1. Again, can you remember your first reaction to this scene?
A: I alluded to this is my last answer…
2. Now is the time to assess the entire action sequence as a literary work. Go
back over the chapter and comment on it as a piece of writing. Does it
accomplish the writer’s purpose? Does it engadge the reader? How does it
succeed of fail?
A: You bet this section engages the reader. It is a superior piece of writing.
This chapter is proof that Tolkien was a writer…the writer’s purpose:
Accomplished. How? Though further development of characters. Example, we learn
more about Gimli and Legolas (they begin to form a bond in this chapter).
Also Frodo’s strength and determination is illustrated by gamely moving ahead
despite his injuries. Gandalf, we perceive at this point, is fallible. Although
he stops Balrog’s advance on Frodo, Gandalf seems to be ‘out of the picture’.
Then, let’s no forget the tonal quality. Tolkien knew language and sounds—the
power of them. Using the sad, morose alliteration, consonance and assonance
within this section adds to the plight of the fellowship and subconsciously to
the way the reader perceives the sequences (note the proliferation of ‘l’ ‘m’
‘o’ and ‘h’ in the section). And don’t forget the obvious “doom” repeated
though out this chapter. Note how he uses the ‘f’ sound in the last pages for
effect…
Speaking of repetition…he uses our heroes words…repeating frases (They are
coming/We cannnot get out, and Gandalf repeating the word ‘fly’ for
example) to add to the suspense.
Lastly, the way he also builds up the suspense though this section by using the
mine as a maze.
3. Note the curious puncuation of the ‘He staggared’ line. It is very
deliberately chopped into four separate bits, rendering the moment into slow
motion. How’s that for effective writing (I know we have English teachers out
there).
A: Yes! Cinematically this is done to heighten suspense through the element of
time (the cliché of the clock ticking)—Hitchcock used time to build suspense
exceptionally well. Here, Tolkien is doing the same.
CHALLENGE
How many times does Gandalf use the term ‘fool!’ Show your work.
I decline …I have no
time!
~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+
I am me, and me is me and me is all I want to be.
+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~
The leaves turn over with the times,
The sun stays up there and shines,
Hither awhile then wither,
It is life most people lack.--
CA Jolin
