November 21, 2004

A Theme
Everett

One of the themes that runs consistently through LotR is that help often comes in unexpected ways from unexpected sources. Or, to put it in a more religious context (I can hear the shotguns cocking already.), Providence operates in ways that cannot be forseen even by the wisest.

On a more general note, "Friendship" and "Good vs. Evil" are not technically themes, they are concepts. There are themes in LotR involving these concepts, but the concepts cannot in and of themselves be themes. In order to properly deduce a theme, you must deduce what is being said about these concepts. Is friendship ultimately important or unimportant? Is it rational or irrational, and does this matter? Can friends be trusted, or will trust in friends ultimately be brought to nought? Is the conflict between good and evil open, diguised, or both? Is it broad or narrow? Who is engaged in this conflict? Are sides clearly demarcated? Which side is stronger, wiser, etc.?

To say that "Friendship" and "Good vs. Evil" are themes really says nothing because what is said about these concepts cannot be determined from the statement that they are themes.

A discussion of the themes of LotR is both welcome and interesting, not to mention potentially heated because the themes in LotR undergird the work (Allegory, on the other hand, uses the work to express and undergird its themes.). However, a discussion of the themes is only relevant if themes, not concepts, are expressed.