So far from the shire: psychological distance and isolation in The Lord of the Rings
2008; Mythopoeic Society; Volume: 27; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês
ISSN
0146-9339
Autores Tópico(s)Child Therapy and Development
ResumoTOLKIEN'S EPIC TALE THE LORD OF THE RINGS follows journey of Frodo Baggins as he travels away safety and familiarity of his home in Shire to fulfill almost impossible mission of destroying powerful One Ring. Along with his faithful servant Sam, Frodo travels literally to other side of his world of Middle-earth; for much of journey two hobbits travel alone, isolated their companions. It is this isolation and psychological distance, even more than physical distance, that separate Frodo all that is safe and known and ultimately take a toll on his self confidence and emotional strength. Devin Brown, in a 2006 article in Mythlore, explored Frodo's consistent preference for seclusion, citing his quest in text as one of moving from isolation to community (Brown 163). Following this focus, Frodo's sense of isolation as he loses all of his fellow travelers except for faithful Sam is selfimposed: a character trait about which Frodo is warned by Gandalf and others. According to Brown, if Frodo is to grow his condition of isolation to more mature condition of community, he will have to give up Ring and his pattern of seclusion (166). Inevitably, this of personal quest remains incomplete; although Frodo does manage to destroy perilous One Ring, he remains an introvert who prefers few friends and quiet times. I would strongly disagree, however, with Brown's perspective on introversion and isolation: Frodo's ultimate success in carrying out his nearly impossible mission may be seen as proof that being the quiet type is not necessarily problematic. Frodo does care about his family and friends--indeed, he cares enough about fate of all those in Middle-earth to risk his very life to save them. Rather, I contend, Frodo's increasing isolation as he journeys to Mount Doom is imposed on him outside, a most powerful and unrelenting source--the Ring itself. Previous scholarship by Michael Livingston (among others) has suggested that Frodo's array of psychological symptoms resulting his arduous quest may be likened to Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome. Though Tolkien himself, in a letter to L.W. Forster in 1960, emphasized that he did not think that either of World Wars had any influence upon either plot or manner of its unfolding (Letters 303), it is well known that PTSD first became a recognized mental disorder in treating returning World War I soldiers. Livingston's analysis seems quite apt in describing Frodo's change in outlook and behavior following his return Mount Doom. The present essay, however, seeks to explain Frodo's emotional state and subsequent behavior during quest, while under direct, targeted influence of One Ring's power and control. Intensifying negative effect of isolation on Frodo's inner turmoil is constant presence of evil power attached to Ring that he carries. The fact that Bilbo's heir took on burden of Ring willingly fails to mitigate downward psychological spiral that Frodo experiences as Ringbearer; like typical victim of emotional abuse, Frodo becomes aware of Ring's ability to affect his behavior--and his spirit--long after he enters original situation. The possession of Ring ties Frodo irrevocably to power of Dark Lord, Sauron, and to power inherent in Ring itself. As Frodo gets further safety of Shire and all that makes him secure and confident in his ability to fulfill his quest, Ring begins to take possession of Frodo's will; dual elements of isolation and lack of control work against him and nearly destroy usually stout-hearted hobbit. Near end of tale, Frodo has lost his strength, his confidence, and even his will to live. It is Sam who almost forces his master to go on, and Ring is ultimately sent into Crack of Doom by misguided actions of Gollum. …
Referência(s)