Figurative Language In J. R. Tolkien's All That Is Gold

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may look at “All That is Gold” and think that there is no way J. R. R. Tolkien could fit so many powerful words and so much meaning into eight lines. These people would be wrong. With the poem directly relating to his Lord of the Rings series, it features a powerful speaker with magnificent tone. He includes great figurative language that helps to make the poem come alive. With a great rhyme scheme, Tolkien does not fail to include more forms of repetition. His masterpiece of a poem clearly conveys a story as well as a theme that can be applied to real life. J. R. R. Tolkien’s “All That is Gold” is about the fictitious character Aragorn II Elessar and his journey as a king. Aragorn is loved by his people and is part of a bloodline that has …show more content…

In the famous line of “All that is gold does not glitter is a metaphor describing Aragorn. The reason he was loved so much is because of how humble he was. He tried to avoid the glamourous wear that would be fit for a king. Instead, he went with wearing regular clothes which made him easier for the citizens to talk to. The “glittering” would be the fancy outfits and outlandish living habits. Aragon’s “gold” that isn’t glittering is his personality. Aragon doesn’t need the “glittering” gold because he has one that doesn’t glitter that is of equal value. Along the lines of metaphors, “Deep roots are not reached by the frost.” is another great use of figurative language. The line literally means roots will live on if they are deep enough to stay away from the deadly frost. This “frost” in Aragorn’s time is the enemies that tried to dismantle his family tree. Because his bloodline stayed intact for numerous centuries, this feat was impossible. Aragorn was able to trace it back through many kings it was so extensive. The bloodline’s “deep roots” prevented any harm to be done. Lastly, “A light from the shadows shall spring;” helps compare the heroic acts of Aragon and how he arose through the evil to claim back his throne. The word choice of “spring” by Tolkien makes the image of a quick, passionate return come to mind. This poem uses many metaphors to describe a story that would be complex

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