Item: The Fellowship of the Ring
Author: Lady of Shalott

Lady of Shalott

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24 Ocak 01:30

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Taking The “Home” To The Road

Undoubtedly, J.R.R. Tolkien bequeathed a masterpiece to the entire literary world; The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The Fellowship of the Ring is the first book of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, which begins in an inland area in the northwest of Middle Earth that has fallen into oblivion; The Shire. This is the home of the Hobbits who live in peace and tranquility. The Hobbits, are largely sheltered from the goings-on in the rest of Middle-earth. Although they have been living on their own for centuries and cannot tolerate "strange" events, things do not always turn out as expected. One day, the peaceful and quiet life of some Hobbits in the Shire has to change and it is the time to hit the road. The difficulties encountered throughout the journey, the longing that the characters experience from time to time, and the safe warmth of being in The Shire, establish a duality throughout the entire story. Ultimately an unexpected journey begins. And the reader’s adventure too… With the sudden disappearance of Bilbo Baggins just after his 111th birthday, rumors continued for long days. For the Shire folk, whose own paradise was again their own home, to disappear as Bilbo did, is an unacceptable event. So, in this way, the reader feels the sense of being at home through the Shire at the very beginning of the book. Thereby, The Hobbits' love for their home is emphasized by their unwillingness to leave. But the real breaking point in the story begins when Frodo takes over the ring and becomes aware of the dangers. This also marks the beginning of the journey. Frodo's initial hesitation to embark on the journey reflects the Hobbits' strong affection for their home and unwillingness to leave the comfort of their familiar surroundings. When looking at the words of Frodo, “I should like to save the Shire, if I could...I feel that as long as the Shire lies behind, safe and comfortable, I shall find wandering more bearable: I shall know that somewhere there is a firm foothold, even if my feet cannot stand there again” (Tolkien, 50). It can be understood from this quote that Frodo is scared but going on the journey for his beloved Shire. However, after taking the road, it becomes noticeable that there are gradual changes in Frodo's thoughts. Especially with his friends Sam, Pippin, and finally Merry joining him, Frodo's motivation increases. Thus, it is emphasized that the “house” is not only a physical place but the presence of his friends. Whenever each member of the group misses Shire very much along the journey, they create a kind of “home” for themselves on the way. However, throughout the journey, the characters often express their longing for home. Frodo, Sam, and the others experience moments of homesickness, emphasizing the deep emotional connection with their origins. For example, at the beginning of their journey and especially in the Old Forest, they complain of hunger, fatigue, and discomfort. Similarly, the fact that nine members from different races and backgrounds come together and help each other under the name of the "Fellowship of the Ring" to serve the same purpose (helping Frodo take the ring to Mount Doom) is one of the factors that increase the warmth of the “house” in the story. Sometimes they really find temporary homes for themselves on the way. For example, Rivendell (an important place where the quest to destroy the One Ring began) stands as a temporary home to the Fellowship. “But so far my only thought has been to get here; and I hope I shan't have to go any further. It is very pleasant just to rest. I have had a month of exile and adventure, and I find that has been as much as I want. (Tolkien, 170). The Elven sanctuary comforting its guests makes them feel “Being at Home” and “Being on the Road” both at the same time which creates a juxtaposition in the story. This scene also corresponds to Campbell's monomyth The Road of Trials. Also Frodo's dreams of the Shire while in Rivendell and Sam's heartfelt conversations about home underline the emotional pull of 'being at home.' Even as the characters' growth and resilience become evident as they face and overcome the dangers of the journey, the importance of 'being at home' as a source of comfort and stability continues to be underlined. On the other hand, the difficulty of ‘being on the road’ is also well-processed in the book. The journey is full of difficulties, such as encounters with Ringwraiths and the escape from the Black Riders. These difficulties highlight the harsh realities of 'being on the road' and contrast with the simplicity and safety of 'being at home.' Also, the journey through the dark and perilous Khazad-dûm (Moria) is a stark example of the challenges the Fellowship faces on the road emphasizing the vulnerability of the characters. The contrast between the claustrophobic, dangerous mines and the open, peaceful Shire underscores the risks and sacrifices associated with the quest. In a nutshell, "The Fellowship of the Ring" establishes a sharp distinction between 'being at home' and 'being on the road'.' Frodo's internal struggle between the temptation to return home and the responsibility of the journey adds duality to the theme of the book. This conflict is exemplified by Frodo choosing to continue the journey despite his longing for the Shire. While the Shire represents a haven of comfort and familiarity, the journey symbolizes the challenges and transformations that occur outside the safety of one's home.

The Fellowship of the RingJ. R. R. Tolkien · Harper Collins · 200918,5bin okunma

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