Many plays and novels use contrasting places (for example, two countries, two cities or towns, two houses, or the land and the sea) to represent opposed forces or ideas that are central to the meaning of the work. Choose a novel or play that contrasts two such places. Write an essay explaining how the places differ, what each place represents, and how their contrast contributes to the meaning of the work.
Authors constantly rely on an dark counterpart to beloved place in order to add depth and create meaning for their work. For example, JRR Tolkien employs this tactic in his masterpiece The Lord of the Rings. In this work, Tolkien uses details and imagery to create a world divided by starkly different cities to ultimately illustrate that good has the power to conquer evil by resisting temptations and maintaining a pure heart even through dark times.
Tolkien uses the cities of Minas Tirith and Mordor as foils to one another which resemble the forces of good and evil. Tolkein is quick to point out that the two cities were once identical as they were founded together as twin cities. Mordor however is plagued with evil on account of its leader, Soron, marking the only contrast between the two. This detail allows readers to understand that the two cities are meant to be considered foils to one another. Minas Tirith, known by the epithet the “City of Kings”, is distinguished with honor and bravery. Mordor on the other hand is considered to possess “[an] evil that does not sleep”. This imagery allows readers to envision the dark city’s baneful atmosphere and foreboding qualities.
Although the tale weaves its way through all of the corners of Middle Earth, in its final section, the main characters, Frodo and Sam, find themselves departing from Minas Tirith for the land of Mordor. Throughout their journey, Mordor has been an unobtainable goal; it is always just in sight, but never close enough. As they approach the city however, more trials, both spiritual and physical, hinder the travelers on their quest to destroy the ring, the epitome of evil. However, to destroy this evil, the travelers must bear through the most of evil of places and survive the temptations and hardships it presents. In the end, the ring is destroyed illustrating that evil, as well, can be conquered with a pure heart and the ability to undergo trials and tribulations. Therefore, Tolkien uses the journey from Minas Tirith to Mordor to show that sometimes people must depart from what is good and comfortable and advance into the heart of darkness to do what is right.
Therefore, the Lord of the Rings is a tale which explores the powers of good and evil. Good, represented by the mythical city Minas Tirith proves to eventually conquer evil, symbolized by the dark city Mordor. However, it is only by facing the evil itself and resisting its dark tantalization that the forces of good are able to do so.
Authors constantly rely on an dark counterpart to beloved place in order to add depth and create meaning for their work. For example, JRR Tolkien employs this tactic in his masterpiece The Lord of the Rings. In this work, Tolkien uses details and imagery to create a world divided by starkly different cities to ultimately illustrate that good has the power to conquer evil by resisting temptations and maintaining a pure heart even through dark times.
Tolkien uses the cities of Minas Tirith and Mordor as foils to one another which resemble the forces of good and evil. Tolkein is quick to point out that the two cities were once identical as they were founded together as twin cities. Mordor however is plagued with evil on account of its leader, Soron, marking the only contrast between the two. This detail allows readers to understand that the two cities are meant to be considered foils to one another. Minas Tirith, known by the epithet the “City of Kings”, is distinguished with honor and bravery. Mordor on the other hand is considered to possess “[an] evil that does not sleep”. This imagery allows readers to envision the dark city’s baneful atmosphere and foreboding qualities.
Although the tale weaves its way through all of the corners of Middle Earth, in its final section, the main characters, Frodo and Sam, find themselves departing from Minas Tirith for the land of Mordor. Throughout their journey, Mordor has been an unobtainable goal; it is always just in sight, but never close enough. As they approach the city however, more trials, both spiritual and physical, hinder the travelers on their quest to destroy the ring, the epitome of evil. However, to destroy this evil, the travelers must bear through the most of evil of places and survive the temptations and hardships it presents. In the end, the ring is destroyed illustrating that evil, as well, can be conquered with a pure heart and the ability to undergo trials and tribulations. Therefore, Tolkien uses the journey from Minas Tirith to Mordor to show that sometimes people must depart from what is good and comfortable and advance into the heart of darkness to do what is right.
Therefore, the Lord of the Rings is a tale which explores the powers of good and evil. Good, represented by the mythical city Minas Tirith proves to eventually conquer evil, symbolized by the dark city Mordor. However, it is only by facing the evil itself and resisting its dark tantalization that the forces of good are able to do so.
Good insights and analysis. But as with the previous post, you should connect this to humanity. What do these symbols mean to us and such? Also, a lot of this is basic fact, maybe you could push the boundary and make some bold arguments that people could disagree with you on.
ReplyDeletePicking up on the foil was insightful and well supported. The only thing I would add is more a better description of the meaning. What does this show about the world outside of the story?
ReplyDeleteThe way some of your sentences are structured show more plot summary than meaning. For example, "In the end, the ring is destroyed illustrating that evil, as well, can be conquered with a pure heart and the ability to undergo trials and tribulations." You could make this sound less like a summary by rewriting as follows:
ReplyDeleteThe ring's destruction illustrates that evil can be conquered with a pure heart and the ability to undergo trials and tribulations. This changes the beginning slightly so that it subtly bypasses the event and gets to the insight. Better reading for AP people.
Cassidy Murphy