News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
| About Us News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
|
| Truth by Lindelea | 2 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| FantasyFan | Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 9/26/2003 |
| The little interlude about Pippin and Diamond's picnic reminds me of why we love the Shire so much (and its inhabitants). There is no evil here, without outside forces like ruffinas intruding. In Merlin, the hobbits didn't know the meaning of the word torture, or of breaking a prisoner. Most don't understand the meanng of the rope marks around Ferdi's neck either. No hobbit has ever killed another on purpose in the Shire, and the names of those 19 killed in the Battle oF Bywater are learned by heart. The concepts of child abuse, or rape, or kidnapping have no place in their world (something that turns me off in a lot of bad fanfiction I've read is when authors don't seem to understand that). But it's not a utopia either. Tolkien writes about gossip, petty jealousy, insular prejudice, the inflated importance of reputation and mistrust of anyone who dares to be the least different: and that's all in the first chapter. Hobbits are clearly capable of strife between themselves, although even the worst that Lotho Sackville-Baggins and Ted Sandyman ever do is motivated as much by too much trust in the wrong people as any evil intent of their own. So, I think that the justice system you have set up is perfectly appropriate for the setting. Everyone knows where the boundaries of polite society are. Transgression are subject to relatively severe and rapidly escalating penalties. Justice is swift and fair (within traditional guidelines). The worst offenders are removed before they can poison the society. As far as we've seen, there is no recourse of appeal of the Thain's decisions, even when they are capriciously and unfairly imposed as in Ferdi's case (perhaps an appeal to the king could be possible?) It's not a perfect system, but it has the advantage of simplicity and of preserving unity. Having said that, Pippin's hands are trully tied in this case. Frodo has no way of proving his innocence, and once sentence is imposed, he has no way of finding the real criminal. Perhaps it will be up to his family to do that. If the sentence for thievery is one year under the ban, the sentence for delibertely framing someone for a crime should be much more severe, as in the case of Nibs Clayburrow in Flames. There of course, the crime Ferdi was oringinally charged with was malice with intent to do harm, and the punishment for Nibs for the crime and his spontaneous frame-up of Ferdi was banishment. Here, the crime is less serious, but the malice is even more deliberate. I think Frodo-lad is in for a humbling experience, but Truth will out eventually (I hope). By the way, I read the stories here but sometimes don't think to look for a note from you in the reviews. I usually check the header of the story at ff.n for your comments, as I like to hear what you have to say to others too. I actually feel fairly anonymous posting my reveiws here with the priviledged few others whose names I see often. (sorry this is late. the computer crashed on the first try, and it was hard reconstructing all that.) Author Reply: As usual, a very helpful review. You gave me a turn when you mentioned kidnapping and bad fanfic in the same breath, for in my stories, it is a real fear for Pippin, though of course, he learned about the idea in the world of Men. Those in his inner circle know about the concept, as well, if only because he hopes it will give them cause to guard his family more closely, knowing what ruffians might do. Then, of course, I realised that you have already seen kidnapping in "Merlin" (on the part of ruffians, that is), so I see that your comments must be in reference to hobbits kidnapping hobbits, something I've not yet run across in fanfic, though I have seen reference to rape. My beloved Ferdi was branded a rapist in at least one story I've heard about! Talk about unjust accusations! You'll have to let me know, when we get to the solution in this story, how plausible you think it sounds. Your computer crashed on the first try, and you typed all that in again? You are a wonder, and I am very grateful to have you for a reader and reviewer! If you ever want to get into the beta business, let me know. | |
| Miriel | Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 9/25/2003 |
| I enojoyed seeing Pippin and Diamond still romantic, more so as the years go by, much like a marrige should be. Too bad that they never will get to go on their picinic, at least not today. *Hits head against wall.* This is so frustrating! Why can't Frodo remember lending his knife? Maybe someone could come up with the theory that his knife was stolen? Or he dropped it somewhere besides the chicken coop? Grr. Ferdi, hopefully, will be able to sort things out as he always does. Although, considereing how this is going so far, probably not anytime soon. Your right, Goldi and Hodge probably would make a better couple socially than she and Farry. I never thought about it before when I read the appendix, not being too concerned with classes myself, simply thought that it was nice that Sam's daughter and Pippin's son got married. I never once thought of the complications, and it is grand to see them brought to life. (I wonder how far you will let the Hodge/Goldi thing go. Perhaps to the point of agony of your readers? (Which would be engagement, or serious courtship.)) Anyway, thank you again! Author Reply: Yes, we are barely more than halfway through, so there is still a ways to go before this is over. Ah, well, my grandmother always used to say that adversity was character building. Guess all the Gamgees are under construction at the moment. I do love writing romantic scenes between my married hobbits, especially the longer they are married. Ummm, how far will Hodge/Goldi go? Am tempted to answer this, but for the fact that it would be a spoiler to do so. Thank you for the lovely, long review. It feels more like a conversation, somehow. | |