Some of the ideas that Shippey poses in this chapter are somewhat abstract and hard to follow.
I was interested in how Shippey discusses the equal sign and how the ring could represent nuclear arms. This representation of the ring would have changed the outcome of the story. Instead of destroying the ring, it would have been used to destroy Sauron. It is curious to think of what would happen to the ring after Sauron was destroyed. Would it corrupt an individual and make them assume power over all Middle-Earth or would it then be destroyed. Or like nuclear weapons, once it is used to destroy Sauron, it itself would cease to work and exist. It might destroy itself upon destruction of its creator or lose power upon destruction.
I found it interesting how Shippey discusses Tolkien’s dislike of allegories and the reasons for this dislike. Tolkien can accept allegories on the premise that the symbols be equal or connected to something else.
I also found it interesting how Shippey discusses the parallels between Denethor and Theoden but shows how they are ultimately opposites. While both characters have sons who have died, their ruling styles and practices differ. They also face troubling situations and defeat differently.
Steven Wilser? November 05, 2008, at 11:56 PM
