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The book “The Fellowship of the Ring” by J.R.R Tolkien follows the journey of Frodo Baggins who receives the evil ring of Sauron to protect. He and his fellow hobbit companions embark on a journey to Rivendale, as Gandalf the Grey had instructed them to. Along their way they go through troubles but eventually arrive in Rivendale. The Council of Elrond create a ‘fellowship” to protect the ring. The Fellowship, consists of Aragorn and Boromir of the Men, Legolas of the Elves, Gimli of the Dwarves, Gandalf and the three hobbit companions attempt to take the ring to the distant Mount Doom in Mordor, which would ultimately defeat the evil Lord Sauron. Along their journey they must deal with difficulties such as the treacherous Misty Mountains and the undead Nazgul. Throughout the story Tolkien maintains a focus on the evils that come with great power and the necessity of courageous acts in the face evil. Throughout the story, J.R.R Tolkien maintains an unbiased and omniscient narrative of the happenings taking place in Middle-Earth. While at times Tolkien emphasizes the power of good it’s difficult to create a story in which a character as good and just as Frodo Baggins isn’t pronounced. Tolkien’s purpose in writing “The Fellowship of the Ring” was to create a thematic story that focuses on fantasy while also using mythological roots. Tolkien uses fantasy to make a story that combines previously known creatures such as dwarves, elves and wizards along with new and original creatures like hobbits to weave a story that is both original and exhilarating.
The story “The Fellowship of the Ring” is a fictional story that is set in a fantasy world known as Middle-Earth; being a fictional story Tolkien doesn’t use specific evidence to shape his world or story arc however evidence is shown through character actions which display his general theme of corruption through power and courage. The ring itself is symbolic for corruption as throughout the story it corrupts anybody close enough for it to influence. It notably corrupts Smeagol who, after he kills his friend Deagol for the ring, becomes Gollum and leaves his home. Similarly, the ring affects Bilbo when he begins threatening Gandalf until Gandalf can remove Bilbo from its influence. It is constantly stated that it is the “one ring to rule them all” which is expressing the absolute power the ring gives and ultimately the corruption it offers. The author uses this evidence to develop the rings purpose in the story and show how it ties in with the central theme of the story. Tolkien also uses the characters to represent emotion and he shows how they are affected as they proceed through the story. Frodo, who represents sincerity and innocence, stays positive and courageous throughout the ordeal. Legolas is loyal and courageous and remains calm at all times as opposed to the conflicted Boromir who is often enraged. The book is convincing because of its well-scripted dialogue and perfect character introduction. While at times the book doesn’t seem to follow the path of good overcoming evil the reader’s eventual realization of an event or an unforeseen twist makes the resolution that much better. One example of good overcoming evil can be seen in Frodo’s narrow escape from Boromir as he states, “I grew angry and he left me” when Frodo escapes by putting on the ring and disappearing.
The most similar book to this is Eragon by Christopher Paolini. Eragon is similar in themes, plot, setting and even characters. Both books take place in a fantasy world inhabited by Elves, Men and Dwarves that are uncompromising amongst each other. The two stories also focus on courageous acts by a weaker protagonist in the face of evil and have a heavy use of martyrdom. While Eragon focuses on the rise of dragons, The Fellowship of the Ring focuses on a ring, both act as symbols of good that are used to overcome a great evil.
Overall this book was a very good read and should be highly recommended. It is well written, uses
J. Anderson
I don't who these jokers are commenting below but Lord of the Rings blows any other fantasy (or really any) literature out of the water. Masterful plot, more of a saga, some most memorable characters written of the century and wholly fantastic yet believable world created over years and years. Preceded (more or less) by the Hobbit, a kids book, but also epic.
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