Tolkien's "On Fairy Stories" is an academic
essay. Academics tend to be better at
analyzing the creative works of others than at putting into practice themselves
some of the techniques they admire.
But
what about Tolkien? How well does he do
at practicing what he preaches?
Pplease read "Leaf by Niggle" (pp. 100-120 in the Tolkien Reader). What elements of recovery, escape, and consolation do you see here? Do you see an attempt at "eucatastrophe" here? Does it work for you or not?
Pplease read "Leaf by Niggle" (pp. 100-120 in the Tolkien Reader). What elements of recovery, escape, and consolation do you see here? Do you see an attempt at "eucatastrophe" here? Does it work for you or not?
This is a story that I read over and over
again. Is it a story you are likely to
come back to and/or to recommend to others?
Why, or why not?
While reading "Leaf by Niggle," I couldn't help but notice a large amount of symbolism and metaphors, if I understood everything correctly. And within all the symbolism and metaphors there were examples of recovery, escape, consolation, and eucatastrophe.
ReplyDeleteEscape- When Niggle "escapes" from the Workhouse (purgatory) to the "next stage" where he finds his art has become a reality (last stop before heaven).
Consolation- What Niggle thought was his ruined art becomes a reality.
Eucatastrophe- When Niggle is taken on his journey (death) "unprepared." There (purgatory) he has the opportunity to fix himself and/or correct his mistakes from his life. The Voices (God and Satan?) argue and it is finally decided that Niggle should go to the next stage where he sees that his art has become a reality and with the help of Parish create a beautiful place for people to visit on the voyage to their final desination to the mountains (heaven). Finally he sets off on his own final voyage.
-Reeba Sullivan
DeleteA painting, Niggle never quite finish, but yet turned out just as he imagined. The corner of the painting was just as he seen while under tonics. I found this story to be enchanting yet humorous mixed with a hint of reality. And according to Tolkien, that’s exactly what fantasy is all about. For example, if you know anything about artists — they live my their solidarity because that’s when their best work come to life, simply because they’re free to create. And the simple fact that Niggle kept getting distracted and then told by the inspector he could use his painting to patched his neighbors roof. I died laughing after reading that — because of the absurdity coming from the inspector’s mouth.
ReplyDeleteBut, yes eucatastrophe was incorporated very lovely in this story even if it’s not what one may imagine. Although, majority of his painting was ultimately used to patch his neighbor’s roof, a small corner was framed, and viewed as everything he could ever imagined.
Ebonie
Art Marmorstein,
ReplyDeleteEucatastrophe is also a new term for me.
"Very little about trees as trees can be got into a play."
Now I really wonder what Tolkien would have thought of the movies made out of his books? I thought it was a lovely essay about truth and fairy tales and creation and, everything worth thinking about. I want to memorize every word. Admittedly, this is a topic I find utterly fascinating and care deeply about. I do not expect others to find as much enjoyment as I did. An excellent read and I would also recommend.
Thank you,
Harmony Mariar