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| Kingdom of Ashes by Linda Hoyland | 4 Review(s) |
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| Darkover | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 2/4/2011 |
| Dear Linda: Chapter Two is just as well-written and insightful as the first chapter! Once Denethor has made up his mind about someone, he doesn't give an inch! In portraying him that way, I believe you are perfectly in-canon, as IMHO that was how Tolkien meant readers to perceive Denethor. Denethor was a strong, stern, and proud man, but pride is not a virtue. A more humble man might have been at least a bit grateful to Thorongil for saving his life, but of course, a man like Denethor would only resent the Captain all the more. When someone feels such hate and anger against another person, they often cease to be very rational about it, as you have demonstrated here. Denethor deeply resented Thorongil's very presence, "rejoic[ed] that the scoundrel had left," and blamed Thorongil for overreaching himself. But then the Steward's Heir went on to blame Thorongil for leaving, making the old Steward unhappy and allegedly causing Ecthelion's decline. Thorongil's departure undoubtedly did contribute to Ecthelion's decline, but it seems more than a bit unfair that Denethor, who resented Thorongil's place in the affections of the Steward, the men, and the people of Gondor; who always believed that Thorongil was overreaching himself, should simultaneously delight in Thorongil's departure and also blame him for it! All these points in your story are prime examples of how very, *very* well you write and develop characters. You have a real gift for characterization, and your style of writing is quite majestic--very similar to Tolkien's. BTW, even though he is almost childish about it, I do pity Denethor and, to a certain extent, understand his anger at feeling displaced in his father's affections. At the same time, Denethor--at least as you have portrayed him here--must accept a certain degree of responsibility, or blame, for that. He simultaneously resents and feels contemptuous of his father's open affection for Thorongil, but also rejects almost every sign of affection his father shows him. When Ecthelion shows him affection, Denethor, subtly or overtly, rejects it. I have noticed that whenever you write of Ecthelion showing, or trying to show, his only son some sign of affection or even consideration--as when Ecthelion did not call Denethor to the council meeting right away--Denethor interprets his father's action as being patronizing. Again, Denethor seems to be acting out of pride, assuming that everything revolves around him. Pride has blinded the man, otherwise he just *might* consider the possibility that Ecthelion is so affectionate to Thorongil because Thorongil, unlike the Steward's own son, does not reject his affection! And even though Thorongil has demonstrated his worth and loyalty to Gondor time and again, even though he is clearly a man of courage and skill, Denethor still privately sneers at him and considers him a "nobody." Sorry to have kept droning on--I seem incapable of writing brief reviews--but in this chapter alone you have packed an astonishing amount of character development, and you have done it in a way that was most interesting and entertaining for the reader. I eagerly await the next chapter! Sincerely, Darkover Author Reply: Many thanks for your much appreciated review.I loved reading your detailed thoughts and am delighted you are enjoying the story. From what I gather from the text Aragorn seems to reach out to people and show a lot of warmth, while Denethor seems very cold and distant.I see him as very clever and learned but proud and certain he is the centre of the universe. | |
| Estelcontar | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 2/4/2011 |
| The day Ecthelion received that message from Thorongil must indeed have been a very happy day for Denethor. Author Reply: Many thanks for your much appreciated review.I'm sure Denethor was dancing for joy! | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 2/3/2011 |
| I like the pacing of this story, and the way you bring us into Denethor's thoughts and heart. How odd it must have been for Aragorn to meet Boromir again, so many years later, in Rivendell. Author Reply: Many thanks for your much appreciated review.I'm pleased you felt I captured Denethor's heart as he was tricky to write!It must have indeed been a strange experience for Aragorn to meet grown up Aragorn! | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 2/3/2011 |
| Such envy does not become Denethor, of course. And instead of rejoicing to have such a one in service to his land, he bridles at the man's approach. To know that he has possibly the King Returned at hand and to resent it is such a waste of negative emotion! Author Reply: Many thanks for your much appreciated review.It is such a tragedy that Denethor resented Aragorn so much. | |