When did you first read Lord of the Rings?

[Galadriel]

Originally Posted by Galadriel55

It's shallow, if you know what I mean.

I wouldn't say it's 'shallow' but I'd say it's 'juvenile literature'. Meant for the slightly simpler minds of children. Come on, you can't expect a 5 year old to understand the themes of LotR like he/she would the themes of Harry Potter.

[Galadriel55]

Originally Posted by Galadriel

you can't expect a 5 year old to understand the themes of LotR like he/she would the themes of Harry Potter.

That's true.

[xMellrynxMaidenx]

Originally Posted by Galadriel

I wouldn't say it's 'shallow' but I'd say it's 'juvenile literature'. Meant for the slightly simpler minds of children. Come on, you can't expect a 5 year old to understand the themes of LotR like he/she would the themes of Harry Potter.

I would have to agree, actually. Considering it DID start out as children's books, the more she began to write and develop the characters, the more it became more suitable for middle/high school kids. When she caught wind of adults reading her books, she tried to make it more...grown up for lack of better words to describe it. Really, I believe she just tried too hard, but I still like them none the less.

With the exception of the last part of the last book, she really rushed through it. :\ But, I like it now because I liked it as a kid.

If a five year old was ever able to grasp the themes of LotR and I were the parent, I would be proud of that child.

[Galadriel55]

I wouldn't want to be the poor parent who is doomed to hour long explanations of LOTR themes to his/her 5 year old child.
However, if the child really grasps the concepts all by himself, it really is an extraordinary genius and a brilliant kid.