I am especially glad during our Tolkien exploration that you are focusing on the female characters. I think what you said about them being "aids" to the male experience–that is adventure and battle–is very apt. We do see Goldberry helping Tom Bombadil "host" the hobbits; she is seen in scenes where she either feeds them, tucks them for a good night of rest, or brings peace to their minds about the future. Arwen, like Goldberry, is described largely through her beauty, and she is thus connected to other women (Luthien) through physical appearance. In the context of action, we rarely see them outside of the home or outside of a narrative related to men. I think, however, that Galadriel–in comparison–is much more autonomous and important in her own right and less by her relations. I think the Lady of Rohan, Éowyn, will be an interesting comparison for both when you eventually get to her.
This is a great post. One thing that I noticed when reading about Arwen, as well as Goldberry, is how Frodo seems to get struck by their appearance. I have noticed that Tolkien have been introducing some interesting female characters. Although we don't see them as much it is nice to at least have them and get a little bit of their background.
Thanks for this take on women in LOTR. After reading a previous older text that had more focus on women, I had been on the lookout for women and their roles in this story. It is a little disappointing with the lack of characterization on women in the text. Goldberry caught my attention, so it would have been appreciated of she played a bigger role in the plot. I really enjoyed your connection to women in this novel being connected to a "medieval housewife." I had not thought of this connection while reading.
I am especially glad during our Tolkien exploration that you are focusing on the female characters. I think what you said about them being "aids" to the male experience–that is adventure and battle–is very apt. We do see Goldberry helping Tom Bombadil "host" the hobbits; she is seen in scenes where she either feeds them, tucks them for a good night of rest, or brings peace to their minds about the future. Arwen, like Goldberry, is described largely through her beauty, and she is thus connected to other women (Luthien) through physical appearance. In the context of action, we rarely see them outside of the home or outside of a narrative related to men. I think, however, that Galadriel–in comparison–is much more autonomous and important in her own right and less by her relations. I think the Lady of Rohan, Éowyn, will be an interesting comparison for both when you eventually get to her.
This is a great post. One thing that I noticed when reading about Arwen, as well as Goldberry, is how Frodo seems to get struck by their appearance. I have noticed that Tolkien have been introducing some interesting female characters. Although we don't see them as much it is nice to at least have them and get a little bit of their background.
Thanks for this take on women in LOTR. After reading a previous older text that had more focus on women, I had been on the lookout for women and their roles in this story. It is a little disappointing with the lack of characterization on women in the text. Goldberry caught my attention, so it would have been appreciated of she played a bigger role in the plot. I really enjoyed your connection to women in this novel being connected to a "medieval housewife." I had not thought of this connection while reading.