that matter is at least partially evil.
But the point I was trying to make is that evil requires WILL and CHOICE, and
that it simply does not apply to objects without a will.
The ring, at least, is said to have a will in the chapter shadow of the
past--it looks after itself; it seeks its maker; it betrays its users; it makes
use of them; etc. So the term "evil" is applicable to the ring.
But is it applicable to Mount Doom?
As another note, that chapter also says that the ring DID respond to Sauron's
presence in
Mirkwood.
