pride. But, I don't say it's bad to give honor to those who deserve honor...for instance the Hobbits, who were praised.