Challenge: 50 Books discussion
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The Fellowship of the Ring
Buddy Read: The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
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There are 22 chapters so do you want to plan on reading 6 chapters a week, and then 4 in the last week, since the 28th is on a Thursday? Also, thanks for starting this topic.
Sure. Sounds like a good plan! Have you started yet? I'm on page 40... enjoying Bilbo and Frodo's birthday party.
Yes I read most of the first chapter, I like Tolkien's description of the party, especially the part where guests came in, then went out the back way and came back in for another gift. I also liked how he titles the first chapter "A Long Expected Party" (as compared to the first chapter of The Hobbit which is titled "An Unexpected Party". I don't think I noticed that contrast the first time I read the series.
This is my first time of reading but I did notice the titles. I find it interesting. Another thing I find interesting is Hobbits give away presents to other people on their own birthdays. Imagine if one has to do that! I probably wouldn't have birthdays lolAlso, hobbits do not reach the "coming of age" until 33. Why 33? Do you think there is some deeper level of meaning attached to it? --- 33 is the age at which Jesus was crucified. 33 is the temperature at which water boils (according to the Newton scale). 33 is the highest degree in the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry.
What do you think the ring symbolizes? I think it is an allegory of absolute power that corrupts, a representation of some kind of ultimate weapon. Something, some force that's too great for anyone to wield without being corrupted.
I liked the idea of giving presents to other people on your birthday, kind of like a thank you to them for sticking with you and being your friend/supporter for another year of your life. I also thought 33 was an interesting choice, as is 111. I wonder if Tolkien just liked the double/triple number or if he had in mind some greater significance.
I agree with you that the ring symbolizes absolute power, which can corrupt even the best of intentions.
But I don't get the feeling that Bilbo actually like them that much. Personally, I'd rather give people presents on their birthday not mine lol
Hi guys! Im Alison. I read this book last year and I was just going to say that I think you are both on the right track with the numbers thing! The whole Lord of the Rings series is supposed to have a close correlation to Jesus and his life/coming back to earth. :) Good job!
Appaloosa05 wrote: "There are 22 chapters so do you want to plan on reading 6 chapters a week, and then 4 in the last week, since the 28th is on a Thursday? Also, thanks for starting this topic."Hey Appaloosa05, how's the book coming along?
Alison wrote: "Hi guys! Im Alison. I read this book last year and I was just going to say that I think you are both on the right track with the numbers thing! The whole Lord of the Rings series is supposed to hav..."Hey Alison, that's very interesting. So far, I don't really see any correlation with the second coming. Can you elucidate?
I guess with the other movies you can. I think of the group that goes with Frodo to destroy the ring as the 12 disciples. Even though there arent 12 of them.
hi! Sorry, I kind of got off track. I will try to get back on track asap. As for the allegorical nature of the trilogy, as far as I've heard, Tolkien was good friends with C.S. Lewis, who wrote the Chronicles of Narnia series (which were definitely meant to be allegorical). I am not sure if there is any definitive evidence as to whether or not Tolkien was a Christian, however, and whether or not he meant for the trilogy to be an allegory. I think you can read it either way; there are certainly Biblical parallels, moreso further on in the story, but I think it could also be read simply as a classic battle between good and evil, which is prominent in most epic narratives.
I meant the parallels. I havent gotten to the other 2 books yet (they are waiting to be read on my Nook). But in the movie, especially the last one, in my college ministry i was in, we talked about them being parallel. Especially the last book!
FYI- Tolkien was a devout Roman Catholic and helped convert C.S, Lewis from atheism to christianity.
James, thanks for the info, I hadn't heard that.Mariam, does Tom Bombadil remind you of Beorn in The Hobbit at all? There seem to be some parallels; an interesting character living on the edge of a forest, who comes to the aid of the travelers at an opportune moment.
Yes, in a sense they are both so eccentric, they are both masters of the small domain in which they live, they are both male and bearded lol but other than this, I think they are quite different: Beorn was gruff, vengeful, and easily angered while Bombadil is jolly and very relaxed. Also Beorn cares about killing goblins, and Tom seems not care – very worry free.
Yes, quite different characters overall, just thought it was interesting how Tolkien incorporated them in somewhat similar ways. I don't think I noticed the first time I read this.I finished Chapter 12 last night, and I'm finding it's almost like reading a new book, there is so much I had forgotten. I read this 7 or 8 years ago, and I remember getting so bogged down in Tolkien's descriptions. Now I'm really enjoying them, and they don't seem nearly so long-winded as they did when I originally read the series.
I really like his introduction of Strider/Aragorn; how you're not really sure if he's good or not at first. Have you seen the movies? I'm realizing how well the movies capture the essence of the story, though there is of course a beauty in Tolkien's writing that could never be accurately portrayed through film.
I finished the movie last night not "the fellowship of the ring' the last part, 'the return of the king' for the first time. I do not know why I never too the time to see them. It was so good and I truly enjoyed it. I tried reading the books some time back but could not get through it,I will try again, for if the movie is that good, I want to believe the books will be better.
Appaloosa05 wrote: "Yes, quite different characters overall, just thought it was interesting how Tolkien incorporated them in somewhat similar ways. I don't think I noticed the first time I read this.I finished Cha..."
Hey! I'm a little behind schedule but will try to catch up over the weekend.
I have to admit, I find myself trudging through the pages: 'bogged down' as you were in descriptions and details. It is my first time but I did watch the movies years ago and loved them much.
I find that I enjoyed reading the Hobbit better - it was smooth sailing. I'm looking forward to watching the movie soon enough.
Yes I agree that The Hobbit is a much quicker read. I do think the second and third books of the trilogy move a little quicker that the first.
How is the book coming? I still have quite a ways to go. Ate you interested in reading The Two Towers our would you like to take a break for awhile?
Appaloosa05 wrote: "How is the book coming? I still have quite a ways to go. Ate you interested in reading The Two Towers our would you like to take a break for awhile?"I abandoned it! I can't take it anymore: reading it became a struggle. I'm giving the audio version a try. Perhaps I'd pick the book up again in a few months but for now I'm taking a break.
This is how I honestly feel right now!!!
No problem, I have a stack of other books I want to read and since this is a reread for me I think I'll take a break as well. Let me know if you ever want to pick it up again.
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