I never disliked Frodo’s question to Gandalf. I always paired off it with his “I will take the Ring to Mordor. Though-- I do not know the way.” during the Council of Elrond. It shows beautifully the soul of the Ringbearer that offer himself knowing his inadequacy.
Wonderfully expressed, Estelanui. That's just what I was thinking of this morning, re-reading the post. "Mordor, Gandalf, is it left or right?" serves to restate what Frodo says taking on the Quest at the Council, but it poses it as a question. The effect (for some of us) is that it touches us even more. Frodo's vulnerable, young, even delicate looks in the Farewell scene only underscore how trusting and true-hearted is the person who says he will take the Ring, "although I do not know the way".
I want to highlight what [Bad username or site: ”chickenlegs” @ livejournal.com] wrote above, too (this is just part of it, she wrote more, if you want to take a look):
I'm rather dismayed to learn that there are some people who thought that "Mordor" line as innane. I think they completely miss the point. And I've never taken it as just a straight jokey line either. It has a slight hint of humour yes, but for me, the overwhelming impact (and I've always assumed intent of the writers) was to show the absolute simplicity and humility of this dear hobbit. The monomental task he is about to undertaken is heart-breakingly highlighted by this utterly innocent question. He could be asking the way to the post office, but in fact his question is actually which way to my death and agonising destruction (for Frodo fully expected to die on his quest). In my view the writers use a seemingly humourous line to grab the viewers attention and push them further along to the realisation of just WHO is taking on this massive quest. Not a king or a warrior or an elf. Just one wee hobbit armed only with this love of the shire. Oh I gotta stop now as I just get so emotional about this beloved character!!
Isn’t that great? Together, you two make quite a team on this issue of the value of the "Mordor" line. I may want to incorporate your and Chickenlegs remarks into an ETA if I have time. Would that be all right?
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Date: 2007-02-10 06:03 pm (UTC)Wonderfully expressed, Estelanui. That's just what I was thinking of this morning, re-reading the post. "Mordor, Gandalf, is it left or right?" serves to restate what Frodo says taking on the Quest at the Council, but it poses it as a question. The effect (for some of us) is that it touches us even more. Frodo's vulnerable, young, even delicate looks in the Farewell scene only underscore how trusting and true-hearted is the person who says he will take the Ring, "although I do not know the way".
I want to highlight what [Bad username or site: ”chickenlegs” @ livejournal.com] wrote above, too (this is just part of it, she wrote more, if you want to take a look):
I'm rather dismayed to learn that there are some people who thought that "Mordor" line as innane. I think they completely miss the point. And I've never taken it as just a straight jokey line either. It has a slight hint of humour yes, but for me, the overwhelming impact (and I've always assumed intent of the writers) was to show the absolute simplicity and humility of this dear hobbit. The monomental task he is about to undertaken is heart-breakingly highlighted by this utterly innocent question. He could be asking the way to the post office, but in fact his question is actually which way to my death and agonising destruction (for Frodo fully expected to die on his quest). In my view the writers use a seemingly humourous line to grab the viewers attention and push them further along to the realisation of just WHO is taking on this massive quest. Not a king or a warrior or an elf. Just one wee hobbit armed only with this love of the shire. Oh I gotta stop now as I just get so emotional about this beloved character!!
Isn’t that great? Together, you two make quite a team on this issue of the value of the "Mordor" line. I may want to incorporate your and Chickenlegs remarks into an ETA if I have time. Would that be all right?