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| Runaway by Lindelea | 4 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Eirinn Leigh | Reviewed Chapter: 23 on 6/12/2016 |
| How could Pippin take their loyalty for granted when he jumps right off to the conclusion that they have none? I still do not believe Pippin deserves what he has, but perhaps he is beginning to at least realize that he has it and realize it's great worth. Author Reply: This was such a frustrating story in many ways... I am so thankful to JoDancingTree for her clarifying voice and thoughts; she helped me get from point A to point B and make it all make sense, along with achieving the character growth I was aiming for. Your insights are spot on... Pippin has taken a lot for granted, and he hasn't been held to account up to this point, but he got pulled up short here. And he will have a bigger price to pay, eventually, though going through this process has left him better prepared for it, curiously enough. Belated thanks for your taking the time to stop and leave your thoughts. I hope this finds you well. | |
| FantasyFan | Reviewed Chapter: 23 on 11/3/2003 |
| Since I am behind, I'm just going to make one review for the last two chapters. (Surprise Parties. They are so much work, they get in the way of important things like reviewing.) These are two very important chapters and I think you and Jo have done a masterful job dealing with the issues. As Merry says, "We have turned this situation from evil to good, I think.." I think everyone learns something from the near-tragedy. There's tremendous opportunity for self-awareness and growth for all the characters, but especially for Pippin. What you thought was going to be a throwaway story has many implications for his future thought and action. How much it must have hurt for Pippin to hear Ferdi say he does not trust him. Between his aching head and the emotional upheaval of almost being branded and banished, Ferdi has very little to lose and is being much more outspoken than usual. It's probably a relief to him to have years of biting his tongue released in plain speech. Not only does Ferdi not trust Pippin, he doubts that Pippin is capable of understanding the seriousness of a solemn oath. That has to wound Pippin to the core. Fidelity to oaths is so important in Tolkien's universe; it is at the core of personal honor. Pippin has had occasion to swear oaths, and he does invest his oaths with great importance. But Ferdi does not see it in his actions, and does not trust him. Pippin has never taken himself too seriously, and perhaps that has lead to the impression that he takes nothing seriously. We've seen him change and grow a great deal over the years, seen him mastering himself, seen his wit and his sorrow. Perhaps he's become just a bit complacent, knowing himself to be a good Thain and trusting that his unusual experiences will see him through judgements and turmoil. Clearly this crisis knocks the underpinnings right out from under him. He's not automatically better than the other hobbits. In fact, he has much to learn about service. The talk of banishment is brilliant. I had forgotten about the part of your justice system that specifies the punishment for false accusation, but these issues are truly that serious. False accusation and the lack of trust are the heart of the rest of the escort's thoughts of resigning and Regi and Berelac's protests, and if anything could, they would be what destroys Pippin's thainship. Pippin's been to wrapped up in his fear and misery to give full attention to all the consequences, but Merry knows. I love the look of sorrow he gives Pip, though Merry's strength to see it through nearly falters. An oath of loyalty is the perfect thing for Pip to do, restitution that goes well beyond unimportant gold to the heart of the matter and will bind him for his entire life. Though Ferdi accepts Pip's oath of loyalty, I am sure he is still reserving judgement. Pippin's insistance on the whole ugly truth being told, no matter the cost to himself, is the first payment of his debt. The hobbits of the Smials and Brandy Hall are going to be shocked, and the talk will fly. Pip's standing in the popularity polls is bound to drop a few points, but hopefully they will see a new resolve to service which will stand him in better stead eventually. Then there's Everard. His dismay at his failure of judgement, and your description of him as "one who had always tried to walk uprightly, who had held himself to a higher standard" reminds me of what Tolkien said of judgement of intentions (although he was talking about Frodo): "To ourselves we must present the absolute ideal without compromise, for we do not know our own limits of natural strength (+ grace) and if we do not aim at the highest we shall certainly fall short of the utmost that we could achieve. To others, in any case of which we know enough to make a judgement, we must apply a scale tempered by 'mercy': that is, since we can with good will do this without the bias inevitable in judgements of ourselves, we must estimate the limits of another's strength and weigh this against the force of particular circumstances. We frequently see this double scale used by the saints in their judgements upon themselves when suffering great hardships or temptations, and upon others in like trials." Not that Everard's a saint, but he clearly holds himself to the highest standard, and Ferdi and Tolly's response to him is tempered with Tolkien-typical mercy. You do such a wonderful job of keeping your ideas in line with canon. Then of course, the other part of Pippin's oath, to his son. This is a conversation I've been waiting for, for a long time. If Pippin weren't already on his knees, this would have brought him there. I'm eager to see him live out this part of his promise, and to see how each deals with the next crisis of health. The next thing to do is to bring Diamond into the new understanding and openness between father and son. It hasn't come out yet that Faramir also thinks himself guilty of causing the miscarriage. Great chapters, thank you! Author Reply: My, you wrote enough of a review to have covered two chapters, and more! Many thanks. I do so appreciate your insights. (As a matter of fact, I think Jo and I both missed that last fact you brought up, wonder how we can work it in?) I've never seen that quote from Tolkien before; is it from his Letters? Hope the surprise party went well. Certainly am glad to see you back! Author Reply: Oops, I just accidentally clicked the wrong thing and removed your last review, good thing it was short. I shouldn't do this when I'm tired but couldn't get to the internet last night--someone else was using the computer! Good thing your review was just a short inquiry as to story progress! Anyhow, I am about to post the next chapter, and my notes say there are two chapters to come after this, though I have asked Jo if her notes say the same... We caught up with the already-finished material a week or so ago and so the every-other-day posting is no longer possible, as we are hammering out the last of the story, writing new bits and trading emails back and forth until each chapter meets the satisfaction of both. The same kind of delay is in force in "A Small and Passing Thing". I have posted all the already-written stuff from the yellow pad, written while waiting here and there (music lessons and doctor visits and such) and am slowly composing the end of that story. I tend to rush to the finish and am trying to overcome that tendency. Thanks for your patience! | |
| Shireling | Reviewed Chapter: 23 on 11/2/2003 |
| Lindelea, This is a great story, very powerful and thoughtful. It is a treat to read a story where the characters are mature and 'real'- reacting to difficult situations and having to deal with with the consequences of misunderstandings and poor choices. Well done. Helen. Author Reply: Thank you, Helen. I must admit I'm not sure I could have pulled it off without Jodancingtree's help. Her handling of emotions is deft and sure. | |
| Tim the Enchanter | Reviewed Chapter: 23 on 11/1/2003 |
| Farry asking Pippin not to die was heartbreaking. It speaks well of Pippin that he could not lie to his son. Author Reply: Yes, Pippin displays integrity in keeping his promises that bodes well for his future as Thain. | |