Tony Meade
Active Member
SESSION 31
Comment on Tom Bombadil’s anarchy:
Comment on Tom Bombadil’s anarchy:
- Tolkien had an interest in anarchism, with regard to the Hobbits, not the political kind.
- Farmer Cotton is a textual example of Tolkien’s social views of this kind of benevolent anarchy.
- Tolkien had to distinguish his brand of anarchy from those known for blowing things up in the early 20th century.
- Tom Bombadil is more of an example of a perfected model of the abstract concept of anarchy.
- Tom is a strange character to both The Silmarillion and The Hobbit worlds.
- The original Tom Bombadil poem predates The Hobbit, but he was added to The Lord of the Rings very early in the writing process.
- Tolkien’s original plot notes included a witch house adventure but replaced that with Tom and Goldberry very early on.
- It’s important to remember that the Silmarillion and Hobbit worlds were not originally integrated prior to the writing of The Lord of the Rings.
- It’s interesting that Tolkien does not change or adjust Tom’s character or story from the poem to fit with the world of The Silmarillion, as he does with characters from The Hobbit, such as Elrond.
- Tolkien was adamant about keeping the mystery around Tom, and not fitting him in with the schema of the legendarium.
- By bringing in the elements from the poem wholesale, this allows for some inside jokes for those who have read the original poem.
- The one major difference between the book and the poem is in the captures of Tom in the poem, while Goldberry asserts his mastery and power in the book.
- Note: Within the frame of the story Tolkien attributes the writing of “The Adventures of Tom Bombadil” to the Bucklanders’ traditional poetry.
- The whole scene of perfect comfort and good cheer is in stark contrast to the uncanny and dangerous day that they have survived in the Old Forest.
- Tom shows extra hospitality by taking care of their ponies, not only relieving the hobbits of the responsibility for this job, but also to show welcome to the ponies themselves. Looking after horses after a ride is a lot of work, something a modern audience may not appreciate.
- Tom is referred to as “the Master” in the dinner scene, which means that the narrator has embraced and chosen to emphasize that aspect of his character.
- When Tom arrives in the house, he is wearing a crown of leaves, which is immediately after Goldberry identifies Tom as “the Master”.
- In contrast, the dinner in the house of Tom Bombadil is very homey, rather than regal, such as later episodes in Rohan and Gondor.
- This is also similar to the way that Frodo, Sam, and Pippin in the house of Farmer Maggot.
- The dinner and the effect on the hobbits are the fulfillment of the invitation to fun and singing together issued by Tom and Goldberry in turn.
- Goldberry excuses herself early, much like a Victorian lady might, to leave the men alone to talk amongst themselves. This may be related to her flower affinity, as flowers close up at night.
- The singing seems to be related to the water-like drink they consume at dinner.
- Frodo had already experienced this phenomenon in his spontaneous verse for Goldberry.
- This is showing that the hobbits are being brought into Tom’s world and are changed.
- The literal sense of “enchantment” related to singing is important here.
- The effect of the water is a purer version of what alcohol does, without the bad side effects.
- The drink is mysterious, and its description is only that it is like water in look and taste, and the effect is like wine, but the actual identity of the drink is unknown.
- Ent-draught is shown to be a similar substance, in that it is water that has been enchanted.
- The Elvish drink that was left with the hobbits in Woodhall is another of these kinds of drinks.
- Goldberry recognizes the dangers that outside in the Old Forest and the hobbits’ own fears but enjoins them to take comfort in the safety of the house.
- Tolkien clearly puts benedictions in the mouths of those that have the power to make them real.
- Goldberry’s “Good night!” may be in the category of Bilbo’s “Good morning!”, in that it has multiple meanings and we are left to parse which one she means.
- Her exit with a glimmer and a rustle reinforces her flower imagery, and the sound of her footsteps reinforces her relationship with water.
- The hobbits seem to be put in the role of children in Tom’s house, with the awkwardness of their curiosity and their understanding of Tom’s position over them.
- Note: The Black Riders would be totally unable to enter Tom Bombadil’s house. This is preserved from an earlier draft, with a cut episode in which Tom is shown to be able to stop the Black Riders with his words. Later, at the Fords of Bruinen, in which Frodo is described as not having the power to stop the Black Riders, in contrast to Tom, who can.
- Does Tom’s power and mastery come from him or from the land itself? It seems as though his mastery does not extend beyond his own land.
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