Does it ever seem that Tolkien, like his Frodo has a
bittersweet attitude toward the rustic? On one hand seeing the value and
quaintness of it while at the same time wishing for as you say a broader
understanding of its inhabitants?
Yes, that's the feeling I get from what I've read. But, I don't think you
can have both. That same letter (246) says a lot about Sam's rusticness,
and how irritating, but endearing he can be. And Sam was touched with the
Fairie. It must have been difficult for Elanor after Sam sailed. I
wrote a poem once, from Elanor's point of view, speaking across the sea to
Frodo. Since then, I've learned to know her more deeply, and the poem
still holds true. If you want to read it I'll the link is at the bottom
of the page.
(And an aside, Goldie, *did* any "word paintings" of mine inspire you? It
sounded like that in the post on main, but I was thinking she meant it as an
illustration, not a fact.)
WG
