| I see you've added the chapter with the bonfire. I just assumed that it was background, referred to but not shown. I think it is a good chapter to add, as it you realize that the 'little smoke' was actually a serious attack that Pippin is making light of, and there is great interaction between Pippin and Tolly and Sweetie. She goes from ready to take off both their heads to genuinely concered and moved by Pippin's sincerity. It was important for Pippin to adress the concerns openly: to do more than show the hobbits of the Smials that Ferdi and Tolly are forgiven, to bring it out where everyone can hear, accept blame and to leave the chance for forgiveness or censure to the Tooks. He left it open, and it could have ended up differently, except that he'd already had it all out with the escort and they had no doubt of his conviction and his pledge of loyalty. Brilliant handling of Meadowsweet, to adress her righteous anger and let others tell her that it wasn't Pippin's fault alone. It sounds calculating that way, but the thing is it wouldn't have been successful except that Pippin is truly committed to his pledge, and serves as Thain out of a real love for the Shire and the people. I like the way Pippin and Faramir drew strength from each other during the crisis, remembering their promises and gaining another day. And Meadowsweet's comment about the Thainship wearing Pippin down makes Old Tom's thoughts in the next chapter an echo of the Talk. I really do think it was important for Pippin to give the Tooks something to resolve the crisis and balance the talk, but it also shows that not all concerns are completely put to rest (his health, mostly). Overall, a good addition and makes it more believable that there is no visible tension left between Ferdi, the escort and Pippin by the beginning of Rope, only a few months later. |
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