Lord of the Rings
...ards him. It also shows that some things are not quite what they seem, which is an important idea for the novel as a whole. Hobbits, on the other hand, are little folk who are clearly described as being “small” with a height variable from two to four feet. They reach about waist length of a frown human and are inclined to be fat, but are also known to be precise in the movements. For example, Tolkien uses this quality to allow Frodo to escape many dangers. Tolkien gives them the ability to avoid dangers, because of their silent steps. By not wearing shoes, hobbits have tough leathery soles with thick curling hair, commonly brown. From head to toe Tolkien uses his language to describe Hobbits imaginary quality, which is actually perceived as being believable. They are an “ancient” people who live in their own little world and love peace and quiet. They don’t consider the world outside of their Shire, which shows how daunting it was for Frodo, Pippin, Sam and Merry to venture outside the land they know into a world where not only people are taller than them, but where those people believe that this matters. Their bright, beautiful faces with “bright eyes” and “red cheeks” reflect the “imagery of how the glowing atmosphere of Hobbiton is portrayed. As well, Tolkien beautifully describes these little merry folk as nature lovers. This emphasises the imagery that they live carelessly within the countryside on farms and share a special bond with nature. This is a reflection of Tolkien’s personal love of all things natural. However, once again, the hobbits size should not be disregarded. They are little, but Tolkien ironically gives them powerful ambition, such as Frodo’s determination to destroy the ring. It is important to know they are small so the reader can realise that they are at a greater danger because of their size. It also emphasises the great courage of Frodo who could have used his size as an excuse for not participating in the quest, but instead he put his heart into it. In regards to places the imagery of the Mines of Moria is used to give the reader an insight to the darkness the characters are about to experience. It is a contrast from the beauty and peacefulness of Rivendal as the characters enter the dark depths of its gates. The gate to Moria is described as “mysterious” and “invisible.” The first descriptions of its presence are described as being “more clearly than all else there shone forth in the middle of the door a single star with many rays.” The weather outside is misty and gloomy and Tolkien’s dramatic change of scenery makes the reader feel insecure. As the characters journey through the mines the depression and darkness is felt heavy on the reader. “Down the centre stalked a double line of two wearing pillars. They were carved like boles of mighty trees whose boughs upheld the roof with a branching tracery of stone.” The putrid stench of the underground mine help elaborate the dark imagery. Tolkien tries to draw you into this fictional world so convincingly that in the minds of the reader Moria becomes a real place. This is certainly felt as Tolkien uses dark language to show how vulnerable the characters are. This creates suspicion for the reader, “The moon now shone upon the grey face of the rock; but they could see nothing else.” The depression sinks in as Tolkien continues to describe the mines physical features, “They began to descend through passages and tunnels then began sloping up. It was dark, stifling and hot as the rock surrounded them.” It is easy to imagine the characters trudging through the dark depths silently searching for a way out. It is an uncomfortable depressing place and Tolkien’s words emphasise this in words such as “weary,” “cries,” “screams” and “nothing but the damp dark.” The characters passage into the underground mines can be interpreted as a decent into the person’s subconscious. In other words, the danger that the character faces is symbolic of the internal struggle, like the burden Frodo is experiencing. Tolkien’s use of onamonapeia’s also builds the tension and action in the novel; like the “plunk” of rocks in the distance and repetitive “doom” in the hollow shafts. After the horrific journey through the mines of Moria and the loss of their friend and guide, Gandalf, the utopian fantasy of Lothlorien is a welcome relief for both the Fellowship and reader alike. Lothlorien, which is translated as “dream world” is the heaven like fantasy Tolkien uses to describe a vision of absolute beauty and perfection. The juxtaposition of this to the mines of Moria helps further elevate its awe like quality as it is in such stark contrast. As the Fellowship enters Lothlorien they are immediately captivated by its stunning beauty. “Frodo saw all the valley of the Silverlode lying like a sea of fallen gold tossing gently in the breeze.” Tolkien’s use of direction and similes also help create imagery. Throughout the stages of the introduction into Lothlorien the attention to detail, like weather, is also important because every aspect that Tolkien covers is used to make the tale believable. “The swift-flowing clouds lifted and melted away, and the sun came out, pale and bright.” In reality and place as beautiful as Lothlorien could not exist. It is, “more beautiful than man could imagine,” but through his use of language Tolkien brings it to life. The leaves in Lothlorien are described, “For in autumn their leaves fall not, but then turn to gold.” Here Tolkien’s expression helps show the riches and luxurious surroundings. The canopy of the forest is said to be golden and the pillars are solver. Tolkien’s love of nature is explored through his vision of Lothlorien and his ability to see a dream world of such elegance. Furthermore, Lothlorien’s captivating beauty is expressed through the character’s eyes. Tolkien describes Lothlorien through Frodo’s eyes; “Frodo looked and saw, still at some distance, a hill of many mighty trees or a city of green towers.” Here simple words are used to describe emotional feeling. Not only do the characters feel the surreal presence of a place as bounteous as Lothlorien, but the tranquility is spread to the reader as well. Not only from a reader’s aspect, but the characters feel the calm as well, “he longs to fly like a bird to vest in the green city.” There is a calming peace and slowness of time. Lady Galadriel emphasises Lothlorien’s quiet magnificence in her own personal beauty and power. This power of L...