ANALYSIS OF THE CONFLICT BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL IN THE TRILOGY

The Lord of the Rings is a story about an epic conflict between good and evil powers that is set in the land then known as Middle-earth.

The evil and good viewed throughout the novel is demonstrated physically, mentally and spiritually.

The most apparent are the physical implications of evil and good. Physical attributes and appearances demonstrate the power and the qualities of the individual. The Ringwraiths are easily viewed as being evil and by their actions of stalking Frodo, they are found to be working for Sauron. Frodo, the protagonist struggles against his powerful, superhuman antagonist – embodiment of evil – Sauron and his servants. Juxtaposed against these hateful figures are characters possessing magical or mystical powers. Those who command the fight for virtue and justice are exemplified in Gandalf. Elves, Dwarfs and Hobbits are often considered to be good, although some, like Bill Ferny, work with the Black Riders. Gollum, the original creature to have obtained the Ring before Bilbo Baggins, is considered to be evil and is always in pursuit for the Ring. Other evil creatures include Orcs, Trolls, Barrow-wights and many more. Many characters struggle with delivering the Ring because it is so evil, especially when, “Both Gandalf and Galadriel fear the power of the Ring is that they recognize that it was made to do bad, and therefore any good action made by it will turn into evil” Betwixt these two polar opposites is Frodo. He is the symbolic hero, who, even though he fights determinedly against evil, still discovers that he is connected to or tempted by the evil figure he is opposing.

Good and evil viewed mentally involve the thoughts and beliefs that the characters have towards others. Frodo Baggins is a hobbit and he struggles with a burden of the Ring against the forces of evil. Other characters, such as Mr. Butterbur, Tom Bombadil, Goldberry, Elrond, Lady Galadriel and many more assist Frodo and their large company to further his journey and destroy the ring. Each will not take the ring but they mentally show the support and loyalty they have towards this cause. Frodo’s closest companion Sam would do anything depending of him to ease his Master’s burden, but the only assistance Frodo would admit from Sam, apart form his constant protection in the journey, was mental support – inspiring him with hope and belief when Frodo’s hope was gone. Sam views Frodo much as Frodo views the ring, as something to be protected and guided to a final destination

Similar mental influence can be observed with the evil characters, for instance, wicked Wormtongue was the chief advisor to King Théoden of Rohan and had almost completely ruined his will, making the king dependable on himself. One more example of mental and mystique influence is Sauron’s influence on Frodo, which made Frodo succumb to the power of the Ring.

Examined spiritually, good and evil arereadily recognizable. The author does not preach, but his good characters exemplify in action the virtues of mercy, perseverance, generosity, and friendship. Evil is known by its ugliness and by its destroying influence on everything. Sauron, Saruman, and the Ringwraiths all embody the vices of hatred, greed, and the thirst for power. The influence of Sauron on those who once were normal men demonstrates the ability of evil to destruct and spoil, as does the ugliness of Sauron’s land, Mordor. While the destruction of Sauron and the Ringwraiths suggests that evil can be overcome, it does not imply that the destruction of a major source of evil eliminates all evil. The Southrons continue to fight after Sauron’s power collapses, Saruman’s petty destroyers of good continue their work in the Shire, and Aragorn finds it necessary to establish guardians for his borders.

Date: 2015-12-24; view: 653