Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Wisdom and Traveling
Although it is a simple note, I have been somewhat intrigued by the progression of the four hobbit's characters. I feel that Tolkien has done a great job at improving their apparent wisdom gained through traveling. We mentioned wisdom (minimally learning from experiences) and traveling at the very beginning of this semester and I have really enjoyed the character development as reading progresses. Yes, they do still have a few slips in their decisions, but I was wondering if any one else felt the same way.
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8 comments:
Yes, I had thought that as well. I think particularly lately, it seems that the hobbits are all forming their own personality or characters.
One of my favorite moments recently was when the Orcs were discussing that whoever had got passed Shelob must have been a strong and terrible thing, and it was simple Sam. It seems that Sam has always been told and even thinks of himself as a simple hobbit with no power to fight anything. And now out of his love and devotion for his master, he has Orcs fearing what he had done.
And also with the commitments Merry and particularly Pippin have made to their lords, they are seen in a different light by those they fight with. They are respected and I think it gives them a certain confidence to do more. It seems that they truly are all part of the mission now, and not just travelers with the rest of the fellowship.
Yeah, I agree. I remember talking about this point early in the series. Not only did they leave the Shire but are wanting to keep going with the quest.
My favorite part of what we read recently has been when Sam put on the ring. It was neat to see use the power of the ring and so close to Sauron.
Commenting on what Rocky said, it is very interesting to see Sam put on the ring. But I also think that it is interesting that the book doesn't mention once that Sam felt influenced by the ring at all. He wore the ring for quite some time, or so it seemed, and nothing happened. I find that very interesting, and maybe that can be attributed to the strength of Sam's character.
I think that another way of looking at the "gaining wisdom" situation is to see it as losing innocence. I don't think that the two views are mutually exclusive, but rather parallel the Biblical account of Adam and Eve and the subsequent fall of Man. The hobbits gain much wisdom on a journey that causes them to lose their child-like innocence.
As a side note, the journey from innocence to wisdom can be marked geographically as well, with the Shire representing innocence of peril and Mordor the culmination of the knowledge of good and evil.
I guess it's like everyday life, people learn from their mistakes, and therefore, makes educated decisions on whats best for the future.
Another note: It sounds to me that when the ring gets placed on a character, they seem to lose self identity in a way. To me, Sam is gaining more power and wisdom. Is this correct?
Good point about gaining wisdom through traveling, although I would choose the term "perspective" which could be synonymous with wisdom. I think that wisdom can grow out of perspective, but it that is not a sufficient cause for wisdom.
I'll have to think more on this, but it is a very good point for consideration.
i found it pretty interesting how all the hobbits have evolved in character compared to their shire selves from the beginning of the fellow ship of the ring. At first all i really expected from pippin and merry were friends basically dragged along for the ride, but now each of the hobbits have built within themselves a niche in the fellowship. Compared to Boromir's actions theirs have far surpassed his deeds and thensome.
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