Postingan
THE LORD OF THE
RINGS – THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING
Novel Analysis
Proposed to
meet one assignment of Advances Reading
assignment
Lecturers: Yayan Suryana, S.Pd. M. Hum.
Prepared by:
Rossy Diana Devi A
(109060048)
3 –E
DEPARTEMENT
OF ENGLISH EDUCATION
FACULTY
OF TEACHING AND EDUCATIONAL SCIENCES
UNIVERSITY
OF SWADAYA GUNUNG JATI
CIREBON
2011
PREFACE
Praise is to
Allah SWT, turning to the author because of this grace and so the author can
sort paper entitled duty, Novel analyzis
“The Lord of The Ring The Fellowship of the Ring” given
task on a course Advances Reading
lecturer Mr. Yayan Suryana,
S.Pd. M. Hum.
Preparation of
this paper is arranged in a concise and simple so that in understanding more
easily understood by readers in general and writers in particular.
The author would
like to thank:
1. Mr. Yayan Suryana, S.Pd. M. Hum.
as the course instructor of Advances
Reading;
2. Parents
who have been given the motivation, encouragement and prayer;
- All friends FKIP English class E which always creates a family atmosphere in the classroom.
The author
realizes that in making this paper here are still shortages despite my best
writers. Therefore, for the sake of perfection and the paper subsequently
criticism very authors expect the reader suggestions.
Easy-hopefully
making this paper is useful for authors and readers in general, in particular.
Cirebon,
15 January 2012
Author
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE
..................................................................................................................... i
TABLE
OF CONTENTS ........................................................................................... ii
CAPHTER 1
ABOUT NOVEL................................................................................... 1
CAPHTER 2
NOVEL ANALYSIS............................................................................. 2
A. Background .................................................................................................. 2
B. Synopsis ........................................................................................................ 3
C. Kinds and Type of Novel.............................................................................. 4
D. Theme and Moral .......................................................................................... 5
E. Plot and Summary......................................................................................... 8
F. Characteristics ............................................................................................ 36
G. Point of View.............................................................................................. 39
H. Chronology ................................................................................................. 40
CHAPTER
3 CLOSING ........................................................................................... 44
CHEPTER I
 |
about the book
The
Fellowship of the Ring
1st edition
1st edition
Author : J. R. R. Tolkien
Language : English
Genre(s) : Fantasy
Publisher : George Allen & Unwin[1]
Publication date : July 24, 1954
Page :
531
Followed by : The Two Towerrs
CHAPTER
2
NOVEL ANALYSIS
A. Background
"The Lord of the Rings" is the
greatest trilogy, and it immortalized the name of its creator. It consists of
three parts: "The Fellowship of the Ring", "The Two Towers"
and "The Return of the King". The plot is based on the struggle for
the Ring of Power, which was forged by Sauron, the Dark Lord, long long ago.
The trilogy is a logical sequence of a no
less famous fairy tale by Tolkien "The Hobbit" as well as the second part
of the Red Book of Westmarch - the main chronicle of the Third Age of
Middle-earth. "The Lord of the Rings" belongs to the genre of an
epic, has many plots and a great number of main and secondary characters.
Tolkien had been writing "The Lord of
the Rings" for more than 10 years. He wrote the first chapters in 1939
after the success of "The Hobbit". The trilogy was published first in
1954-1955. In his letter to Carole Batten-Phelps the writer affirms that he
wrote "The Lord of the Rings" for his own pleasure as an attempt to
create a major work. Tolkien never thought that his fantasy adventure would
become so famous worldwide. The writer's friend, C.S. Lewis, who wrote a review
for the first part of "The Lord of the Rings", didn't believe the
book would be a success either. However, his fears proved groundless.
The epic "The Lord of the Rings"
became a real treasure of English Literature of the XX century. All the time
critics find new ideas and draw analogies with reality. "The Lord of the
Rings" formed the basis of such a literary genre as fantasy - a branch of
fiction, which is based on mythological and historical traditions with a grain
of magic. It became a so-called Bible for other writers working in this genre.
B.
Synopsis
The Fellowship of the Ring is the first book in The
Lord of the Rings trilogy. This story is set in the world of Tolkien's
invention, known as Middle Earth. A specter of evil is looming over Middle
Earth as the Dark Lord, Sauron, seeks to consolidate his already immense power, by
reclaiming the One Ring that he has lost. Most of his power is held in this
ring. With this power, he can enslave Middle Earth and unleash an incredible
evil with little opposition. In the story of The Hobbit, a hobbit called Bilbo Baggins has stolen the ring from a
hideous creature called Gollum. Somehow, this ring ends up with Frodo Baggins, Bilbo's nephew and all of a
sudden, Frodo is at the center of this epic drama involving the ring that he
knows very little about.
The wizard, Gandalf,
warns Frodo that he should leave the shire and keep the ring out of Sauron's
hands. They meet a fellow named Tom Bombadil who helps them get out of trouble
when they are faced with the Nine Black Riders. Later, they meet Strider/Aragorn
and they continue safely to the country of the elves. Frodo recuperates from a
wound and he is healed by Elrond. At the Council of Elrond it is decided that
the ring must be destroyed at the Cracks of Doom. This is many miles away, deep
inside the evil lands of Mordor. The Fellowship of the ring is established,
including nine individuals in all.
Gandalf meets his end on the Bridge of Khazad-dum, attempting
to defend the company from the evil Balrog. The group must continue without
him, heading south, into Lorien, a forest of elves. Here, the Lady Galadriel
offers comfort and security for a time. Frodo grows in knowledge and maturity
and he becomes more resolved to fulfill his mission. His resolve is further
tested when Boromir
tries to steal the ring from him. In the end, Frodo knows that he must fulfill
his duty but he does not want to endanger his friends any further, nor does he
want to solicit their opinions for he knows that they will change his mind. In
the end, Frodo continues alone - though Sam soon finds him and refuses to do
anything other than accompany him, heading towards the evil land of Mordor.
C. Kinds and Type of Novel
The Lord of the Rings is an epic high fantasy
novel written by J. R. R. Tolkien. The story began as a sequel
to Tolkien's earlier fantasy book The Hobbit and soon developed into a much
larger story. It was written in stages between 1937 and 1949, with much of it
being written during World War II.[1]
It was originally published in three volumes in 1954 and 1955,[2]
and has since been reprinted numerous times and translated into at least 38
different languages,[3]
becoming one of the most popular works in twentieth-century literature.
There’s no doubt that Lord of the Rings would be number one
fantasy book. Tolkien’s ability to create a realistic world endowed with
diverse characters, amazing places and frightening monster is unequalled.
The writing itself sets it above most fantasy; some of the
descriptions are simply stunning and bring the places to life in your
imagination; the songs and poems are superb; the character descriptions leave
nothing unknown about a character, by the time you’ve finished Lord of the
Rings you know everything (good and bad) about the major characters.
Lord of the Rings has probably influenced more writing than
any other book out there; take a look at 90% of fantasy and you’ll see much
that has been influenced, and at times much that has simply been copied out of
the imagination of Tolkien.
The action in The
Lord of the Rings is set in what the author conceived to be the lands of
the real Earth, inhabited by humanity but placed in a fictional past, before
our history but after the fall of his version of Atlantis, which he calls Númenor.
Tolkien gave this setting a modern English
name, Middle-earth,
a rendering of the Old English Middangeard.
The story concerns peoples such as Hobbits, Elves, Men, Dwarves, Wizards, and Orcs (called goblins in The Hobbit), and centers on the Ring of Power
made by the Dark Lord Sauron.
Starting from quiet beginnings in The Shire, the story ranges across Middle-earth
and follows the courses of the War of the
Ring. The main story is followed by six appendices that provide a
wealth of historical and linguistic background material, as well as an index
listing every character, place, song,
and sword.
Along with Tolkien's other writings, The Lord of the Rings has been subjected to extensive analysis
of its literary themes and origins. Although a major work in itself, the story
is merely the last movement of a larger mythological
cycle, or legendarium, that Tolkien had worked on for many years since 1917.
Influences on this earlier work, and on the story of The Lord of the Rings, include philology,
mythology
and religion, as well as earlier fantasy works and Tolkien's experiences in World War I.
The Lord of the Rings in its
turn is considered to have had a great impact on modern fantasy, and the impact
of Tolkien's works is such that the use of the words "Tolkienian" and
"Tolkienesque" have been recorded in the Oxford English Dictionary.
The immense and enduring popularity of The Lord of the Rings has led to numerous references in popular
culture, the founding of many societies by fans of
Tolkien's works, and a large number of books about Tolkien and his
works being published. The Lord of the
Rings has inspired (and continues to inspire) short stories, video games, artworks and musical works
(see Works inspired by J. R. R. Tolkien).
Numerous adaptations of Tolkien's works have been made for a wide range of
media. Adaptations of The Lord of the Rings in
particular have been made for the radio, for the theatre, and for film. The
2001–2003 release of the Lord of
the Rings film trilogy saw a surge of interest in The Lord of the Rings and Tolkien's
other works
D. Theme
and Moral
v Theme
Since the
publication of The Lord of the Rings
by J. R. R. Tolkien,
a wealth of secondary literature has been published discussing the literary themes
and archetypes present in the story.
Tolkien also wrote about the themes of his book in letters to friends, family
and fans, and also in the book itself. In his Foreword to the Second Edition,
Tolkien said that he "disliked allegory in all its forms" (using the
word applicability instead),
and told those claiming the story was a metaphor for World War II
to remember that he had lost "all but one" of his close friends in World War I
Addiction
Gollum, who
shows many traits of an addict like withdrawing himself and becoming suspicious
and angry at anyone. But also Bilbo and Frodo have been found to exhibit signs
of an essential addiction to the One Ring.
Courage
Courage in the
face of certain defeat is a recurring theme in Tolkien's literature. As he
wrote in The Monsters and the Critics,
Tolkien was inspired by the apocalyptical Norse legend of Ragnarök where the gods are
doomed in their final battle for the world but they and their allies do not
mind their death.
Wisdom
One of the
major themes of this novel is the idea of wisdom; throughout the story, Frodo
and his companions rely upon the wisdom and knowledge of their protectors.
Gandalf and Tom Bombadil are both examples of figures that are so wise that they
seem to embody the very idea of history or time, itself. Wisdom is especially
crucial in Frodo's tribulations with the Ring. It takes wisdom for him to
reject the temptations to wear the Ring; he also demonstrates his increased
wisdom as he learns to hold his tongue. Again and again, wise characters are
marked by their ability to wear a "poker face" and hold their tongue.
Sight and
surveillance
One thing that
we must remember--obvious as it might seem--is the fact that our characters are
on the run. Like most heroes, they have a quest and a journey but, unlike most
heroes, they are also hiding from their numerous enemies. As a result, this
literary work develops the themes of sight and surveillance. We have images
like Sauron's evil Eye, the mirror of Galadriel and the Black Riders who are
unable to see; we also factor in the repeated instances of attacks and ambushes
at night, when the danger cannot be clearly seen. Usually, the ability to see
clearly is a metaphor for prudence, morality and steadfastness. In this work,
the idea of sight is twisted into so many different images and metaphors. One
cannot forget the horror, in the final chapter, when the evil eye of Sauron is
awakened and aware of Frodo's spying upon it.
Fate
Fate is a major
operator in the trilogy, and never more so than at the very beginning. At the
Council of Elrond, it seems clear that only Fate would have brought a timid
hobbit through such an obstacle course. The numerous prophecies regarding the
ring, its bearer and other travelers like Strider/Aragorn all substantiate the
powerful role of Fate. And as is expected, Fate is unpredictable and
unknowable. The relationship between fate and will power is especially
interesting in Frodo's case because it is only after he is convinced that he is
fated for this journey, that he develops the necessary will power and wisdom to
survive the challenge.
Individual
responsibility
Despite the
powerful role of fate and prophecy, Tolkien also defends the role of free will
in individual decision-making. This is fully dramatized when Frodo has to make
a conscious decision to remove the ring from his finger. Also, we can look at
Gandalf's warning at the Council of Elrond, that the ring cannot simply be
dumped into the sea, because it will surely be found again. Instead of leaving
the ring to Fate, Gandalf argues that they must take responsibility and
eliminate the potential danger.
v Moral
There
are so many morals portrayed in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Friendship,
loyalty, honesty, selflessness, devotional love, obedience, humility - these
are just to name a few. Also one of the overall themes is that power corrupts
and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
E. Plot
Summary
Book I, Chapter One: A Long
Expected Party
The story begins with the eleventy-first birthday
party of Mr. Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who has been a bit of
a celebrity in the shire for many years. He is a wealthy hobbit and he has many
friends and admirers. One of his younger cousins is Frodo Baggins who Bilbo has adopted as an
heir. Since Frodo and Bilbo have the same birthday (September 22) they plan to
share a party and a lot of excited gossip precedes the party. The fireworks of
the wizard, Gandalf, who has carts of his equipment and magic stuff sent
in advance, provide entertainment. As a social event, the party is successful.
Bilbo makes an announcement to the crowd, saying that
he is "immensely fond of you all" but "this is the END. I am
going. I am leaving NOW. GOOD-BYE!" After saying this, Bilbo vanishes.
This is on account of a magic ring that he has obtained in an adventure (that
is described in detail in Tolkien's book, The Hobbit). Bilbo then reappears inside of his home, well away from the party. Bilbo
is leaving for the city of the elves, which is known as Rivendell and he has
left everything to his heir, Frodo. It is the wise wizard Gandalf who convinces
Bilbo that he should also turn over the magical ring that he had won from a
creature called Gollum. By this time, however, Bilbo is already a little
attached to the ring (mainly for the powers of invisibility that it offers).
Throughout the novel, we will find that this ring holds a special power over
the bearer.
Bilbo offers the ring to Gandalf but in the end
Gandalf suggests that the ring be given to Frodo. Some of the other belongings
are distributed to neighbors, friends and relatives. Gandalf remains with Frodo
and Bilbo heads off on his new adventure. This is really not a permanent
farewell and three will be reunited quite a while later.
Analysis:
Bilbo's somewhat callous disregard for his invitees is
a foreshadowing of the more serious evil and disregard for others that will
overwhelm a regular wearer of the ring. Indeed, the reader should be well aware
of Bilbo's uncharacteristic aggression in regards to the ring. Basically, the
ring has begun to taint him in an evil way. The contrast between Bilbo and
Frodo can be seen in Frodo's silence and contemplative attitude and Bilbo's
fascination with the humor and potential for suspense that the ring offers. The
characterization of the wizard, Gandalf, shows the more common unity of age and
symbolic wisdom.
One of the allusions to Christian traditional
narratives is in Frodo's age and the understanding that hobbits do not reach
the "coming of age" until 33 - the age at which Christ was crucified.
We can expect Frodo to mature along his voyage in the trilogy, as he is now 33
years old. It is ironic, that Frodo is younger and more modest than Bilbo, his
elder. Gandalf is both wise and old and he demonstrates his wisdom in his
refusal to take the ring for himself. In a sense, the tension between
possession of the ring and actually wearing it can be seen as a metaphor for
will power to overcome temptation. Gandalf knows too much about the ring's
power and so he knows not to tempt temptation, or to tempt fate as it would be.
On a thematic level, we can see how the story's humble
beginnings are entirely based upon chance details - the "back-story"
of The Hobbit is certainly important, but the ring was only a minor detail of
that story. Moreover, there is a heavy-handed use of fate throughout Tolkien's
trilogy. Frodo is the heir who receives Bilbo's belongings, but he certainly
inherits his destiny in the transaction. There is an element of dramatic irony
involved in the fact that the readers will come to learn far more about Frodo's
journey, the ring's history and the nature of the Middle Earth, well before
young Frodo does. This also serves to increase the level of suspense - a
necessary ingredient in a good science fiction/fantasy work.
Book I, Chapter Two: The Shadow
of the Past
The story continues quite some time after the birthday
party featured in Chapter One, though Frodo, as he ages and Bilbo remains
unseen, continues to celebrate the feast. Gandalf has another meeting with
Frodo and to be sure, the wizard is not entirely welcome in the shire. Gandalf
is benevolent and well-meaning, but the hobbits want Frodo to settle down and
cultivate some "hobbit-sense" as opposed to the magic of Gandalf and
whatever caused Bilbo to disappear. (Indeed, Bilbo had always been in troubles
of a magical nonsensical variety).
Gandalf does not have very good news for Frodo, as is
overheard by a hobbit named San Gamgee - and of course, the news involves the
ring that has been left to Frodo. When Gandalf informs Frodo that the ring is
incredibly powerful, Frodo replies that he had been warned in a letter and that
he has worn the ring on his neck and not actually worn it on his finger.
Gandalf replies that this is very wise and he then proceeds to explain the
history of the ring and the imminent danger that looms over Frodo. Frodo's interjection:
"How terrifying" is a good indicator of how out of the ordinary the
ring's history is - as opposed to the humble, peaceable life of a hobbit.
The history of Frodo's ring is as follows: After
Gandalf saw the negative effects on Bilbo, he suspected that they had a Great
Ring of elfish creation, on their hands. With Frodo, Gandalf tosses the ring
into a fire and ancient runes in the language of Mordor appear on the ring.
These confirm the ring's great and evil power: "One Ring to rule them all,
One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind
them." Frodo's ring belongs, in fact, to Sauron, the Dark Lord who desires to claim the ring.
Of course, the ring's history contains a fair share of
battle, bloodshed and changing of hands. Isildur stole it from the Dark Lord
and it was lost after Isildur's death - only to be found by Deagol, who was
murdered by his brother Smeagol, who metamorphosed into Gollum - the creature
that Bilbo stole the ring from in The Hobbit. Gollum then went down into the
land of evil, called Mordor, and joined forces with Sauron, notifying him that
Bilbo Baggins has possession of the ring. Armed with this information, Sauron
and his henchmen are on their way to the shire to get the ring. Gandalf advises
that Frodo make haste and escape with the help of Sam Gamgee. The ring has to be destroyed or else the Middle
Earth remains in perpetual peril of Sauron - for he can do great evil with the
power of the ring and basically enslave the Free People, hobbits and elves
included. Unfortunately, Orodruin, a fiery mountainous fortress, is the only
place where the ring can be destroyed. And of course, Orodruin is in the evil
land of Mordor. Hence, the story begins in earnest. Frodo must avoid the evil
contaminating power of the ring, escape the henchmen out to apprehend him, and
see that the ring is destroyed. At least he has Gandalf on his side, and more
help is sure to come.
Analysis:
The tone of the novel becomes immediately bleak as the
battle lines are drawn and the very existence of war is presented. Just as
Frodo's continuation of the birthday celebrations is to be a symbol of his
steadfastness and the depth of his character (something that the hobbits are
known for), the allegory of Bilbo's ascension/vanishing act certainly parallels
the Christian narrative of Christ's ascension. This is not so much in the
technical details as in the subsequent gossip, philosophizing and debate over
whether the subject in question is dead or alive. Nonetheless, the
juxtaposition between Bilbo's elder jollity and Frodo's younger burdened
position remains at the center of the story.
The narrative of the ring is important in establishing
the fact that as far as characterization is concerned, Frodo is the hero of
this epic - not Bilbo. Without reading into Tolkien's mind too much, it does
seem reasonable to question whether the erasure of Bilbo is a strategy designed
to take the older, already famous character (from the previously published
novel, The Hobbit) and squarely put him in the background. The narrative
structure of the novel is all the more interesting within this context because "The
Shadow of the Past" is one of the key passages that "builds" the
world of the Middle Earth. The larger novel is part of a trilogy, but that
trilogy is part of a larger literary world. With the novel's copious references
to characters, venues and classifications of beings (living nature, races of
elves, hobbits, etc.), the reader should be well aware that Tolkien has created
another world to parallel the world that we know. One consequence of writing
science-fiction or fantasy is that no detail is random because nothing is taken
for granted (for example: gravity, permanence of visibility, numerical
sequence, cause and effect).
Tolkien was an Oxford professor, among other things,
and in fact his work is considered by some literary critics to be a modern
mythology rather than mere science-fiction. This is mostly because Tolkien
intended a "moral" to his story, or at least, he wrote his story with
the human condition as a constant philosophical concern. Reading about the
hobbits offers an insight into human struggles - Tolkien's battles are not
fantasy battles without moral relevance to everyday life.
Again, we are presented with the argument that the
past heavily determines and foreshadows the future. Certainly, Tolkien's
division of the Middle Earth's history into different "ages" of
civilization forces the reader to confront these ideas. The story can only
proceed by taking minute details of the past and expanding them. Tolkien's
overriding philosophy, a heady mixture of Christianity and post WW2 trauma,
presents a world where good and evil are painted in starkly archetypal forms,
light and dark with high contrast and hardly anything morally gray to speak of.
Indeed, the "gray" is only a symbol of indecision or a lack of
steadfastness - a negative, to be sure. By the end of Chapter 2, the reader
should have a sense that the unfolding trilogy will launch a war between good
and evil; Frodo's role is not precisely certain, but good will win out in the
end. The matter of the story is in discovering exactly how good will win. The
ring, a symbol for the power of evil, an image of power and an archetypal gift
that represents both hope and fate (inheritance) remains at the center of our
attention.
Book I, Chapter Three: Three is
Company
Gandalf is rather direct in the warning that he issues
to Frodo at the start of the chapter: "You ought to go quietly, and you
ought to go soon." Frodo takes quite a while to get ready for his
departure though as he was very comfortable living at Bag End, Bilbo's house in
the shire. Frodo does not know precisely where he is going to go and Gandalf
explains a good deal to him about the necessary for secrecy. Frodo sells Bag
End and he heads for Rivendell, which is the elf-town in the east. Apparently,
this is where Bilbo was headed when he departed town.
As is expected, Frodo's sale of Bag End is a subject
of gossip and most of the hobbits believe that when Frodo moved in with the
help of a friend named Merry Brandybuck, he intended to stay in the little
house in a place called Crickhollow. Meanwhile, Gandalf remains in the shire
for about two months and in his next encounter with Frodo, he reiterates the
warning concerning the ring: "don't use it!" Frodo still seems to be
more concerned about his relatives, the Sackville-Bagginses and the inheritance
of the belongings that he has left at Bag End. Packing continues with the help
of Merry and Fredegar "Fatty" Bolger.
Frodo is now surrounded by a small company of
compatriots: Sam, his father (who is a gaffer), Merry and Pippin. Frodo makes his way to
Crickhollow, which is in Buckland, and not a moment too soon, for as they are
leaving he overhears a voice asking questions about his location and departure.
On the road, Frodo and the group hear hoof steps coming behind them and Frodo
is overwhelmed with fear. The group goes into the shrubbery on the side of the
road. The mysterious rider is dark and black, the face is obscured but the
intent seems clearly ominous. Sam identifies the figure as the person who was
asking questions earlier. The dark rider is scared away by the elves that
arrive on the scene, singing. They keep the hobbits for the night and protect
them, but they are gone in the morning.
Analysis:
One of the leading contributors to the ominous tone of
the chapter is Gandalf's hushed warnings to Frodo. Indeed, the repetition of
unknown danger is both an open-door to foreshadowing and a way to keep the tone
largely negative despite the largely positive outlook and lifestyle of the shire.
The contrast between the road ahead and the idyllic life at home could not be
anymore severe. This traveler's burden is part of the archetypal quest story.
It is well worth knowing that Tolkien studied the
ancient and medieval stories of knights and in fact edited a version of the
classic work Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, famous for its overlaying of
Anglo-Saxon pagan images and newer Christian ones. (The pubs that are called
"Ivy Bush and Green Dragon" are puns that refer to English landscape
and mythology as a way of slightly lightening the mood.) The stark images of good
and evil, light and dark seem to have an opposite effect in the scenes
describing Frodo's departure from the shire en route to the "Cracks of
Doom." The portrayal of Bag End as "sad and gloomy and
disheveled" is a foreshadowing of the high cost of war for the Hobbit
village but it also signals that Frodo's old life is over.
Time is an important issue, plot-wise and symbolically
as well, for Frodo has aged and matured; he is ready for the quest. Ironically,
it is the pleasant summer time and the joviality and slack pace of hobbit-life
further bolster the idea that this is the wrong time to be doing anything
strenuous or dangerous. Frodo's desire to throw another birthday party is
perhaps a strain of this same Hobbit simplicity that seems to resist acknowledging
the troubles ahead. The descent of the story into the night and night imagery
reflects the inevitability of the dark and looming voyage ahead. Frodo cannot
avoid his fate, which seems to be advancing like clockwork. Gandalf has the
role of offering history to the reader and guidance to Frodo. As a narrative
device, Gandalf tends to plainly state the overriding urgencies of the plot
line and the guiding philosophies of the writer. Frodo, in contrast, says
little. His actions are a response to the urgencies of the story and from them,
we can infer a broader sense of how Tolkien views life.
Book I, Chapter Four: A Short Cut
to Mushrooms
Frodo has been protected by the elves, which are among
the Free People, opposed to the evil Sauron. He wakes up from his sleep in the
ferns and feels quite refreshed. Sam and Pippin are with him and they enjoy the
food that the elves have left. Frodo announces that the plan for the day is to
walk to Bucklebury as soon as possible. Unfortunately, there are bound to be more
Black Riders ahead. After offering his perspective on the dangers ahead, Frodo
asks Sam if he is still willing to accompany him on the journey. Sam eagerly
swears his loyalty, saying, "if any of those Black Riders try to stop
[Frodo], they'll have Sam Gamgee to reckon with." This lightens the scene
a bit.
Understandably, Frodo does not want to risk being seen
on the road and so the company takes several detours into the countryside
rather than traveling on the road. Even with this precaution, they cannot avoid
coming across Black Riders, though they successful navigate their way through
the scene. As the chapter comes to a close, Frodo adjusts the course yet again
and the company arrives at the mushroom plantation of Farmer Maggot. Frodo knows Maggot from his
youth and the farmer transports them in a covered wagon. They are heading to
the ferry of the Brandywine river and soon enough, Merry is present on the
scene to ferry them into Buckland.
Analysis:
The phrase "short cuts make long delays" is
indicative of the suspense that Tolkien employs in the chapter. The Black
Riders are certainly a symbol of evil, but there is still the persistent
contrast offered by the hobbit's imagery of leisure and enjoyment. They engage
in singing, drinking and even the names "Brandywine" and
"Merry" seem positive - though Brandywine is, of course, the site of
a historical battle. In short, the story seems to be as circuitous as Frodo's journey.
Things that seem negative are suddenly positive and vice versa. In archetypal
terms, day and night are opposed to one another and it is no surprise that
chapter four's day journey is safer and more protected than the bleaker night
journey of the previous chapter.
The characterization of Frodo reflects a certain level
of depth that hadn't been present before. In the not too distant past, Frodo
was tempted to put the ring on - he is already susceptible to this temptation.
At the same time, his inner sense is molding him into a leader, for he has
managed to navigate safely and seek help despite his innate inability. For some
reason, fate is guided Frodo despite himself and he is even able to assert a
bit of nobility in the scene where he parallels a sacrificial hero who seeks to
turn away his companions so that they are not endangered. This foreshadows the
conclusion of Part One, when Frodo will decide to journey alone.
Book I, Chapter Five:
A Conspiracy Unmasked
The hobbits continue along Ferry Lane and when they approach the
ferry, Merry leads the way over the Brandywine River. The friendly Bucklander
people, who were very fond of boats, inhabit this area of the marsh. As they
are traveling, the hobbits realize that they are being followed by a dark
shrouded figure. They hurry and narrowly escape. Soon they arrive at Frodo's
new home in Crickhollow, which does look very much like his old home. Fatty
Bolger greets them and the group is soon merry and jovial with plenty of food
and drink abounding.
In discussing Frodo's future, the hobbits express their
desire to help Frodo on his adventure but Frodo expresses misgivings.
Eventually, his friends are forced to admit that they know much of the secrets
involving Bilbo's disappearance, Gandalf's
advice and the ring enabling its bearer to disappear. At first, Frodo is
horrified that his friends would spy on him but in the end, he is comforted by
the extent of their willingness to protect him and the sacrifices they are
willing to make on his behalf in spite of their limited knowledge. Planning the
journey, for Frodo cannot stay long, it is agreed that the group will avoid the
main road so as to elude the Black Riders. But this forces them to sojourn in
the Old Forest - a rather unpalatable option. Fatty Bolger remains at
Crickhollow to keep up appearances; he will also brief Gandalf on what has
transpired whenever Gandalf arrives.
Analysis:
This chapter foreshadows the future difficulties of the
journey and of Fatty Bolger's role as a sentinel. The archetypal Old Forest,
briefly mentioned here, will become more important in Chapter Six. The images
of dark and light are also very archetypal in this work as it is in all of
Tolkien's writing: dark vs. light = evil vs. good. The Black Rider can be
juxtaposed with the lamps of the shire. The shire can also be read as an
allusion to Britain and the English country life (the Bucklanders especially).
Finally, two of the narrative's dominant themes are treated here. The first
theme concerns the idea of "home;" especially as Tolkien's world is a
fictional one, it is interesting to note how important home is for Frodo, who
lives in a world that does not exist. Nonetheless, he suffers the same pangs of
homesickness that afflict all heroes who are on a quest. The second theme,
involving the truthfulness and trustworthiness of Frodo's friends is ultimately
a question of character that recurs throughout the novel.
Book I, Chapter Six:
The Old Forest
Frodo wakes up and finds Merry urging him to get ready to go.
The others are already awake and time is of the essence. Soon after six o'clock
they are ready to leave and Fatty Bolger accompanies them for a bit, before
returning to Crickhollow. Merry leads the company along a Hedge until he
reaches the entrance of the Old Forest. At this point, the hobbits enter,
intending to take a very direct route that avoids traveling through the center
of this rather formidable place. At one point, they find a place called Bonfire
Glade and this location affords them a view of the forest, the large tracts of
land that they still have to cross - and it is also a respite from the dense
thick forest.
Bonfire Glade is also a piece of evidence attesting to the
difficult and awkwardly strained relationship between the hobbits and nature.
The trees attack the hobbits and the hobbits respond in kind. At one point in
their journey, the group encounters some of this hostility first-hand. Trees
shift to block the straight-forward route, edging the caravan deeper into the
center of the Old Forest. Roots jut out from the ground in order to trip the
ponies. Ultimately, an especially aggressive tree called Old Man Willow
encircles two of the hobbits and they are trapped inside of the tree.
Fortunately, a fellow by the name of Tom Bombadil is passing through the area
and he is very well acquainted with the antics of Old Man Willow. He rescues
the hobbits and brings them to safety in his own residence. Again, the company
has been saved.
Analysis:
One of the recurring scenes of this novel is the near escape
of the awkward and naïve group. One of the ironies of the story is that the
heroes are not innately heroic; they only survive with the help of others. One
development as the trilogy unfolds focuses on Frodo's maturation into a true
and more independent hero. Until then, we find a host of side characters that
are created with a specific utility in mind. Bombadil is the necessary
character at the necessary time and after he plays his role in this scene, the
story continues without him.
As for archetypes, the conflict between the hobbits and the
Old Forest is very much like the basic struggles between humankind and nature.
The Bonfire Glade is a symbol of the discord that is now rampant in Middle
Earth. This chapter also shows how animated nature is in the world of Tolkien.
This is not to say that the Old Forest is necessarily evil and/or on the side
of Sauron
- but they are not vegetative entities without their own agendas. Finally, the
characterization of Tom Bombadil as a wise nature-man reinforces the idea of
Middle Earth as a mysterious place in which wisdom and knowledge are both
extremely valuable. Indeed, one of the major themes of the work concerns wisdom
and knowledge: we see this in the ring, in the advice of Gandalf and now with
Bombadil who we might consider as a stand-in for Gandalf until he arrives.
Book I, Chapter Seven:
In the House of Tom Bombadil
When the hobbits enter Tom Bombadil's house, his wife,
Goldberry, greets them. She has long blond hair and she is wearing a green
gown; she is surrounded by water lilies and she looks like she is enthroned as
a queen. She tells them to "laugh and be merry" and also to
"fear nothing! For tonight you are under the roof of Tom Bombadil."
Tom escorts the hobbits to a room where they are able to wash themselves and
prepare for a meal. Because they are in the company of Tom Bombadil, the
hobbits are very merry and their fears subside. They are surprised to discover
that they are singing out loud at the table. That night, Frodo dreams about the
Black Riders and when he wakes in the middle of the night, he questions his own
courage. It is not long, though, before he falls asleep again. The hobbits
spend the next day in Bombadil's house because of the impending rain.
During the day, the hobbits listen to Tom's many stories that
really comprise a history of the region. Both Tom and the Old Forest are old
survivors who have seen many things. Tom explains that he is "Eldest"
and that he "was here before the river and the trees." Later in the
evening, Tom plies the hobbits with questions, though he already knows much of
their story. The hobbits show him the ring and when he puts it on his finger,
he does not disappear. The hobbits are a little concerned, but Tom keeps them calm
and they settle down for the night.
Analysis:
One interesting feature of Tolkien's characterization of the
heroes is the fact of their dependence upon so many sources of aid. This group
is not independent and they only survive because of their good fortune. Tom
Bombadil is a character from Tolkien's earlier writing and he provides a
greater context for the world in which the trilogy takes place. In this
chapter, Tolkien's personification of the Old Forest is intense. Like Bombadil,
the forest is "ancient, a survivor of vast forgotten woods;" more
important, however, is the fact that "the countless years had filled them
with pride and rooted wisdom, and with malice" - human (or at least,
animal) characteristics. Again, "nature" in Tolkien's world is not
simple vegetable life.
On a thematic level, this chapter focuses on the theme of
hospitality, which is important not only because the travelers have left their
homes but also because the travelers are surrounded by enemies. Tom Bombadil is
also associated with various images of nature and growth, indicating to the
reader that he is a character that the hobbits can trust. We can look at the
meal that they share as a symbol of the bond between them. Throughout the
story, we will see how true bonds of allegiance and, in Bombadil's case,
patient kind-heartedness, produce very strong relationships between strangers.
Book I, Chapter Eight:
Fog on the Barrow-Downs
The night is fairly quiet until Frodo hears a sweet singing
sound while he is sleeping. After breakfast, the hobbits leave Bombadil's house
and a little bit later, while they are on the road, they look back in the
direction of the house and they see Goldberry waving at them. Goldberry
encourages them and reminds them to hold to their purpose. The group continues,
moving along the road as it slowly transforms into a valley, which is only
followed by more valleys. After a few hours, they see that they are descending
into the forest. They wake up, after a few hours of unintended sleep, feeling
groggy and miserable.
they travel, a cold,
damp mist that seems to be entrapping them surrounds the hobbits. Darkness
looms ahead and Frodo hopes that they have found the north-gate of the
Barrow-downs, their exit from the forest. Instead, Frodo falls into the darkness
and finds himself alone - even his pony is gone. Frodo calls out for Sam,
Pippin and Merry but he cannot find them; then, he hears cries of "help,
help!" An evil-sounding voice groans from the ground and the last thing
Frodo remembers is an icy grip that seizes him. Frodo wakes up and discovers
that he is trapped inside of a barrow. Frodo makes his way to the others and
finds that they are under a magical spell, soon to be killed. When Frodo hears
an evil song (incantation) in the air, he calls for Tom Bombadil, who soon
appears on the scene. The hobbits are saved (again) and Tom banishes the
barrow-wight from the region. The hobbits are reunited with their ponies and
Bombadil travels with them until they make their way out of the forest. They
continue on, heading for an old inn called The Prancing Pony, located in the
town of Bree.
Analysis:
This is a work within the "fantasy" genre and in
creating the hobbits' world, Tolkien relies upon his academic and literary
interest in medireview literature. Goldberry's characterization is much in line
with the traditional stories of knights and ladies (who encourage the
warriors). Her hair and her dress are both described as flag/banner images
another medireview tradition. The barrow-wight that stores up treasures is an
allusion to Grendel's mother, the fearsome villain in the Anglo-Saxon epic,
Beowulf. Another simile describes her as "small and slender like a sunlit
flower" but only after she has completed her role. A recurring motif in
this chapter, and several others, is the power of sleep and forgetfulness as a
magical force. Again and again, the hobbits find themselves sleepy, groggy or
unconscious. Down in the barrows, the sleep is a metaphor for death, just as
the barrows are metaphorical graves. Consequently, Frodo hears voices from the
earth, fears for his own life and feels an "icy touch" grip him.
Book I, Chapter Nine:
At The Sign of the Prancing Pony
Bree is the main town in Bree-land and the men (humans) in
Bree are friendly and familiar with Hobbits, Dwarves, Elves and other non-human
inhabitants of the region. When they make their way to The Prancing Pony, the
hobbits find that they are not the only guests. Frodo takes on an alias (Mr.
Underhill) because he does not want to find any trouble with the Black Riders.
A man called Barliman Butterbur runs the establishment. Inside the inn, the
hobbits find the Bree-hobbits to be rather inquisitive and nosy. Frodo becomes
especially worried when he sees an old, weather-beaten man in the corner of the
room, staring at the new arrivals. This man is called Strider and Frodo worries
that he is in league with the Black Riders.
Meanwhile, Pippin (whose alias is "Took") has
become a drunken spectacle. He is telling the story of Bilbo's farewell party
and Frodo is worried that Pippin will unwittingly reveal the secret of the ring
in recounting Bilbo's disappearance. Trying to mend the situation, Frodo takes
the attention from Pippin by standing on top of the table and beginning a comic
song. He is nervous and so he starts fidgeting in his pockets and he
accidentally slips the ring onto his finger. He vanishes - accidentally.
Panicking, he moves to the corner and joins Strider again. The hobbits want to
know how Mr. Underhill (Frodo) has managed to disappear and then reappear. Mr.
Underhill insists that he has done no such thing. The chapter ends just as the
innkeeper, Mr. Butterbur,
confronts Frodo, with an important message.
Analysis:
The narrative structure of this chapter should remind us that
Tolkien is still at the beginning of his story (remember, this is a trilogy).
Chapter Nine begins with a history of the region that offers parallels to our
world, partly because of Tolkien's idea of "Westernesse" and partly
because there are "Big People" (humans) in this part of the story.
Strider's character is introduced here and he only grows in importance, in
chapter ten. Frodo is fearful of Strider and Tolkien adds an element of
suspense to the story, until Chapter Ten confirms Strider's honor. Frodo and
his friends are always getting themselves into trouble and there is irony in
the fact that in the process of trying to repair the situation, Frodo only
makes everything worse.
Book I, Chapter Ten:
Strider
Strider goes to the hobbits' room and tells them that he has
some good advice to give them - if they will give him a reward. He wants to be
taken along. Frodo, of course, refuses to make a deal until he learns more
about Strider. Strider tells Frodo that he heard the hobbits talking, as they
arrived in Bree and created false names. Strider then reveals that he has been
looking for a hobbit named Frodo Baggins
and he is glad that he has found him. Strider tells Frodo that his accident
with the ring has made his position dangerous and he might find trouble with
various villains in the town (including a guy called Bill Ferny).
Mr. Butterbur comes to the room with a letter from Gandalf,
addressed to Frodo Baggins. The letter is a few months old and when Frodo reads
it, he realizes that Gandalf warned of danger well before the hobbits actually
left the Shire. Gandalf has also introduced Strider as another figure who can
be trusted. Under Strider's guidance, the hobbits put bolsters under the sheets
of their beds so that they appear to be in their rooms. Then, they move to the
parlor and sleep their while Strider watches over them.
Analysis:
This chapter confirms Strider's honor and he joins the list
of characters who offer to assist Frodo. While the hobbits are rather inept,
there is always help for them, just when they need it. Gandalf's letter
foreshadows a good deal of difficulty to come and even though the hobbits have
found two wise and powerful friends (Butterbur and Strider), the chapter ends
with a depressing and foreboding tone. It seems clear that the forces of evil
are as powerful as the hobbits are powerless. The hobbits move slow and steady
and they are prepared to end their day. But the narrative structure of the
preceding chapters (especially chapters seven and eight) should warn us that
the night is incredibly dangerous. There are nightmares within Frodo's head and
there are nightmarish figures in the world around Frodo. The repeated images
and motifs of the last few chapters should prepare the reader for Chapter
Eleven: "A Knife in the Dark."
Book I, Chapter
Eleven: A Knife in the Dark
While the hobbits are sleeping in the inn at Bree, Fatty
Bolger is kept awake at the house in Buckland. There are three black figures
roaming the house and there is a voice that says "Open, in the name of
Mordor." This breaks the door down but Fatty Bolger has already escaped to
the nearest house, more than a mile away. He is babbling but the villagers
understand that an invasion is underway and as they prepare for battle, the
black figures flee. After the wake, the hobbits return to their rooms and find
the bolsters slashed to pieces. The stable-doors had been opened in the night
and the ponies were gone. They are forced to buy an expensive pony from Bill
Ferny and they make their way out of Bree.
They travel off of the road and into the forest to avoid the
Black Riders and with Strider leading them, the hobbits have five days of
relative calm and security. Strider tells stories and sings old songs that
celebrate heroes and old rulers. He also warns them not to use the word
"Mordor" when they are outside. They soon find a message that Gandalf
has left, scratched into a tree, indicating that he had been at that location
on October 3 (3 days before them). Clearly he was in danger and could not leave
a longer message. The hobbits see black riders moving towards them and, of
course, they are frightened. Strider defends them well, using his firebrand.
Frodo is afraid and he gives into his temptation to put on the ring. Invisible,
Frodo is also more imperiled. He sees the riders clearly and one of them wears
a crown. He stabs Frodo with his knife and to defend himself, Frodo stabs at
the rider's feet and calls out: "O Elbereth! Githoniel!" With his
last effort, Frodo wisely removes the ring from his hand.
Analysis:
The motif of the song becomes especially important in this
chapter because ultimately, Frodo was saved not by his knife but by the phrase
"O Elbereth! Githoniel!" The parallel to this is the scene where
Strider warns Pippin not to use the evil word ("Mordor") so
flippantly. Also, the Black Riders used the same word to break Fatty Bolger's
door. The theme of language relates to the invented history of Tolkien's world
but it also plays into the battle between good and evil. We saw this in Chapter
One and Gandalf's explanation of the ring's creation. We also learn more about
the characters known as the Black Riders. They are amorphous in shape and
incredibly threatening. They use their horses to see and they can detect blood
(living creatures) and they instinctively seek out the presence of the ring.
Frodo must also come to terms with his own failings and temptations; this
temptation grows each time Frodo wears the ring.
Book I, Chapter
Twelve: Flight to the Ford
This is the last chapter of Book One. Frodo regains
consciousness and he asks the other hobbits about the "Pale King." It
is at this point that he realizes, that they did not see the Black Riders as
clearly as he did. Strider tends to Frodo's wound, and it is a good thing that
Strider is there to protect the group. He uses a medicinal plant called athelas
to tend to Frodo's wound but it is spreading numbness in Frodo's shoulder. The
next day, the group continues on the road and nothing really happens until they
come across the trolls that Gandalf turned to stone (in another story). The
hobbits are closer to the road to Rivendell and when they cross the Last
Bridge, they are greeted by an elf called Glorfindel. He knows Strider and in
fact, he has come from Rivendell to help them. Frodo is now on Glorfindel's
horse and Frodo's wound is poisonous. He is suffering strange depressing dreams
that alternate with reality.
As the chapter ends, the group arrives at the last river that
they must cross. Of course, Black Riders are right on their trail, at the Ford
of Bruinen. Frodo is on Glorfindel's horse and Glorfindel commands his horse to
head for the Ford, leaving the group behind. There are nine Black Riders trying
to ambush Frodo but Glorfindel's horse gets Frodo across the river in time. The
Riders follow Frodo's course and as they begin fording the river, they command
Frodo to join them and follow them to Mordor. Frodo is saved when whitewater
rapids come out of nowhere, briefly flooding the river and erasing three of the
Black Riders from the scene. The six Black Riders that remain are also lost
when their maddened horses plunge into the raging water.
Analysis:
Frodo's ring creates a greater contrast between the bearer
(Frodo) and the rest of the group. He is the only one that has seen the Pale
King, and at the end of the chapter, Frodo is alone on the opposite side of the
ford. He has regained some moral stature because in the crucial moment, he wins
- not by battling, but by remaining firm in his position. The scene where the
evil Black Riders are destroyed in the rapids is intended as an allusion to the
famous Old Testament story where Egyptian soldiers are chasing Moses and his
people. Stranded at the Red Sea, Moses parts the water leads his people across
the dry seabed and when the group is safely on the other side, the water rushes
back to its original position. The story ends as "the riders are thrown
into the sea." In contrast to the Old Forest, this force of nature works
to the favor of Frodo and his friends.
Book II, Chapter One:
Many Meetings
Frodo wakes up in bed, not knowing where he is. Gandalf
greets him and explains that he is in Elrond's house. Fortunately, everyone is
safe and Frodo's memory is returning to him slowly. Frodo has been talking in
his sleep, so Gandalf already knows most of his story; and what little Frodo
did not reveal, Gandalf could easily figure out on his own. Gandalf explains
his delay, recounting his own capture by the enemy. The Council is going to
meet and establish an appropriate plan regarding the ring.
Frodo is lucky that he was brought to Elrond, a master of
healing. Elrond is able to remove a splinter of the knife that the Pale King
used to attack Frodo. The sliver was drifting inside Frodo's body, towards his
heart, and it would have turned him into a wraith. Wearing the ring, put Frodo
halfway inside of the wraith-world where he could see the Black Riders and they
could see him. In these moments, Frodo was in the greatest danger. The Elves
are mighty warriors against the wraiths and the assistance of Glorfindel was
especially valuable. Rivendell is still safe and the Black Riders have been
blocked. Later on, Frodo also meets Bilbo and they have a conversation, all in
preparation for the Council that convenes the following day.
Analysis:
The activity of this chapter largely foreshadows the events
of Chapter Two. Frodo is able to get some much-needed recuperation and once
again, he is surrounded by powerful friends - Elrond, Gandalf, Strider - all of
whom are immensely skilled. The chapter provides a good deal of history,
regarding the elves, Strider and the Ring itself. Again, the theme of
hospitality is introduced and the wisdom of the older protectors is also of
importance.
Book II, Chapter Two:
The Council of Elrond
The day begins early and Frodo and Bilbo accompany Gandalf to
the Council meeting, which is full of representatives. One of the dwarves
explains their concerns regarding a messenger sent from Mordor who wants to buy
information about a hobbit. The head of the council is Elrond and he gives a
very important history lesson to those gathered. In the Second Age,
elven-smiths created the Rings of Power and then there was the one ring that
rules all of the others. Sauron
made this ring, but Isildur stole it and then it was lost in a river. The next
speaker is Boromir,
a traveler from Minas Tirith. He is a strong warrior with an inclination
towards battle. He has had a dream that is a riddle to him. Basically, this
dream was about the scene playing before his eyes. Strider reveals himself as
Aragorn and he is a descendant of Isildur. After Bilbo's partial explanation of
the ring, Frodo completes the story and presents the ring for everyone to see.
Gandalf answers more questions about the ring but he is
interrupted by an elf that has an urgent message. The elves had been keeping Gollum
imprisoned but he has escaped (yet again).This is a potentially dangerous
situation if Gollum heads back to the enemy with information. Gandalf's story
is another blow to the forces of good, for he reveals that his own mentor, Saruman,
desires the ring and wants to use its power. When Gandalf did not agree with
Saruman's aims, the wizard was imprisoned in a tower - but of course, Gandalf
has escaped. Boromir wants to use the ring to defeat Sauron but in the end, the
Council agrees that using the evil ring will contaminate any endeavor however
well-intentioned. Gandalf also warns that they cannot simply throw the ring
into the sea (it has already been lost in the sea before, and it was found).
Gandalf says that deep in Mordor, there is the mountain, Orodruin, and inside
of this mountain there are the Cracks of Doom. This is where the ring can be destroyed.
In the end, Frodo volunteers himself for the challenge.
Analysis:
This chapter is a crucial part of the story, and it is one of
the few times that we see such a grand host of characters assembled together.
Frodo is guided by fate and this chapter foreshadows the maturity and growth of
the hobbit. This chapter also delves deep into the politics of Middle Earth,
digging up old alliances and forgotten secrets. Again, the theme of wisdom
reminds us of how much history and knowledge can be hidden or used for evil.
Saruman is a sad example of a good power that has become corrupted. Frodo will
have to be careful that he does not yield to the temptations of the ring.
Finally, Boromir is introduced in this chapter and his character does not
change very much, in the following chapters. Most important, he is a natural
contrast to the timid, humble and weak hobbit. But in the end, Frodo is the
hero, not Boromir.
Book II, Chapter
Three: The Ring Goes South
Elrond has sent scouts in various directions, to learn more
about the perils ahead. Gandalf and Frodo are forced to wait until news
returns, concerning the Black Riders. Gandalf explains that those nine Riders
were not destroyed in the river. After two months of searching, eight of the
Riders are accounted for but one other one remains. When Elrond speaks to
Frodo, he warns that the road will be difficult and that he has little counsel
to offer. He selects Nine Walkers to form the Company of the Ring, in
opposition to the Nine Riders. Frodo, Sam and Gandalf are joined by Boromir,
Strider (Aragorn), Legolas
the elf, Gimli
the dwarf, Merry and
Pippin. Strider has his sword re-forged and he renames it as well.
The group is heading south and it is already December when
they depart. The Nine Walkers pass through the Misty Mountains and all is fine
until they realize that some birds that are flying overhead are following them.
Besides the birds, the group has other problems that they have to deal with -
chief among them, crossing the mountains. This is an exercise in futility,
however. The group travels through a tall mountain, Caradhras, but their road
quickly becomes dangerous. It leads them towards a cliff and a heavy snow
begins to fall. The snow becomes overwhelming, so they turn back but they are
trapped by the snow that has fallen behind them. Eventually, they dig their way
out.
Analysis:
The mountainous perils of Caradhras are the major focus of
this chapter. Here, again, we find that nature is not in its usual archetypal
form; instead, these elements of nature have a personality and they are capable
of malice. Caradhras remains standing as a symbol of defiance - the mountain is
not necessarily allied with Sauron, the evil one. It is important to realize
that the intentions of the mountain are not part of the larger political arena.
In Chapter Three, we also see how the "fellowship of the Ring" begins
to take form and the inevitable dissolution of the group is already
foreshadowed. The chapters that follow will continue to develop this final
aspect of the plot.
Book II, Chapter Four:
A Journey in the Dark
Caradhras' temper subsides when the group of nine finally
gives up its attempt to scale the peak. Of course, they cannot allow themselves
to suffer from Caradhras' extreme elements. Gandalf's
conclusion is that they must eliminate their exposure and he suggests that they
pass through the mountains by traveling below them: through the caves of Moria.
The group balks at this suggestion; Moria is perhaps even more dangerous than
the Old Forest and that was no walk in the park. While the travelers squabble,
a company of howling wolves urges them into assent and they hurry towards the
caves.
The next day, the group travels to the west and Gandalf opens
a magic door. These doors close just in time for the group to escape an attack
by one of the vicious creatures that live in the nearby lake. Now safe from
tentacled beasts and howling wolves, the travelers are at the mercy of the
miles and miles of caves that stretch before them. They are in the cave system
for two nights and Gandalf is the only one who can navigate and lead the group.
The caves of Moria spark an ancient tension in the group because the dwarves
once mined Moria for valuable metals but they have lost the territory. The
tombstone of Balin
the dwarf explains the story of one unsuccessful dwarf who tried to reclaim
Moria.
Analysis:
The caves of Moria present as negative an image as can be
expected. The deep enclosure of the caves is in juxtaposition to the elevated
exposure that the fellowship of the Ring suffered on Caradhras. While
Caradhras' peril seemed more "natural," the dangers of Moria are
largely supernatural. The howling wolves only further substantiate Moria's
status as a symbol of evil. This chapter also relies upon the opening and
shutting of doors, and this is highly symbolic of the continuing operation of
Fate in the characters' lives - especially in the life of Frodo. The fact that
wise Gandalf almost gets lost should tell us that the group is being guided
more by fate than by anything else. The tombstone of dead Balin is only more
evidence that everyone must eventually end up exactly where they are meant to
be. The fatalist themes of the later chapters of the novel are a direct result
of the responsibilities of Frodo's quest and the fact that though he is an
unseemly hero, he will eventually be left to continue his road alone.
Book II, Chapter Five:
The Bridge of Khazad-dûm
This is one of the crucial and, unfortunately, depressing
moments of the story. The fellowship is still inside of the central room where
Balin's tomb is located. Gandalf is translating a tattered book that offers
Balin's history and the story of his group of travelers. The evil orcs attacked
them and massacred them. Of course, this is depressing material to read while
one is in these very caves and before the story has ended, the drums of the
orcs are heard approaching. Their first advance - at the west - is blocked and
the group then heads for the east door. Frodo is attacked by an orc but he
manages to survive. Even as Gandalf puts a locked door between his group and
the orcs, the orcs have magic of their own to collapse the doorway altogether. The
travelers are running to the Bridge of Khazad-dum and here, again, they are
attacked. Balrog, the wicked orc, has fallen upon them with a sword of fire.
Gandalf stands firm and destroys the bridge, sending Balrog to his death. But
as the rest of the group escapes to safety on the other side, Gandalf is pulled
down along with Balrog, into the bottomless depth below. With the loss of
Gandalf, it is unclear how the fellowship might continue.
Analysis:
One of the distinguishing features of this chapter is the
musical tone that is begun with the chant of the word "doom" (in the
runes) and continued with the thumping drum-sounds of the nearby orcs. The
convergence of the literary scene and the (characters') real scene is an
interesting technique that Tolkien does not use often; still, we cannot
underestimate the importance of language, runes and texts in Tolkien's world.
Gandalf's parallel position with dead Balin only adds to the stories of the
evil caves of Moria. Again, fate's operations have been mysterious. The
contrasting images of fire and light and dark might have usually distinguished
good from evil, but in this chapter, both the good Gandalf and the evil Balrog
end up dead in the deep foam.
Book II, Chapter Six:
Lothlórien
After Gandalf's urging to continue on without him, Strider/Aragorn
was the one to get the group moving again and he continues in this role in
Chapter 6. Here, at least, the terrain is not as depressing and evil. When they
arrive at Lorien, Boromir
is concerned and when the group enters the forest, they are apprehended by
spying elves. Legolas
knows them and so friendly terms are established. The elves also have
information regarding Frodo. The orcs pursue the group into Lorien but they are
unsuccessful; meanwhile, the elves blindfold the fellowship until they arrive
at their destination. The eight travelers find themselves in the company of the
Lady Galadriel,
situated in an incredibly beautiful and intensely colored forest.
Analysis:
As one of the last vestiges of goodness, surrounded by evil,
this "heart" of Elvendom is entering its sunset/twilight hours.
Towards the end of the chapter, we learn that "the sun that lay on
Lothlorien had no power to enlighten the shadow of that distant height."
At several points, the motif of light and darkness is introduced as a way of
understanding the solitary aspect of Lothlorien's goodness. Another metaphor is
used to liken Lothlorien to the heart, and this is a tragic implied death for
we know that Lothlorien is doomed to end. The traveler who leaves Lothlorien
might preserve in his memory what will almost certainly cease to exist upon the
earth. As the final "bright spot" in the novel, we can see an
intentional juxtaposition of Khazad-dum and Lothlorien. It still remains
unclear how the fellowship will survive without Gandalf; accordingly, the
foreshadowed dissolution of the group is beginning to seem inevitable. Finally,
in the vacuum left that Gandalf has left behind, we can expect the Lady
Galadriel to play a larger role in the next chapter; her goodness and her power
to discern the minds and hearts of the warriors recall Goldberry's character.
Book II, Chapter
Seven: The Mirror of Galadriel
Caras Galadon is the central city of the elves in Lorien and
this is where the group meets Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel. They had been
expecting Gandalf
to arrive and so, they are deeply saddened to hear about his death at Moria.
Several times, Galadriel looks into the hearts of the travelers so that she can
perceive their intentions. She is testing them to see if they are steadfast on
their quest. In Lorien, Frodo and the others are enjoying a peaceful and
beautiful country and this lasts for several days. Of course, this must soon
come to an end and one afternoon, Galadriel invites Frodo and Sam to look into
the Mirror of Galadriel. When Sam looks, he sees that the land of the hobbits
is being destroyed and he desires to return home. When Frodo looks into the
mirror, he sees the great and evil eye of Sauron
searching for him, but while Frodo can see Sauron, Sauron cannot see him. After
this awakening, Frodo can also see that Galadriel is wearing one of the rings.
Discussing the rings with Galadriel, Frodo offers to give her his ring, so that
Lorien might not be destroyed. Galadriel is sorely tempted but in the end she
passes the test and refuses to accept the ring. For even if she operates with
the best of intentions, the evil of the ring must eventually overtake her. She
would much rather se the rings destroyed and lose her own power, even as
Sauron's reign is destroyed.
Analysis:
Lady Galadriel stands as a symbol of her people and of
sacrifice. Here, she has the opportunity to claim limitless power and
immortality for herself, but she understands that there must be a balance
between one era and the next. Furthermore, she understands the contaminating
powers of the ring and she warns Frodo that he must use his enhanced sight but
nonetheless avoid wearing the ring. Otherwise, Sauron will be able to find him.
The themes of vision, hiding and surveillance have been a part of this novel
from the start, but the mirror motif adds another element to the story. In one
sense, the "mirror, mirror on the wall" is familiar from children's
literature (fairy tales). At the same time, the mirror allows the viewer to see
himself - or in the cases of Sam and Frodo, the viewers see themselves in what
is most dear to them. The literary tradition of the elusive oracle dates back
to ancient Greek mythology. Galadriel and her mirror are definitely within this
vein; instead of offering simple prophecies, the mirror presents scenes of
"things that were, and things that are, and things that yet may be."
Book II, Chapter
Eight: Farewell to Lórien
When the group prepares to leave, they have the option of
staying in Lorien, but they are all going to leave and continue on their
journey. It is not clear that they are all going to the same place, however. As
they are traveling by boat, they have a few days left to decide whether they
are going to go their separate ways. It is clear that Boromir
wants to go to Minas Tirith but this is not along the route that directly leads
them to their mission. Galadriel gives each of them a gift (including a phial
of water containing a brilliant light - for Frodo). As she sings to the group,
the distance between Lorien and the boats only widens. Lorien seems to fall
into the sea and voyagers clearly see that they will never behold that
beautiful place ever again.
Analysis:
Again, the tone of the story has become depressing and
somber. Without the imminent battle-sounds or the drums of Moria, Lorien is
dying. The courage of the elf-queen is seen in her willingness to sacrifice her
power to defeat the evil of Sauron - and yet, it is unclear whether the
voyagers are agreed on a purpose. Frodo is growing wiser and his character is
increasingly distinct from the others. The light of Earendil's star is a symbol
of hope and goodness; if the elves cannot preserve Lorien for all of time,
Galadriel can nonetheless, pledge her allegiance to Frodo's cause and offer a
gift that may prove useful in the long run. The length of the voyage ahead is
daunting - remember we are approaching the end of the first novel of a trilogy.
The group's inability to agree on a course foreshadows the inevitable
dissolution of the group. At this point, all seems guided by fate: the gift of
the sword, Anduril, to Aragorn and the arrival of Frodo, the ring-bearer were
both pre-ordained and destined to come to pass. While Lorien enters her
twilight though, we can only hope that Frodo is only now coming into his own;
while Lorien is in her archetypal autumn, Frodo is entering the summer of his
middle-age and strength.
Book II, Chapter Nine:
The Great River
This chapter recounts ten days of travel along the Anduin
River. The first few days are peaceful but one night, Sam spots a log in the
water that seems rather ominous. There are two eyes shining in the murk and it
does not take long to confirm that this is Gollum.
After escaping from custody (quite a few chapters ago), Gollum began tracking
the group once they left the caves of Moria. When the company reaches the
challenging rapids of Sarn Gebir, they discover themselves in an ambush, with
arrows flying overhead and an abundance of orcs. An incredible shadowy shape
rises from the east and speeds towards the ship, churning up the evil groans of
its compatriots, as it glides upon the water. Legolas
shoots a perfectly aimed arrow into the creature, felling it. After this, they
hear sounds of mourning and while Frodo has a good suspicion regarding this
creature's identity, it remains unsaid. After the rapids, the company continues
to Amon Hen at the river's end.
Analysis:
One of the more interesting details of this chapter is
Tolkien's consistent reference to the East as the source of the evil winged
spirits that threaten to overtake the company. We might recall the people of
Westernesse for a suitable contrast. Considering Tolkien's context, writing in
the wake of the Second World War, several critics suggest an equation that
links the dark and alien orcs with the multiple foes of Britain and her allies
- all to the East (Germany, Japan). The black winged creatures that are
presented in this chapter are all symbolic of the fallen angel, Lucifer, as
understood in Biblical terms. The fall of the especially fearsome shadow-bird
is an image consistent with the lightning-bolt fall of Lucifer, from heaven. Especially
in the night scenes, Frodo's character takes on more of a leadership role as a
guardian and his decision to forego an explanation of who/what the dark shadow
was suggests that he has inherited the wisdom exemplified by Gandalf and
Galadriel, before him. Again, it remains so important to leave evil things and
names unspoken; at the same time, Legolas knows to call upon the name
"Elbereth Gilthoniel" and we can only conclude that this is what
supplied him with the courage and power necessary for felling the wicked
creature. Finally, the themes of sight and surveillance are demonstrated first,
in the continued necessity for the company to hide from Sauron's forces and
more dramatically, in Gollum's submarine-style espionage.
Book II, Chapter Ten:
The Breaking of the Fellowship
The conclusion of the first book of the trilogy is not very
pleasant, by any standard. Frodo must decide whether he will divert his course
to Minas Tirith or continue towards Mordor. Frodo takes some time alone, to
make his decision, but Boromir follows Frodo into the forest. Explaining his
point-of-view, Boromir ultimately decides that Frodo ought to give up the Ring;
of course, Frodo has grown more perceptive over time and he has long held
Boromir in suspicion. When the man lunges at Frodo, to get the ring, Frodo
slips the ring on - and disappears.
In this, Frodo leaves one adversary and finds several more.
With his spiritual eyes, Frodo sees all of the forces of evil gathering in
immense flocks; he sees Minas Tirith under siege and Mordor, in all of its evil
splendor. But then, Frodo feels the probing eye of Sauron; Frodo has worn the
ring too long and the evil eye has felt itself being spied upon. The eye is
furiously searching and a voice, resembling Gandalf's, tells Frodo: "Take
it off! Fool, take it off! Take off the Ring!" Frodo takes off the ring
and he is only barely spared. Looking up at the sky, Frodo sees a menacing dark
arm that was headed towards him; now, it has veered towards the west, having
missed its mark.
Frodo intends to go to Mordor alone; he does not want his
friends to suffer and he also knows that they will talk him out of his journey
- this is something he knows he must do. After Frodo has been gone for well
over an hour and Boromir re-appears at the scene, the rest of the company
begins searching for Frodo. Sam eventually finds his friend and, unswerving to
the end, he refuses to leave his side. And so the two hobbits continue without
the others: "shouldering their burdens, they set off, seeking a path that
would bring them over the grey hills of the Emyn Muil, and down into the Land
of Shadow."
Analysis:
The tone of the final lines of the book are considerably
lighter than what immediately precedes; the friendship and reunion of Sam and
Frodo is unmarked by any catastrophes. The second book, The Two Towers,
promises a new series of challenges, however. Already, the ring has corrupted
Boromir, and for all of the "fatalism" and working of destiny in the
book, Tolkien's final emphasis is on individual responsibility, the burdens of
our own choosing and the ultimately determining power of free will. In regards
to the destructive temptations of Frodo's ring, we find Frodo's struggle to be
an allegory for the struggle of man between good and evil, duty and betrayal:
"The two powers strove in him [Frodo]. For a moment, perfectly balanced
between their piercing points, he writhed, tormented. Suddenly he was aware of
himself again. Frodo, neither the Voice nor the Eye: free to choose, and with
one remaining instant in which to do so. He took the Ring off his finger."
Frodo's understated heroism comes without fanfare and valor in battle. He
masters his will, and so long as he can continue to do this, he can outlast his
overpowering enemy. In allegorical terms, Boromir's betrayal of Frodo in the
forest is intended to parallel Judas' betrayal of Christ in the Garden of
Gethsemane. Here, the emphasis is not on Frodo's sacrificial potential, but on
the loneliness of his path. Fortunately, Sam will accompany him at least a little
while longer, for, as Merry said, "it would be mad and cruel to let Frodo
go to Mordor." Here, Frodo must fulfill the duty that has been assigned to
him, regardless of the associated peril.
F. Characteristics
v Protagonist
Frodo Baggins
Frodo is the major character of the novel and this
mainly because he has inherited the One Ring from his uncle, Bilbo Baggins.
Frodo is a hobbit and as a timid and domestic personality, he is really
ill-suited for the difficult journey ahead. He has quite an appetite for food
and drink and song, and for most of The Fellowship of the Ring, Frodo relies
upon the help of his friends, Gandalf and Tom Bombadil.
v Antagonist
Sauron
Sauron never makes an appearance in the novel but his
power is certainly felt. He is known as the Dark Lord and he is the major
villain in the novel. Morgoth was the first Great Enemy and Sauron has replaced
him, reviving the ancient evil capital of Mordor. Now, he seeks the One Ring so
that he can consolidate his power and rule over all.
v Tritagonist
Gandalf
Of the five great wizards in Middle Earth, there is
only one wizard who is greater than Gandalf. This is Saruman, who unfortunately
turned to the evil side. In his spare time, Gandalf makes fireworks for the
hobbits but he reveals his powers as a true wizard. He helps the company and
leads them through the caves of Moria, but he is brought down and dies in the
bottomless chasm.
Strider/Aragorn
He meets the hobbits in a pub and with Gandalf's
approval, he looks after the group and helps to protect them. Aragorn is the
heir of Isildur and he belongs to the race of the men of Numenor. He helps to
keep the group in order, after Gandalf dies.
Sam Gamgee
Sam proves to be Frodo's closest friend, accompanying
him on his quest and refusing to leave his side even when all of the others
have left him.
Tom Bombadil & Goldberry
A married couple. They offer assistance and lodging
for the hobbits, early in their journey. Tom Bombadil also saves the hobbits
from an overly aggressive tree in the Old Forest.
Bilbo Baggins
The hero of an earlier novel, The Hobbit, Bilbo is the
uncle of Frodo. He gives Frodo the One Ring that causes all of this trouble.
Elrond Halfelven
The Master of Rivendell, the Last Homely House. He has
medicinal powers and he is able to heal Frodo after he is attacked and wounded
in the shoulder. He also plays a key advisory role at the Council of Elrond. He
is descended from a man and an elf--thus, "halfelven." He had the
choice to be mortal or immortal and chose the latter. As a consequence, he must
leave Middle Earth when the time comes (most likely at the end of the War of
the Ring).
Boromir
A man from Minas Tirith, city of Gondor in the south.
His excessively martial spirit drives him to attack Frodo, in an attempt to
wrest the Ring from him. He repents afterwards, but the Fellowship has been
broken.
Legolas
An elf from Mirkwood, he is masterful with a bow. He
is a member of the Fellowship and when the group is attacked by an immense
shadowy figure, he successfully shoots it down.
Gimli
A Dwarf, the son of Gloin (one of Bilbo's associates
in The Hobbit) who is a member of the Fellowship.
Merry and Pippin
Two young hobbits who join Frodo on his journey.
Gollum
One of the villains of the novel. Gollum is a hideous
creature who appeared in The Hobbit (Bilbo steals the ring from him). In this
novel, Gollum spies on the fellowship and alerts Sauron's forces as to the
group's whereabouts.
Farmer Maggot
Is a farmer that Frodo remembers from his youth. Early
in the adventure, the kind farmer supplies the travelers with as many mushrooms
as they can eat.
Galadriel
A queen of the elves who live in Lothlorien. Her mirror
enables Frodo to see the evil eye of Sauron. Galadriel owns one of the Rings,
but she is willing to give up her magical powers if this is necessary for
Sauron to be defeated.
Mr. Butterbur
The owner of the Prancing Pony, in Bree. He assists
Frodo and the group when they cause a commotion in his establishment. He also
gives them a letter sent by Gandalf.
Saruman
A mighty wizard and the instructor of Gandalf.
Unfortunately, Saruman has joined the evil forces, hoping to use the ring to
increase his power.
Balin
A dwarf whose efforts to restore a lost glory are
unsuccessful. The travelers discover his grave in the caves of Moria.
Elbereth Githoniel
An ancient queen whose name is uttered in difficult
situations.
The Races of Middle Earth
Ainur:
Immortal Spirits existing before Creation.These were the first beings made of
the thought of God or Eru Ilúvatar.
Dwarves:
A small race of mountain dwellers who are great craftsmen known for their
armor, architecture, and their work with mithril.
Elves:
A race similar to men, but immortal. All Elves are descendants of one of the
races that came from the lands of Arda. Their history and language are complex
and few know it.
Hobbits:
also known as Halflings, are a small race with very human characteristics. They
love to have fun and live simple lives. They are best known for being short and
having very hairy feet.
Humans:
men and women who lived much like we would have in the middle ages. In the
LOTR, there are several different races of humans present. These include the
following: the Rohirrim,
the men of Gondor, the Dunedain,
Black Númenóreans,
and Corsairs of Umbar.
Orcs
(Orks): are miserable creatures who loath
everything and everyone, including themselves, and make nothing beautiful.
Wizards:
sometimes called the Istari, are a group of five men who outwardly resemble men
but have greater strength and mental power. It is believed that they might be
immortal.
G.
Point of View
In ancient times the Rings of Power were crafted by the
Elven-smiths, and Sauron, the Dark Lord, forged the One Ring, filling it with
his own power so that he could rule all others. But the One Ring was taken from
him, and though he sought it throughout Middle-Earth still it remained lost to
him. After many ages it fell, by chance, into the hands of the Hobbit, Bilbo
Baggins. On his eleventy-first birthday, Bilbo disappeared, bequeathing to his
young nephew, Frodo, the Ruling Ring, and a perilous quest: to journey across
Middle-Earth, deep into the shadow of the Dark Lord and destroy the Ring by
casting it into the Cracks of Doom.
H. Chronology
A lot of people who read the Lord of the Rings for the first
time not only get confused by the large amount of names and places but also of
the many storylines and switches that occur during the book. In general the
first book: The Fellowship of the Ring starts pretty much chronilogical and
follows the actions of Frodo and the other Hobbits. A mayor turning point is
the Council of Elrond where the Fellowship of the Ring is formed and the
company sets out on its quest. The End of the First Book and the beginning of
the Second Book concern the Breaking of the Fellowship and from that point the
story gets more complicated as there are three major groups to follow. During
the Second book and the Third book the story switches from group to group while
often going back in time.
We have created four Timelines that give a chronological
summary of the major events that concern the main characters. Each character
has his own coloured line that can be followed as the characters gather and
disperse. The First Timeline follows the actions of some of the members of the
Fellowship of the Ring from the moment that Gandalf visits Frodo in Hobbiton
until the Council of Elrond.
For a Portugese Version of the Timelines go to: Duvendor
CHAPTER 3
CLOSING
It's very hard to define what makes Lord of the Rings so
good. There are so many qualities about the book that it is really difficult to
define them all. Tolkien has infused the book with reality. With each
description, each song, each poem Tolkien has added something intangible; he's
simply made a world that could be real, and filled it with stunning battles,
heroism, sadness, love and humor.
Out of all the books I have read, and I've read probably over
a thousand, it stands out as the one book that creates a world that is so real,
that I can almost imagine sailing across the ocean and landing in Middle Earth.
The characters are so real and vivid, that I can almost see their faces
greeting me as I enter their world.
Simply put, this book is more real than any I have ever read.
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