In class today, we discussed the new loyalties of Pippin and Merry. I didn't get a chance to ask everyone's opinion- but I wonder how exactly Gandalf feels about Pippin's new commitment. Up until this point, everyone on the mission has had the same purpose in the quest. Now with Pippin's decision, is it possible he may have to choose between the fellowship and Denethor?
On page 18, Gandalf says he doesn't know why Pippin chose to do what he did, but he did it with good intentions, and it honored Denethor. So Gandalf says that he must remember what he has chosen. In your opinion then, do you think Gandalf was proud of Pippin, does he think he shouldn't have made a vow to Denethor, or does it not matter one way or the other?
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Well before they went to talk to Denethor, he told Pippin to basically keep his mouth shut. Pippin didn't listen and instead vowed to serve Denethor. I think that Gandalf thought that he gave him warning to be quiet and didn't so this was his own mess. I don't know that Gandalf agreed with Pippin's decision, but did honor his decision.
I was also curious if his commitment would come back around to him. Especially since Aragorn is the rightful heir as I understand and I wonder if this will lead to later perplexities in loyalty.
Heidi: this is a great question and if we try to analyze the situation from, say, the vantage point of the medieval world-view that Tolkien obviously draws upon, then, as we once discussed in class, we have to remember the medieval connections between "truth" and "troth" [or "pledge" or "vow"], and the idea that what one *says* is what one is expected to actually *do*. So offering a vow of service to a lord cannot be taken lightly in this world: it is not the kind of world in which you can say things like, "oops, I changed my mind, now I'm serving someone else." To say you will do something is the same as saying it's already done: this is not a world in which one can go back on his or her word without losing honor and integrity. Thinking also of the "Sayings of the High One," we can reflect on the idea that words must be chosen carefully: don't just talk for the sake of talking, but at the same time, don't be the fool who never says anything. But once you speak your words, you are literally bound by them [a "troth," or "pledge," is a kind of bond], and this is why, I think, Gandalf cautions Pippin to be careful.
I think that this oath that Pippin makes can be problematic, but when you read a little farther, you see that Pippin is going to be kept at the Lord's side out of danger. If he was not a servant of the Lord, he might have been out in the fighting with Gandalf, which could be much worse. I know that the situation doesn't end up with Pippin staying at the Lord's side the whole time, but it's worth noting that, as he made the oath it is somewhat keeping him more safe.
I think that Gandalf knew Pippen was not going to be quite. That is why he was so adament about telling him to not say anything. I am sure that Gandalf was probly annoyed by the pledge, but the act is something like Gandalf had guessed would happen anyway, which may even make the situation humerous to him. At the same time time, I don't think that Gandalf is overly mad about it either. Gandalf knows that Pippen's new position might come in handy.
I'm not sure if Gandalf was happy of the decision that Pippin made, especially since he warned to stay quite and to himslef. However, becasue of the fact that Gandlaf decides to honor Pippins decision, I also believe that he is somewhat proud of him for taking a firm stand and act of commitment to Denethor.
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