THEMES

Major Themes

Lust for Power

Throughout the book Tolkien has given instances of the corrupting influence of the Ring, which represents power. It seems that everyone who possesses power is ruined by it. Even Saruman, who was once a good wizard, is corrupted by it. And Frodo, who is the hero, finds himself compelled by the Ring. Not only does it weigh on him so much so that he can hardly walk, he is nearly unable to throw it into the volcano.

Gandalf is afraid of the Ring. He has seen first-hand that good people can be ruined by this evil Ring. He refuses to take it when Frodo asks him. Galadriel is the same way; she does not want to be ruined by the power. There are others who seem resistant to the appeal of the Ring. Sam, for instance, seems so good-hearted and pure that though he feels the Ring, he is able to give it back to Frodo and also recognize that it has exerted some pull on his own actions. And Tom Bombadil, like Sam, seems not to be affected by the Ring.

Boromir is an example of a good man who covets the Ring within the action of the novel. He thinks that he can handle the Ring and not be affected by it. But his desperation gives him away. Frodo realizes that he cannot even trust his friends, because the Ring exerts a fOrce on even the best of men.

The Ring, which is synonymous with power, holds an attraction for many, but none can possess it. The Ring itself cannot be controlled or tamed. The irony of the title is obvious: there can never be a "lord" of the Ring.

The Lord of the Rings is a classic struggle between good and evil. This universal theme is obvious as Frodo seeks to destroy Evil, and Evil seeks to destroy Frodo. There are many pairs of characters representing good and evil: Saruman and Gandalf, and Sauron and Tom Bombadil.

There are also characters whose very selves are split between good and evil: Boromir, Gollum, and Denethor.

In the end of the novel, Evil is not defeated for good, since Morgoth still lives. But Evil has been defeated by Good; that is the most important battle in the novel.

Greater Good, or Altruism and Responsibility

In accordance with the Christian faith, the characters of TolkienÂ’s novel are altruistic. There are many instances of altruistic behavior, of which SamÂ’s stands out. Though he sets out with extremely romantic ideas his quest turns out to be one that is life threatening. At great personal cost Sam accompanies Frodo making sure that the Ring-bearer is not lacking in anything. Sam himself goes without food and drink to make sure that Frodo has enough; he even goes without sleep so that Frodo may sleep peacefully and safely. Frodo himself makes a great sacrifice. He gives up his comfortable life in the Shire to go on the quest and make life easier for the Shire folk, most of whom are ignorant of his sacrifice and his deeds.

Aragorn, one of the greatest characters of The Lord of the Rings, does things quietly and with much thought. He roams Middle-earth gathering information that will aid the Ring bearer in his quest. He does this without revealing his true identity and even posts his men, the rangers around the Shire, to protect its people. He does his duty to his ancestors. He re- forges the Sword (Anduril) and gives the Dead a chance to redeem themselves. He is a good king, who looks to the interests of his people and does not try to grab opportunities unscrupulously. Arwen gives up her right to immortality so that she may marry Aragorn. She lets Frodo go to the Blessed Realm instead of herself, and Frodo rightly deserves the honor.

The ents know that their end is near. They cannot find ent wives and they know their race is doomed. Yet, they spend their precious lives and time on the storming of Isengard. Their sense of responsibility is great, as is that of Faramir and Boromir. These two brothers try to do their fatherÂ’s bidding: Boromir goes to Rivendell to get help from Elrond while Faramir goes to Osgiliath to protect the borders of Minas Tirith, even though he knows that is a fatal task.

Tolkien has stressed the importance of altruism and responsibility. The god characters always manage to do their duty even if it is at the cost of oneÂ’s life. They know that a greater good is served by their individual sacrifice.

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