How do
you write a book review about a classic work of fiction that has stood the test
of time for as long as The Fellowship of
the Ring? J. R. R. Tolkien’s novel is undeniably a masterpiece. The whole
trilogy and accompanying texts create a mythical vision of our world that is
intriguing to first-time and returning readers.
This is
the third time that I have read the Fellowship,
and the first in about six or seven years. I first read Tolkien’s works when
Peter Jackson’s film trilogy brought the epic adventure to life in the early
2000s. I was in middle school then, and began reading the books after seeing The Fellowship of the Ring in theaters.
I remember thinking that the first book was a bit different from the movies,
and that thought has stuck with me, even as I have forgotten some of the things
that made the books and films so different. I revisited the Fellowship in high school, and wrote a
term paper about Tolkien’s creation of a modern day myth, but I don’t recall
much from that reading other than my singular focus on developing my thesis.
Then, after watching the films (extended versions of course) a few weeks ago, I
decided to begin reading the books again.
I am
happy to say that, while Jackson’s interpretation of the novels is brilliant,
and his movies excellently integrate digital effects with costume and make up
design to create visceral and realistic representations of Tolkien’s fantasy
world—setting a mark that he falls short of in his adaptations of The Hobbit—the book’s still hold the
greater treasures. Tolkien, after all, is the master storyteller, and Jackson
is the journeyman creating his own interpretation. Most of the best lines from the
Fellowship film were taken almost
directly from Tolkien’s work, though Jackson did tweak them somewhat to make
them work in the confines of his film. For instance, when Frodo declares to
Gandalf that he wished the ring had never come to him, that it was not his
burden to bear, and that he wished that it was not his generation that had to
bear the burdens of war, Gandalf replies, “So do all who live to see such
times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do
with the time that is given us.” The scene is taken almost verbatim from the
books. However, other scenes, such as when Pippin declares that he too is going
to join the fellowship, saying that you need people of intelligence on quests,
and Merry says “Well that rules you out,” are slightly altered. Merry and
Pippin do not attend the Council of Elrond in the book, and the exchange takes
place later, in Bilbo’s room in Rivendell.
The
most major differences between the books and the films involve
characterization. For instance, in the films, Aragorn is a portrayed as a
natural but reluctant leader, who hesitates to take the throne that is his by
rights. In the books, he is poised to assume his role as king, and Frodo notes
several times that Aragorn’s appearance and bearing are regal. Furthermore,
Aragorn fully embraces that he is the heir of Isildur, and it is because of
this that he feels more compelled to help Frodo destroy the ring. Other
characters get somewhat unfortunate changes foisted upon them in films, like Gimli.
In the films, it is Gimli that urges the company to take the route through the
mines of Moria after they are thwarted in the mountain pass at Caradhras. In
the books, however, Gimli is well aware that the dwarfs who went to reestablish
the ancient dwarf kingdom in Moria are likely dead. It is Gandalf who urges the
company to consider the “journey in the dark.”
If I
had to say anything negative for the book version of the Fellowship it would only be that some might not be able to
appreciate it as well as others. The movie is the least action packed of the
trilogy, and the book is even less action packed. The final battle scene in the
film version is actually taken from the beginning of The Two Towers. Nonetheless, the book is propelled by the
storytelling, the myths, the past, and the characters on their epic quest. It
comes to life before you, perhaps even more so for those who have already seen
the films. The book offers plenty for all readers: myth, adventure, dialog,
plot, action, comedy, and the subtle lines that force (in a good way) one to
meditate on the human condition and morality. It is worthy of its popularity,
and I encourage you to give it a try, even if you find it slow going at first.
JCM
19 February 2014
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