Still somewhat bewildered by Frodo's compassion for Gollum...agreeing to be blindfolded along with Sam so that Gollum would see no harm was meant, for example.
Interesting that Gollum finds out what time it is by sniffing the air.
Tolkien seems to include a lot of very specific flora references in his descriptive narrative. Was he some kind of plant expert, out of curiosity?
VERY suspicious that Gollum disappears for a time and then comes back, unusually excited and wanting the hobbits to hurry. WHAT'S UP HIS SLEEVE? IS THIS WHERE ONE OF THE CHARACTERS I CARE ABOUT (I assume Sam, since Frodo obviously has to survive until th e end) KICKS THE BUCKET??!!
Replies: 11 comments
Tolkien was very much a plant lover, a love he inherited from his mother. People who walked with him often commented on his wide knowledge about the plants and trees they passed. And, like a good hobbit, he loved his garden.
Which reminds me of a story about the origin of the Ents -- Tolkien saw (or read, I forget which) Macbeth as a young child and was disappointed that the prophecy about Macbeth not being defeated till "Birnham forest march on Dunsinane" just turned out to be a trick with a bunch of soldiers carrying branches -- he REALLY wanted it to be trees actually marching on the castle....
Posted by Janet Croft @ 2001 May 28 09:24 AM EST
I was moved by the closing scene of this chapter, when they find the old king's head crowned with flowers. One also gets an idea of the immensity of Middle Earth with the sizes of the trees and statue.
Not only was Tolkien a plant lover, but, as you've seen, a seminal linguist as well. To me, just the way the term "Cirith Ungol" rolls of the tongue evokes a sense of evil and foreboding. Strap yourself in for some intense reading Debbie!
Posted by Charly @ 2001 May 28 09:43 AM EST
Oh Yes! what Charly said "Strap yourself in.."!
The "Kings head" scene is quite vivid, touching, particularly juxtaposed with what's to come... Your sense of foreboding in not misplaced.
Posted by Christopher B. @ 2001 May 28 10:00 AM EST
Gollum had been saved by the mercey of others many times. Gandalf and Aragorn captured him before and they did not kill him. Gandalf left him in the care of the wood elves (Legolas's people) and they eventually let him go, out of pitty. Looking back those seam to be grevious errors in judgment. But compasion is one of the things that seperates good from evil. Keep this in mind.....
Posted by Big Mike @ 2001 May 28 02:27 PM EST
Not quite, Mike - the elves did feel pity for Gollum, but they did not let him go. He escaped with the aid of some orcs. However it was their (the elves')pity - in letting Gollum roam around with a guard, that allowed the escape to take place.
Posted by Charly @ 2001 May 28 02:41 PM EST
On the subject of themes in earlier chapters that wind their way into later ones, Frodo and Gandalf have the following exchange in Book 1, Ch. 2: Frodo says: "What a pity that Bilbo did not stab that vile creature [Gollum], when he had a chance!"
To which Gandalf responds: "Pity? It was Pity that stayed his hand. Pity, and Mercy: not to strike without need. And he has been well rewarded, Frodo. Be sure that he took so little hurt from the evil, and escaped in the end, because he began his ownership of the Ring so. With Pity. ... the pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of many - yours not least."
The uncertain way in which the Ring works raises the looming question, in slaying Gollum, do they run a greater risk?
Posted by Tish @ 2001 May 28 02:55 PM EST
Thanks Charly, I had a feeling I was a little off. What I really wanted to say was put perfectly by Tish.
It's passages like that, that make reading the books more than once a really cool experience. Those of you who have read them many times know what I'm talking about.
Posted by Big Mike @ 2001 May 28 03:39 PM EST
LOL Debbie, you seem to be getting a little anxious ;). Just keep reading. The next few chapters are fantastic!
Ok, I've noticed people have been slacking with the spoilers lately. Once again PLEASE PLEASE BE VERY CAREFUL!!
Slight references to things can really shape the way in which Debbie reads the books and ruin many great surprises.
I won't say which comment(s) have done it lately but one in particular was a big slip! I still am baffled that someone let this slip! I just can't believe it! I wish we could sift through these before Debbie got to read them.
Frustatedly, : (
Posted by Phil @ 2001 May 28 04:00 PM EST
Grrr.... Frustratedly
Posted by Phil @ 2001 May 28 05:14 PM EST
I always enjoy reading this short chapter. It really makes you inhabit the landscape, and it's a marvellous build-up of tension, culminating in the arrival at the cross-roads: the point of decision, of no return.
Posted by Fred @ 2001 May 29 01:12 AM EST
hee hee it is so funny reading this
Posted by Sarah Outterson @ 2001 May 31 11:25 PM EST
