Wrapping Up #1 (Finally)

I have finally finished up my first book, Fellowship of the Ring of the Lord of the Rings series, and am glad to say I truly enjoyed reading the whole thing and look forward to reading the remainder of the series in the future. The ending set up the remainder of the series well, although it did so by ending on a bit of a cliff hanger, which I found to be less than satisfying.

I also really enjoyed Tolkien's writing style, particularly the progression and pattern present in the book. His cheery style of writing is well contrasted by his ability to paint very grim pictures. I've noticed that he has used this contrast in writing styles to portray a pattern of adventure. The hobbits will start off somewhere they like, a place filled with feasting and dancing, a "good" place. From there they will set out to their next "good" location, and in between will encounter a "bad" place, a place full of evil and darkness. As the party approaches their "good" place, the setting will become more and more "bad", until it looks like there is no way they will make it. When they inevitably do it makes the satisfaction of a completed journey even more great. This is all aided by Tolkien's amazing ability to portray fantastic scenery and images. This series of ups and down add so much enjoyment to the reading. When the company reached a safe haven among a sea of evil, you feel genuinely happy for them and glad that they made it to live for another leg of the journey. When they are surrounded by evil, with almost no foreseeable means of escape, you can feel yourself growing more attached to the characters than ever. Tolkien uses this style of writing to drag you along one of the most enjoyable adventures he could have.

While reading, I came across a quote I liked, which also relates to the interesting cyclical nature of the book. The company's resident elf, Legolas, says "For such is the way of it: to find and to lose... But I count you bless Gimli so of Gloin: for your loss you suffer was of your own free will." Gimli the dwarf is terribly distraught at having to leave the stunningly beautiful forest of a nearly lost group of elves, but Legolas reminds him that it would have been far worse if he were forced to leave, and the decision not of his own free will. This is a theme that runs through most of the book: that an optional challenge is the most rewarding. None of the members of Frodo's company are obligated to go any certain distance with the hobbit, yet they all stay with him up until the final leg, where the book ends. Overall, I was very pleased with the book, and cannot wait until I eventually read the remainder of the series.