I have not read the Silmarillion so I did not grasp some of the ideas that were discussed in this chapter. Brian’s presentation/discussion helped to shed light on some topics I would have not completely understood. His presentation helped when Shippey discusses names and places that are not mentioned or discussed in The Lord of the Rings.
I was surprised to read what had happened to Tolkien’s parents and that Tolkien was an orphan. The discussion of Tolkien and death was very interesting and I was interested in how Shippey discusses how the death of his family may have influenced his decision to make the Elves immortal.
It is interesting how Shippey discusses religious associations in the Silmarillion, yet you do not see religion in The Lord of the Rings. I believe it would have been interesting if Tolkien had developed religions for each race.
Steven Wilser? November 13, 2008, at 05:17 PM
