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The Last Word  by jenolas 2 Review(s)
LarnerReviewed Chapter: 12 on 4/3/2005
Ah, a lovely last two chapters. Boromir again being manipulated, Aragorn being consulted, the pride at the reforging, the awareness of the memory the blade hold, the awareness of the inherent power within the Heir of Elendil--

All very skillfully wrought. Love it.

Author Reply: Thank you, and I appreciate you taking the time to review.

jenolas

DotReviewed Chapter: 12 on 4/3/2005
I get so caught up in Boromir’s journal that I keep forgetting that everyone else is off on the march to the Black Gates!!

You did a great job portraying how torn Faramir is between wanting to read more and his reluctance to continue when he has an idea of what is to come. He even comes across as rather jumpy and anxious when Boromir trails off and his fear and sorrow for his brother are clearly resurfacing after the moments of lightness in Imladris.

So they’ve reached Hollin… Boromir seemed to be in good enough form. He appears to be quite considerate of his companions and is getting along well with them. He also seems willing to believe Aragorn’s suspicion of the birds and the otherwise empty landscape. I think I tend to forget that Boromir has so much experience with the creatures of Mordor.

And the dreams are back. This one seemed particularly powerful. Obviously the ring has found that as well as his love for his city, Boromir’s great weakness is his love for his brother.

I was glad Boromir was able to talk to Aragorn and that Aragorn took the time to explain that it might be the ring at work, even confessing his own personal doubts. It’s just a pity that Boromir’s usual strength of character and self-belief means that he can’t see that he could also experience some weakness. My heart goes out to him, though, as he struggles to figure out what’s going on.

What a wonderful moment when Boromir admits that he’s still trying to discover Mithrandir’s age. It’s a lovely glimpse into the brothers’ childhood too. Mithrandir must have seemed such a mysterious – and frustrating - figure to them!



Author Reply: Yes, there is certainly more than one battle raging at the moment, and perhaps Faramir's and Boromir's inner struggles are in a way symbolic of the more physical one Aragorn goes to fight.

Boromir is being forced to change by the ring, but his essence, as indicated by his memories of happier times, remains in tact and this might offer Faramir some comfort at the end.

jenolas

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