An original review of the Fellowship... - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Mithalwen · 09-14-2012, 11:10 AM

Yes, and I while any reviewer for the TLS is likely to be extremely erudite, he really seems to have grasped it very well - both the scope (and the arguable flaws). I must see if I can find any thing about the reviewer and if (like Auden and Lewis he knew Tolkien and would have been aware of the wider mythology. I really do think it is most perceptive. I think I need to get a paper copy of this weeks TLS..

Edit... assume it was this chap

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_Duggan

An Oxford man but not of an era to have been taught by Tolkien so assume not a favour to a friend....

Lalwendë · 09-14-2012, 01:50 PM

I like this:

Quote:

All right-thinking hobbits, dwarfs, elves and men can combine against Sauron, Lord of Evil; but their only code is the warrior’s code of courage, and the author never explains what it is they consider the Good. Lacking the Grail, lacking romantic love, even the world of Malory would seem empty.

Yes, it is a very odd thing that there is no visible code in the book by which goodness is measured - there's nothing to crusade for. But then this is what I have always liked. The good characters know instinctively what is right.

09-14-2012, 11:10 AM	#1
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,461	Yes, and I while any reviewer for the TLS is likely to be extremely erudite, he really seems to have grasped it very well - both the scope (and the arguable flaws). I must see if I can find any thing about the reviewer and if (like Auden and Lewis he knew Tolkien and would have been aware of the wider mythology. I really do think it is most perceptive. I think I need to get a paper copy of this weeks TLS.. Edit... assume it was this chap http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_Duggan An Oxford man but not of an era to have been taught by Tolkien so assume not a favour to a friend.... __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace Last edited by Mithalwen; 09-14-2012 at 11:15 AM.