A fascinating insider's interview - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Mithalwen · 08-26-2008, 07:45 AM

I suspect that Mrs Gro is Jennie Grove, Ediths cousin and sometime companion, if I remember the Bio correctly.

I really think Edith's life was very sad. It is unsuprising that she was unsure of her status. She had the misfortune to be born illegitimate into a time and class that really cared about such things. And she had a talent that marriage prevented her from fulfilling. Edith reminds me more of a great aunt who had been a brilliant violinist, married a dour farmer who went bankrupt and really had a very tough time and as far as I know completely dropped the music. It is particularly sad that Tolkien's insitence on her conversion cut her off from socially acceptable outlets for her talent. I can't help thinking that it might have made her life so much happier if she had been able to remain an Anglican and have an important role in the church community as an organist. Instead she was not allowed to do menial tasks, not allowed to do paid work, just had to keep up appearances on a tiny income.

08-26-2008, 07:45 AM	#15
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,461	I suspect that Mrs Gro is Jennie Grove, Ediths cousin and sometime companion, if I remember the Bio correctly. I really think Edith's life was very sad. It is unsuprising that she was unsure of her status. She had the misfortune to be born illegitimate into a time and class that really cared about such things. And she had a talent that marriage prevented her from fulfilling. Edith reminds me more of a great aunt who had been a brilliant violinist, married a dour farmer who went bankrupt and really had a very tough time and as far as I know completely dropped the music. It is particularly sad that Tolkien's insitence on her conversion cut her off from socially acceptable outlets for her talent. I can't help thinking that it might have made her life so much happier if she had been able to remain an Anglican and have an important role in the church community as an organist. Instead she was not allowed to do menial tasks, not allowed to do paid work, just had to keep up appearances on a tiny income. __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace Last edited by Mithalwen; 08-26-2008 at 08:12 AM.