September 10, 2002

Saruman and Allegory
Alowyn

Hi! It's me, that pesky 14 year old again. I haven't submitted anything since March, but I've kept half an eye on the debate since then.

FIRST TOPIC:
I have to say I was really mad with PJ's Saruman. He's not at all like he is in the book.
A. Saruman is no longer white, he's Saruman of many colors. He's turned evil and white is no longer good enough for him. "White!" he sneered. "It serves as a beginning. White cloth may be dyed. The white page can be overwritten; and the white light can be broken." Saruman says this to Gandalf before he imprisons him.
B. Gandalf does not tell Saruman about the Ring, Frodo, or the Shire. Then because Gandalf won't tell him anything, Saruman imprisons Gandalf.
C. Their little staff fight was wierd. Really wierd. Strange beyond comprehension! It wasn't that bad, but I didn't like it. It doesn't say in the book whether they fought or not, Gandalf simply says, "They took me, and set me alone on the pinnacle of Orthanc." Also it says in Frodo's dream where he sees Gandalf, that a light came from the staff that he wielded, so Saruman did not take that from Gandalf.
D. After Gandalf is rescued by Gwaihir (you know, the eagle that comes, TALKS to Gandalf, then bears him to Rohan) Saruman seems to have a link with Gandalf. It seems like he knows all that Gandalf thinks and does. They don't need those scenes in the movie. They could have cut them out and put in the Lothlorien stuff. Much more important!
E. Saruman doesn't show Gandalf the palantir. You're not supposed to find out about that until The Two Towers when Grima throws it out of a window.

SECOND TOPIC:
About this Christian allegory thing. Every time I look at this website that topic is being discussed and I want my say in it. Some people have argued for this by saying, "It's good vs. evil, like in the Bible!" But that can be applied to just about everything. For example: Harry Potter (this can be debated and I've got my keyboard warmed and ready for any takers), Star Wars, kids vs. parents (and who's right there? The parents of course!Most of the time anyway.), and everyday life. It isn't good vs. evil only in the Bible, "the race goes on Judah" (if you don't know what that's from watch Ben-Hur). It's good vs. evil now the same as then. Can you fight in this battle? By "battle" I don't mean anything physical but spiritual. Sorry about length.
Alowyn

P.S. Hey Annatar! I'd like one of those rings! (Let me have New Zealand!)