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| The Last Word by jenolas | 2 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 4/10/2005 |
| I, too, had forgotten the similarity between the death of Glorfindel and that of Gandalf. Excellently written. Author Reply: Thanks, it is interesting what one can discover even after reading the books so many times! | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 4/9/2005 |
| I was wondering how much you’d show of this time. I love the way you’ve done it. In some ways Boromir’s thoughts seem slightly confused, jumping between events, which I think really shows how turbulent his feelings are at the moment. The image of Gandalf facing the Balrog seems to be imprinted on Boromir’s mind if he was moved to draw it, and I thought it was a wonderful way of portraying the idea that he probably finds it difficult to express in words what happened and how horrific it was for those who watched helplessly. I like Boromir’s description of the Golden Wood being somewhere that he feels safe. It’s easy, I think, for us, as it is for Faramir, to look back and see what Galadriel may have suspected and why Boromir felt so unsettled by her probing gaze but obviously Boromir wouldn’t have known exactly why Galadriel would look into their hearts and he must have been confused and awed, as well as a little guilty and apprehensive at what she might think. All of that comes across very well here. Perhaps Galadriel could have done more to help him realise what dangers lay in his troubled, proud heart but I guess if anyone is experienced in letting things to fate, it’s Galadriel! My heart went out to Faramir in his powerlessness and frustration. I suppose I hadn’t really thought about how Denethor’s act of madness stopped Faramir from having the chance to avenge his beloved brother’s death. Faramir still isn’t completely well here either and as hard as it would be to read Boromir’s increasing torment and confusion, it must actually be so wearying for him to read these entries where the emotions swing so much, where one minute Boromir is the brother Faramir knows and understands, and the next he’s almost a stranger. I should say too how much I like the way you still manage to make Boromir’s thoughts sound reasonable in his mind. Neither Glorfindel nor Gandalf (crikey, I never made the connection before that the two who died such similar deaths were both sent back!!) could defeat a Balrog, the fiercest Elven warriors couldn’t defeat Sauron and the creatures of darkness… so how can Men hope to have any chance without the aid of the Ring? I can certainly see how this all begins to make sense to someone far from home, knowing his home and people are in danger, having witnessed a friend of his killed in such a terrible manner, and already having opened his mind and heart, however unwittingly, to the tempting whispers of the Ring. Not everyone could write Boromir’s mindset in such a believable manner, you know. Ah, he’s discovered the personal reason behind Aragorn’s claim of the throne of Gondor. I loved Boromir’s reaction. It was so very him! He seems to understand the depth of love between Aragorn and Arwen, yet is completely blunt about how manipulative that makes Elrond look and how Denethor would not be pleased if he heard that this was the reason Aragorn came to Minas Tirith! It was very generous of him, though, to remind Aragorn of the dream and to assure him of his love and loyalty. It seems to have given the king-to-be some much-needed hope. I don’t know how, but I’d forgotten that of course Faramir wouldn’t have known about Aragorn and Arwen at this stage either… I’m getting nervous about what’s to come, jenolas! :-) Author Reply: Sorry this reply has taken so long, but RL has been keeping me busy. Aside from the fact that I did not want to 'rehash' what has already been written by Tolkien, I thought that by this stage, extensive descriptions and such would be well beyond Boromir's attention span. His thoughts are becoming increasingly confused and this should be reflected in his writing, or lack thereof. Of course, he is more himself in Lothlorien where the Rinfg has less influence, and he makes some important discoveries, just not the one that may have saved his life! thanks for the continued interest, Dot. | |