Traveling in Time
Yesterday, the library was closed and I needed something to pass the time inbetween studying for the university's entrance exams. I did the only thing possible: took Tolkien's Lord of the Rings out of its crypt for the first time in four years.
After the first chapter I remembered why I loved this book: it's a well of quotations. Practically every line is a brilliant quote in its own right. The rest are replics like "Where are we?", "Who are you?", "Where's Gandalf?" (The answers: in a forest, Tom Bombadil, no idea.)
When I read the book for the first time, I enjoyed the intriguing story.
On the second time, the story still felt fresh and there were hints of things to come that I could then see.
On the third time, the poetry and songs carved their marks in my heart.
Now, reading the same book for the fourth time, I seem to be unable to refrain from analysizing the pacing, the chemistry between the characters and the way Tolkien portrays different kinds of characters. I know many have done that before me and many will do it in the future, too. Tolkien is too tolkien for not writing about.
After the first chapter I remembered why I loved this book: it's a well of quotations. Practically every line is a brilliant quote in its own right. The rest are replics like "Where are we?", "Who are you?", "Where's Gandalf?" (The answers: in a forest, Tom Bombadil, no idea.)
When I read the book for the first time, I enjoyed the intriguing story.
On the second time, the story still felt fresh and there were hints of things to come that I could then see.
On the third time, the poetry and songs carved their marks in my heart.
Now, reading the same book for the fourth time, I seem to be unable to refrain from analysizing the pacing, the chemistry between the characters and the way Tolkien portrays different kinds of characters. I know many have done that before me and many will do it in the future, too. Tolkien is too tolkien for not writing about.