"Cliff Notes - the hobbit & the lord of rings" - читать интересную книгу автора (Tolkien J.R.R)

The setting forms a very important part of the story. Places such as the Shire, Rivendell, and Lorien are different forms of utopias, presenting some of Tolkien's thoughts about the ideal society--for example, that humans should live in harmony with nature. Evil is often associated with particular locations, such as Sauron's stronghold in Mordor. It is also associated with mountains and barren landscapes; compare the Desolation of Smaug, for example, with the wastelands around Mordor.

Encounters with danger in Tolkien's books often occur in mountains or in a forest. A character's passage into an underground place or into a dense forest can be interpreted as a descent into the person's subconscious. In other words, the danger that the character faces is symbolic of an internal struggle. So, for example, when Bilbo meets Gollum in the underground lake, he's actually meeting a part of his subconscious. In other words, the episode with Gollum may be interpreted as Bilbo confronting the potential for evil within himself. Tolkien disliked such interpretations, however, and insisted that his books be taken at face value.

^^^^^^^^^^THE HOBBIT & THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THEMES

The following are themes of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

1. STRUGGLE BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL

The forces of good in Middle-earth are engaged in a continuing struggle against evil. What will be the final outcome of this struggle? Some readers think Tolkien indicates evil will prevail, while others say he's optimistic about the ultimate victory of good.

Those feeling Tolkien thinks evil will win out note that it's left to seemingly powerless individuals like Frodo to face the overwhelming force of evil. These individuals must struggle on with no hope for assistance from someone more powerful, and with little hope for victory or even survival. Victory, when it is achieved, comes only at great cost to the forces of good. And it seems to win only a breathing space, barely enough time to recover before evil again arises and threatens the freedom of Middle-earth.

Other readers see a strong vein of optimism in Tolkien's works. They point to the fact that the inhabitants of Middle-earth are helped in their fight by a benevolent power. The workings of that power are seldom visible to the individuals in the midst of the action, but a larger viewpoint reveals a grand design. Even evil deeds are turned to good purpose--for example, when Merry and Pippin's capture by the orcs serves to bring them to Fangorn in time to rouse the Ents against the evil wizard Saruman. This seems to imply that good is stronger and more lasting than evil.

Keep these two viewpoints in mind as you read the book. Look for evidence to support one or the other, and decide which you think better explains Tolkien's works.

2. DETERMINISM VS. FREE WILL

The question of determinism is only hinted at in the last chapter of The Hobbit, when Gandalf suggests to Bilbo that his adventures may have been managed for some higher purpose. But in The Lord of the Rings it is repeatedly emphasized that seemingly random events are part of some grand design. Each of Tolkien's characters there has a big or small part to play in that design. The actions of evil characters are turned to good, against their will. The main weapon of evil--despair--is used to turn people from their assigned tasks and so foil the designs of good. These elements in the works make people seem like puppets manipulated by opposing powers of good and evil.

Tolkien, however, also notes the importance of free will. His characters are free to accept or reject possible courses of action. The forces of good in The Lord of the Rings, such as Gandalf and Galadriel, respect this freedom to choose. They continually tell others that they not only can but must make their own decisions. Not even the prospect of total defeat can justify interfering with the free will of others. The forces of evil, on the other hand, seek to destroy free will.

It may be argued that, according to Tolkien, free will is only an illusion. Many times characters make important decisions without knowing why they made them. Bilbo, for example, is never sure just how he ended up leaving his comfortable home to join the dwarves on their adventure. Do you think that such decisions are truly free, or are Tolkien's characters being manipulated without their knowledge? Keep this question in mind as you read the works.

3. NATURE OR HEROISM

It is in their darkest moments that Tolkien's characters seem to rise above themselves and become truly heroic. Their heroism does not come from great strength or cunning, but from the indomitable will to continue as long as there is a means to resist. This is a kind of heroism that even the physically weak can achieve, as shown by Tolkien's hobbits.

4. RESPONSIBLE USE OF POWER

In Middle-earth, power is a dangerous thing that can turn against those who wield it. The forces of good in Middle-earth, such as Elrond and Gandalf, recognize this danger and are very careful how they use their power. They know that no matter how good their intention, they will find their purpose perverted if they resort to force. The best example of this is their refusal to use the Ring. The Ring gives the power to dominate others, and with it they could overthrow Sauron. But the Ring also dominates the will of whoever wears it. Even if Gandalf used the Ring only out of the worthy desire to help others, he'd fall under its influence and turn into another Dark Lord like Sauron.

Although the forces of good will not use the power to dominate others, they do have other powers available to them--the power to heal, the power to understand, and the power to create beauty. But these seem pitifully small in the face of Sauron's power, and the temptation to "fight fire with fire" is strong.

5. COMMON PEOPLE VS. THE ELITE

Tolkien believed in the power of common people. This can be seen most clearly in the hobbits. They are weak and often foolish, yet capable of great acts of heroism that amaze even the very wise and the very strong.

The opposite point of view, elitism, is also apparent in Tolkien's works. His heroes seem to be a select few, chosen for the task of saving the world from evil. The ordinary people, such as the men of Lake-town and the hobbits of the Shire, are often depicted as simple and complacent. Some people see elitism as a bad thing. Others don't: People aren't all equal, they say, and it is the responsibility of the strong to help the weak. Which view do you favor? Why?

6. IMPORTANCE OF FRIENDSHIP

It is not lofty principles but love for land and friends that gives Tolkien's characters the strength to make the right choices in the difficult decisions they face. The evil characters, who lack this capacity for friendship, hurt their own efforts by fighting among themselves. Tolkien goes further to show that friendship should not be given just within a closed circle but should be extended to all people.

7. EVILS OF POSSESSIVENESS

In The Hobbit the evils of possessiveness can be easily seen. The dwarves are corrupted by their desire for treasure, and their greed almost leads to war with men and elves. But possessiveness can also be the root of the desire to dominate others that leads to the evil in The Lord of the Rings. Do you know what it's like to have another person feel possessive toward you? Such people can't seem to allow you your own identity--your own free will--and are unhappy if you aren't exactly what they want you to be. Now imagine if someone felt that way about the world, wanting to make everything go his way and having the power to accomplish this. He'd hate anything that had a will of its own and would want to dominate it. He might try to enslave all mankind. If he wasn't able to force nature to his will, he might even attempt to destroy it. This is exactly what Sauron tries to do in Middle-earth; he reduces countryside to wasteland, enslaves others through the lesser Rings of power, and attempts to rule all of Middle-earth.