Humans exist between two distinct beliefs, one being that of individualism where the person is only focused on benefiting their self and their tribe, and the other being altruistic where the priority is put on the betterment of the group at the downfall of the individual. In nature, animals only exist in the belief of self betterment but humans have the moral dilemma between self preservation and group preservation. Through new perspectives, this inner conflict can be transformed to become more altruistic or group minded. Whether that be through the journey of saving Middle Earth or the simple journey through high school. This theme is explored in J.R.R Tolkien's novel, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. This novel takes the reader through …show more content…
This journey takes them far beyond the borders of the Shire, which was previously as far as they had gone. From traveling with Frodo and Sam they were subjected to many new perspectives that made them realize there's more to life than smoking long pipes and eating second breakfasts. Their new perspectives on life taught them the importance of working as a group.Tolkien suggests that a new perspective of the world can allow individuals to realize the the meaning behind altruism and the role it plays in saving their world. As Merry and Pippin encounter difficulties, they are taught the value in fighting for the betterment of the group rather than self. This is shown when Merry and Pippin sacrifice their lives for Frodo by distracting the orcs and allowing for Frodo and Sam to escape. This example shows how they realized that in order to protect middle earth they must step outside of their comfort zone for the betterment of the …show more content…
Through his burden of carrying the ring, Frodo is subject to many new perspectives that make him realize the importance of the group. Without the help of the others, especially Sam, Frodo would have not been able to accomplish the great task he was given. At first Frodo does not want Sam to come along as he feels it’s too dangerous to subject his friend to. This illustrates his perspective in the beginning of the story of being selfish and thinking that his journey can be taken alone, “It would be the death of you to come with me, Sam," said Frodo, "and I could not have borne that.""Not as certain as being left behind," said Sam."But I am going to Mordor.""I know that well enough, Mr. Frodo. Of course you are. And I'm coming with you.” He later learns through new perspectives that without the help of Sam he would not have gotten far in his journey. Frodo is foreign to the harsh reality he is thrust into. Not only is he away from home, he is also burdened with the task of keeping the ring safe. This burden becomes quite a strain on Frodo, “There is no real going back. Though I may come to the Shire, it will not seem the same; for I shall not be the same. I am wounded with knife, sting, and tooth, and a long burden. Where shall I find rest?” J.R.R Tolkien The Lord of the Rings. With the help of Sam and the realization that he is doing this for more than himself,
Instead of thinking about himself, Frodo thinks of the people around him in the Shire. Like Luke where he leaves despite his fears, Frodo leaves and not only faces his fears of the unknown but goes in order for the people of the Shire to stay safe despite the fact that he may die showing his selflessness. While on the Death Star, Luke shows his selflessness when goes to save Leia when hearing of her presence on the Death Star. He insists when he talks to Han in the control room that “The droid belongs to her. She's the one in the message.. We've got to help her” (Lucas New 56). Risking his life to save someone he barely knows, Luke shows his selflessness as he wants to save Leia. Both J.R.R. Tolkien and George Lucas have their heroes commit these acts in order to show that they are selfless because through this it is shown that they care about others. Frodo and Luke demonstrate selflessness when Frodo takes up the ring at Rivendell and when Luke joins the Rebel Alliance. When taking up the responsibility to take up the ring at Rivendell at the Council of Elrond, Frodo shows his selflessness as he is cognizant that no one else is willing to take the ring and speaks up as“No one
Learning Module Seven - “Human Action” Myth in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
William Golding, the author of the novel The Lord of the Flies, lived through the global conflicts of both world wars. World War II shifted his point of view on humanity, making him realize its inclination toward evilness. His response to the ongoing struggle between faith and denial became Lord of the Flies, in which English schoolboys are left to survive on their own on an uninhabited island after a plane crash. Just like Golding, these boys underwent the trauma of war on a psychological level. Ralph, one of the older boys, stands out as the “chief,” leading the other victims of war in a new world. Without the constraints of government and society, the boys created a culture of their own influenced by their previous background of England.
In some situations, people become violent because of their emotions. In The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Junior leaves his school on the reservation to go to an all white high school. His Indian friends feel betrayed. He joins the basketball team at his new school and the first game is against the reservation team. The Indian crowd throws things at him and he needs stitches on his forehead. During the game, as Junior jumped into the air, he “heard the curses of 200 Spokanes, and saw only a bright light as Rowdy smashed his elbow into my head and knocked me unconscious”. (pg 146) After Junior left the Reservation, Rowdy felt betrayed, and became violently angry. His emotion of betrayal caused him to turn on Junior and act more evil. This is especially hard on him because Junior was his best friend.
Responsibility is a lot of different things and has many different parts. One part of responsibility is social responsibility. Social responsibility is being responsible to people, for the actions of people, and for actions that affect people. Social responsibility is about holding a group, organization or company accountable for its effect on the people around it. When you do the wrong thing many people pay for it, especially everyone that you know. When you do the wrong things your family will be ashamed of you. You will have the feeling that you have disappointed them and they have the feeling that they have disappointed you. It doesn't make sense but they feel like they have let you down. They will think to themselves that they could have been more strict and that haven't been disciplining you hard enough. Most of the time that is true because if someone knew that if they did something wrong and they were going to get severely disciplined, they will not do it.
...; and if by life or death I can save you, I will,” (194). Aragorn, also known as Strider, accompanied the hobbits from the Prancing Pony Inn all the way to the Council of Elrond. Gandalf was also a guiding path for Frodo keeping him updated on the evils of the Ring. I CAN’T FIND A QUOTE. But even with all his guidance Frodo still feels temptation from this Ring of power. “A sudden unreasoning fear of discovery laid hold of Frodo, and he thought of his Ring. He hardly dared to breathe, and yet the desire to get it out of his pocket became so strong that he began slowly to move his hand. He felt that he had only to slip it on, and then he would be safe,” (83). Frodo Baggins with knowledge and guidance was able to make good choices throughout his journey to Mordor in the Fellowship of the Ring because of his knowledge of the Ring and the guidance that surrounded him.
Imagine flying on a plane and crash landing on an unknown island with a select group of people. How would humans deal as a result of this horrific situation? Is cruelty and violence the only solution when it comes down to it? In Lord of the Flies, William Golding explores the relationship between children in a similar conflict and shows how savagery takes over civilization. Lord of the Flies proves to show that the natural human instincts of cruelty and savagery will take over instead of logic and reasoning. William shows how Jack, the perpetrator in the book, uses cruelty and fear for social and political gain to ultimately take over, while on the other hand shows how Ralph falters and loses power without using cruelty and fear. In Lord of
In the novel, The Hobbit, we find many themes and underlying messages from which useful knowledge and principles can be acquired. As the modern canadian fantasy writer once said, “Fantasy has the capacity to be as important and as thought-provoking as any other form of literature we have.” Tolkien’s work provides readers with challenging and time honoured themes such as: use your unique positive traits for the greater good of the group, power should never be abused and it is important to find your true self in life.
... earth and his demonstration rewards him with grit and colossal trust. Merry and Pippin both sacrifice their home and solace because they care about their friends and the people of middle earth, and now they realize that they have acquired enough courage to face and fight evil. Gandalf on the other hand who already possess enough courage by the act of self sacrifice have learnt a great deal about the enemies and their evil purpose which helps the members of the fellowship in the preparation of their quest. Self-sacrifice as expressed before being an influential thing to do as people loses all that they have yet it additionally compensates them later with numerous qualities, the most significant of them are satisfaction and strength. “Some day you will find out that there is far more happiness in another's happiness than in your own.” ― Honoré de Balzac, Père Goriot.
“Life is nothing without a little chaos to make it interesting” (Amelia Atwater-Rhodes). In William Golding’s novel, Lord of the Flies, a plane full of boys get stranded on an island. The character Ralph, who is only twelve and a few months, takes the position of chief who tries to establish order on the island. However, most of the boys do not obey the rules Ralph has created. Immaturity within a community creates chaos.
Professor’s Comment: This student was very wise not to summarize Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. The student’s primary intention was to describe the ethical themes that can be found in the book. The first part of this essay describes Tolkien's view on the nature of good and evil, while the second part deals with his ethics of individuals. Excellent work!
of Louis XIV was that he thought human nature would always be the same. The
William Golding’s Lord of the Flies portrays the lives of young British boys whose plane crashed on a deserted island and their struggle for survival. The task of survival was challenging for such young boys, while maintaining the civilized orders and humanity they were so accustomed too. These extremely difficult circumstances and the need for survival turned these innocent boys into the most primitive and savaged mankind could imagine. William Golding illustrates man’s capacity for evil, which is revealed in man’s inherent nature. Golding uses characterization, symbolism and style of writing to show man’s inhumanity and evil towards one another.
Frodo’s adventure is not one of originality. It follows a cookie-cutter character through its journey to save that which is dear to him. In the case of Frodo he must protect the shire from devastation, and potentially all of Middle-Earth, by throwing the ring back into the fires of Mordor. This quest takes Frodo through a series of plot elements that famous Greek heroes have followed, his mission to rid Middle-Earth of ominous forces.
In society, people want to have an orderly civilization, however it can easily be ruined by the selfishness of an individual who turns on a group for personal benefit. In William Golding’s novel, Lord of the Flies, a group of boys get stranded on an island, and must work together in order to survive. However, throughout the book the characters clash back and forth as their civilization deteriorates, demonstrating the harsh effects of human nature. Golding suggests that a fight for power can be rendered because selfishness is human nature, making it nearly impossible to maintain an orderly civilization.