November 9, 2002

Jackson Arguably Closer to Tolkien's Theme
Turin Turambar

One of the recurring themes in Tolkiens work is that of the rustic or unworthy hero encountering a potential mate who is other-worldly and/or superior in class, grace, or form. Beren, Tuor, Earendil,etc. can be seen as avatars of Tolkien's own longing for and passion for his own wife. Aragorn repeats the pattern - indeed, his first meeting with Arwen is an evocation of Beren's finding of Luthien Tinuviel (which is, itself, a description of an event ion Tolkien's own life). My argument is that, whereas Aragorn is a fit example of the recurring hero of this theme, Arwen, as shown in the book, does not live up to her predecessors in the pattern. Tinuviel was heroic in her acts and in her steadfast love in the face of disaster. Elwing goes flying to Earendil with the silmaril on her brow. What does Arwen do (in the book)? She sews and sends a banner. I think Jackson does an admirable job of reinjecting the absent vitality into Arwen's role. I think the movie Arwen is actually closer to what Tolien SHOULD have written, given the theme he was exploring and repeating. She is an actor in her own fate, she is heroic in choice and deed, and she is an equal participant in her relationship with Aragorn.What say you?