FINAL REFLECTION ESSAY

Since the human condition covers such a vast range of topics; it can be difficult to narrow down to a single definition. From characterizations such as the ability to have emotions, to having the aptitude to comprehend the consequences of our actions we all find something highly personal to connect ourselves with the human condition. As an English student residing in Lacombe, I consider the human condition to be a thirst for knowledge. Although all species on Earth have to understand certain aspects of life, it is believed humans are the only species that need to know why. This desire for knowledge stems from our ability to envision our future as well as the ability to perceive how to reach that end.

English Language Arts is a five month course.  It is such a small fraction of time in our lives that it is hard to comprehend just what is expected of us to learn about the human condition. Through each of the three texts we studied, we gained valuable information about ourselves but also about what it means to be human.

Although we met each of the general outcomes within this Unit, studying Hamlet was much more than meeting five points. Through the play Hamlet, as well as the characters of Claudius, Laertes and Hamlet, I discovered that fear can distort the future because often times an individual can be so obsessed with the present that they forget about possible consequences that could lie in their future. It is because of this that fear can also prevent growth, it compromises the ability to be human and the individual can be subject to corruption.

 Since this was by far our longest Unit, the most outcomes were met. Although it is within the curriculum to meet these five specific outcomes, as part of the human condition and the desire for knowledge, it is also important to understand why we are learning them. By studying Truth and Bright Water I learned that through the act of trying to restore honor and certainty, individuals attempt to restore faith within themselves for means of self-preservation, linking to the humanitarian ability to perceive the future. If we were not able to feel confident within ourselves that we would have a future, it would inhibit us from living completely as a human being.

 Since Lord of the Rings is such a fantasy based film, it is hard to imagine how significant it could be to us, however, when evaluating the verisimilitude of the text to real life there are many meaningful messages. Similarly to Truth and Bright Water, I concluded that one of the main themes within this text was that individuals struggle to restore honor and certainty within themselves to attain self-preservation.

As I was completing my last major assignment of my secondary schooling, I took the time reflect on my portfolio from previous grades. By doing this it became quite clear how much I have truly grown as a student throughout high school. Although day after day it seems like we do the same thing in every English class, my writing techniques and vocabulary have improved immensely. Since grade 10 I have been able to imbed quotations throughout a sentence, whether it be the beginning, middle or end, as well as being able to properly cite them. I believe that through studying the human condition I have been able to develop more mature and in-depth theses regarding the texts we were required to respond to. 

I consider one of my strengths to be my comprehension ability. I have always enjoyed reading outside of class and although I don’t necessarily choose the highest level to read at, I believe that this has aided me throughout my Language Arts career. I have also taken pride in finished all assignments given to us. Completing projects such as the scene and chapter summaries certainly brought my writing to the next level. I find that one of my weaknesses is the ability to get my opinion across. I tend to not say enough in my papers and I find it hard to fully understand what I intended as my purpose, however as I continue with my schooling, I will push myself to be better at this.

With all the lessons that I have learned in this class, both intentionally and unintentionally, I plan to apply this to my post-secondary education. Although I definitely do not see myself going into a literary field of any sort, the basis of all courses is communication. With this in mind, the ability to comprehend what the text creator is trying to imply becomes extremely important.

However, in conclusion of English 30-1, by compiling the three texts that were studied this year, we essentially demonstrated the knowledge which gained about ourselves, as well as the human condition.. By having the desire to understand everything that was taught to me this year, it allowed me to view my future differently. By fulfilling what I believe it means to be human, by exercising my ability to know, I am also enhancing myself as a person through discovering more of myself through knowledge I am gaining. It is for this reason that I will take all that I have learned in English 30, whether it be something as simple as considering new perspectives, or as complex as not letting fear control my life, and apply it to my life to invest in humanity as well as myself.

REVISION - Lord of the Rings: Return of the King ; In Class Assignment

Restoring honor and certainty

Erin Williams

English 30-1

        Struggling throughout life is part of the human condition. The conflict humans face is as unique as the individual itself. However, it is the way in which one struggles but most importantly the way in which recovery is achieved that allows the individual to grow as a human. By looking at the epic film, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, it can be seen that director Peter Jackson portrayed the idea that individuals struggle to restore honor and certainty within themselves to attain self-preservation to achieve the ability to grow.                   


    Although not a significant character in the “Lord of the Rings” Trilogy, Pippin demonstrated the effects that struggling could have on a personality. After Pippin made the mistake of looking into the Palantir, he realized what a large mistake he had made when Gandalf insisted that they leave as soon as possible for Gondor. Pippin attempted to restore his honor when before Steward of Gondor, Denathor. Pippin pledged his allegiance to the Steward to prove he was not just a fool, but that he can represent his people in a positive manner and be a useful asset. Despite Gandalf’s advice to not speak in front of Denathor, Pippin felt it absolutely necessary to regain certainty within himself, he could not bear to imagine what he might feel like if it was him that compromised Frodo’s journey to destroy The Ring in attempt to save Middle Earth. Also notable in his costumes, after Pippin swore his oath, he was immediately required to wear the garments of Gondor. Although not by choice, he was given very sleek apparel which donned the Tree of Gondor. which represented the age and knowledge of those who ruled Gondor. The tree was a symbol of royalty and higher class. It represented the age and knowledge of those who ruled Gondor and expressed to everyone else what Pippin hoped to see in himself.          
    
     Frodo and Sam were confronted with the most apparent struggle throughout the Trilogy; however it reached a climax in the “Return of the King”. Near the end of their journey when emotions were high and their spirits were low, they faced a conflict with one another. Because Gollum turned Frodo against Sam on the journey up The Stairs of Cirith Ungol, Frodo sent Sam home. This created a high level of tension between the pair because Frodo could no longer trust Sam; however Sam knew how loyal he had been to Frodo throughout their journey. On the way down the Stairs, Sam was internally conflicted. He was aware that at his core, Frodo knew that Sam was not guilty, and that it was just the effect of the Ring that made Frodo distrust Sam. Because Sam is such an absolute faithful companion he did not want to believe Gollum had corrupted Frodo, however he also wanted to restore Frodo’s faith within himself.  After Sam discovered that Gollum had framed him, Sam was determined to return to Frodo and show that he was innocent. It was vital for Sam to prove his honor to Frodo, as well as certainty within himself.                    
     
    A conflict is the most obvious literary element to accompany the archetypal character of “the hero”.  The main character Aragorn definitely faced his own set of struggles; however the most effective was the struggle against himself. Although he was the heir to the Throne of Gondor, Aragorn was aware that his ancestors had difficulties with the significant power that being King held. For this reason, Aragorn was skeptical that he could lead his people confidently. Throughout the “Return of the King” Aragorn faced the reality that only he could return to the throne and restore balance within Middle Earth and that he must strive to regain self-confidence to attain this. After restoring certainty within himself, Aragorn realized that he was not the same man as his ancestors had been, and that it was within his ability to bring pride to his ancestors but also change the fate of his future heirs. Similarly to Pippin, before Aragorn regained his confidence, he was portrayed as a dark character. His costume entailed dark features with a long black cloak overtop. Near the beginning of the trilogy when Frodo and Sam first met Aragorn, he was filmed with a dark lighting, portraying uneasiness and apprehension. Although not a stereotypical bad character, it symbolized that he was going through a difficult time. Throughout the trilogy however, he begins to wear lighter earth colors such as browns and greens. In the final movie, Aragorn mostly wears very detailed armor, which represents his growth as a person and his ability to finally accept his identity. Many of his costumes feature the Tree of Gondor characterizing his eventual desire to return to the throne. Although Aragorn led a tremendous journey, the personal battle between struggling and growth solidified his true identity.         



      It was clear that director Peter Jackson wanted to communicate that although one may struggle, by restoring honor and certainty within themselves, one has the ability to grow. By using the medium of film, Jackson used  “The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King” to connect his message, as well as writer JRR Tolkien’s message, to as many people as possible. Perhaps Jackson was personally connected to this message in the film; however it was very evident that he wanted to share this very deep, meaningful idea with all.

REVISION - Lord of the Rings: Return of the King

 

“How do you go on when in your heart you begin to understand there is no going back” –Frodo Baggins

Erin Williams

Henderson

May 15, 2013

Table of Contents

---

Abstract                   Page 2

Introduction                                                                          Page 3

Cinematic          

• Angles                                                                                              Page 4

• Music                                                                                               Page 5

• Special Effects                                                                                 Page 5

Dramatic

• Set                                                                                                    Page 6

• Costumes                                                                                         Page 6

Literary

• Frodo                                                                                               Page 7

• Aragorn                                                                                           Page 7

Conclusion                        Page 8

Works Cited Page 9

The use of film elements to develop a central theme in The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King

The principal objective of this paper is to demonstrate the effectiveness of Peter Jackson’s development of cinematic, dramatic and literary elements to contribute to a central theme of the effect of corruption on physical, mental, and emotional aspects of life.

By studying the film The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, as well as completing additional research, it can be concluded that director Peter Jackson was very efficient in contributing to the depth of the literary aspects of the film by adding further meaning to his movie through cinematic elements such as special effects, music, camera angles, dramatic elements such as sets and costumes, and literary elements using characters Frodo and Aragorn.

Introduction

As one of the most monumental movie series of its time, The Lord of the Rings trilogy also offers deep literary elements that made it enticing to all. Although it seemed as though author J.R.R. Tolkien simply created a story in his mind, further research concluded that Tolkien was a mastermind who was inspired by language, religion and personal experience. It had been said that The Lord of the Rings was the “unfilmable book” (Ficher) however director Peter Jackson took on the vast task to bring these incredible books to life. By bringing this epic story onscreen, Jackson brought the series to a new level by adding aspects of film such as music, camera angles, costumes, and house hold faces to Tolkien’s magical world. By doing this, Jackson brought his own spin to the trilogy, but he also presented it in a way in which views for many generations could be affected by the central themes in the films. However, when looking at Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, it became clear that Peter Jackson did an impeccable job of using the cinematic, dramatic and literary elements to develop the central theme of the effects that corruption and evil can have on every aspect of life, whether physical, mental or emotional. More specifically, Jackson used elements such as mood, costumes, special effects, and music to portray the negativity that dwells from prolonged exposure to rot and corruption.

Cinematic

Angles

As a viewer of a movie, one is often distracted by the action and plot line to notice minute details that have went into creating a film. In The Lord of the Rings, Peter Jackson was in charge of so many elements, it was hard to appreciate all the thought and symbolism that was put into aspects such as camera angles. A few simple angles include high angle, ‘eye level’ angle, and low angle, each of which have its own symbolism attached to it. To portray the central theme of corruption, Jackson used the high angle shot to produce the emotion of the evil lingering about the characters, like a heavy burden the characters would have to be carrying the effects of the rot with them. During Frodo, Sam, and Gollum’s ascent of The Stairs of Cirith Ungol, there are many high angle shots to suggest the overhanging uneasiness Gollum asserts, which is rooted to his corruption due to the Ring. Similarly, when Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli confront the Army of the Dead and the protagonists are initially surrounded by the army, a high angled, long shot was created to stimulate the tension and fear which was felt from the three characters being confronted with such an overwhelming amount of death and decay.

Music

More obvious than camera angles, the music in the trilogy was very symbolic of which themes were present at the time. At the corrupted moments of the movie, such as the Battle at Pelennor Fields, when Frodo enters Shelob’s lair and the many scenes with the Orcs, are  backed  by dark, deep, drumming musical themes, while in comparison, the Shire, hope and the Rohirrim are musically symbolized by lighter, more string based melodies. As a viewer, music adds an extra emotion depth and connection to the characters and events on screen. By using multiple music themes, Jackson certainly made that connection stronger and brought the value of his movies to the next level.

Special Effects

Perhaps the most visual representation of the effects that corruption has lies within the special effects. Because Lord of the Rings was such has fantasy based novel, Jackson had no choice but to do a significant portion of his film using special effects. When creating the King of the Dead, he used an overlay of a human skull and rotten flesh. When the King was angered of threatened more of the skull should show, whereas when he was relaxed the rotten skin would show. The visual representation of corruption links to the physical aspect of life. Although members of the Army of the Dead have been dead for many decades, it is not the fact that they are dead that makes them rot, it’s the evil and treachery that they have been emerged in for so long. John Howe, the conceptual artist on set, used special feature “lighting at Minas Morgul to foster the idea of rot” (Howe). By again, overlaying multiple lightings of the evil palace, he used the one that “evoked macabre” (Howe).  With the rust dripping down the sides, this feature represents all three aspects of corruption. Firstly, the physical appearance of rust is literal to the decay of the function of the object. Secondly, it relates to the emotional and mental aspects of corruption because through prolonged exposed to evil, one often feels as though they have lost their way and are not sure of themselves, which connects to characters Frodo and Aragorn. When the rust begins to fall down the building, it does not have a set path, but goes where it can within the limits of the building.

Dramatic

Set

A very important element in portraying the theme of rot and corruption was credited to the set. Although another small detail that viewers sometimes do not pick up on, the set was incredibly symbolic throughout the trilogy. The most influenced by decay was the set of Shelob’s Lair. Even though the set was not biggest, or the most extravagant, and incredible amount of detail was put into fostering a corrupted environment for Shelob to live in. The rocks at the bottom of the lair were smoother and more worn, whereas the rocks at the top of her cave were sharp and pointed. This is similar to the helplessness one feels under long exposure to evil. Parallel to the character Gollum, at first Gollum is very violent and brutal, but with his original personality, like the rocks. However after decades of being tortured by the temptation and evil of the Ring, Gollum becomes more subject to his desire for the Ring and it becomes more of his person, instead of jagged fragments of his greed.

Costumes

Lord of the Rings has been famous for its intricate designs and costumes. Once again, costume designers Richard Taylor and Nglia Dickson put a tremendous amount of work in the symbolism of the costumes, where much was gone overlooked. Specifically with the Orcs, Taylor and Dickson had the tremendous idea to add “bits of rot” (Dickson) to each Orc.The longer the Orc’s  were around Sauron’s evil, the more “bits of rot” (Dickson) they were to have. Although such a simple detail, it connects to the physical theme of corruption.

Literary

Frodo

The affects that the Ring had on Frodo was very obvious throughout the Trilogy. Although Frodo set out on his journey with the Ring as an object, by the Return of the King, the Ring has become Frodo’s worst best friend. He constantly had it on his mind, and was obsessed with it. The power had finally tainted Frodo’s good heart and affected his personality, his thoughts and his being. When Gollum tricked Frodo into distrusting Sam on the Stairs of Cirith Ungol, it was the monument of Frodo’s corruption because he was emotionally exhausted from the Ring, mentally fatigued from his journey, and physically tired from not being able to sleep.

Aragorn

Aragorn was seen for most of the Trilogy as a tough ranger but he was actually emotionally unstable. Even though he is the heir to the Throne of Gondor, because his ancestors had faltered under the power of the Ring, he did not want to subject himself to the same disappointing fate. So although he was not corrupted by an outside source, Aragorn’s faltering self-confidence led him to not only let himself down, for a time, but all of Middle Earth.

Conclusion

As a director, Peter Jackson did an immaculate job of portraying the central theme of the effects of corruption on life in his movie trilogy, which was inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel. It is not surprising that all three of the films have landed themselves spots in the “All Time Worldwide Top 40 Box Office” (Box Office Mojo, 2013). The Lord of the Rings is not just a tremendous film, but an incredible story with many connections the human condition with the idea that prolonged exposure to rot will impact ones life drastically in a negative way, hopefully something that viewers of all ages and all generations can certainly acknowledge and hopefully appreciate.

Works Cited

Box Office Mojo. (2013, May 15). All Time Box Office. Retrieved May 2013, from Box Office Mojo: http://boxofficemojo.com/alltime/world/

IMDb. (2013). Awards For Peter Jackson. Retrieved May 2013, from IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001392/awards

IMDb. (2013). The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King. Retrieved May 2013, from IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0167260/plotsummary?ref_=tt_stry_pl

Jackson, P. (Director). (2003). Lord of the Rings: Return Of The King [Motion Picture].

SparkNotes. (2013). The Return Of The King. Retrieved May 2013, from Sparknotes: http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/returnking/themes.html

GENERAL OUTCOME 3 - Lord of the Rings: Return of the King

Reflection

In addition to meeting General Outcome 2, The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King Research Project also met the criteria for General Outcome 3. In the past I have struggled to gain enough information to write about in my critical responses. I have trouble developing my thoughts and I believe that it due to a limited amount of information to respond to. For my research essay, I tried to gain as much focused information on the purpose and presentation form (3.1.1) during the viewing of the special effects. I hoped it would allow me to identify the information needed (3.1.2) for me to successfully choose a theme to write about. After having a good idea and proof to write about my chosen theme of negativity that dwells from prolonged exposure to evil, I went through my notes and selected and organized (3.2.1) the information that was most relevant to the topic. To gain further knowledge about how effective director Peter Jackson was in portraying this theme, I used the Internet to find reliable sources to support my position. During this research, I had to evaluate sources and assess the information (3.2.2) given to make sure it was creditable as well as pertinent to the theme of rot and corruption. After collecting all of this information I attempted to generalize it (3.2.3) and present it in my essay in a way in which it was most effective at representing the theme that I found to be most important in the Trilogy. I found this essay much easier to write with a wide range of data to write from. Personally, it seemed as though it was more reliable than some of my essays in the past because I felt I had substantial information to back up my thoughts. I will use this in the future to assure that I always have a generous amount of information before I begin a response that I can access and hopefully improve my writing. Although I did not think I would like this project at all, it was not my least favorite of the year. I’m not sure if it was because I was writing about something I actually liked or found interesting, or if it was the concrete way of setting it up that made it easier to write, however I felt that I did a good job on this assignment and generally attained the outcomes that were expected of me.

GENERAL OUTCOME 2 - Lord of the Rings: Return of the King

Reflection

The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King Research Project tested my ability to comprehend literature and other texts in oral, print, visual, and multimedia forms, as well as challenged me to respond personally, critically and creatively, capturing the goals of General Outcome 2.

Throughout viewing the feature film, as well as hours of special features, it was my responsibility to understand and interpret (2.1.2) what we were watching in class. I tried to decipher as many underlying themes in the movie as I could so that I could choose the best theme to base my project on. I tried to use this opportunity to grow as a student by increasing my options and then selecting one to write about. In the past I have had a limited amount of topics and themes to write about so I challenged myself to come up with more so I had a larger selection in which I would be able to truly choose the most suitable topic. Through studying Jackson’s interpretation of Tolkien’s trilogy, I was exposed to the connection between the use of medium and the message the author is trying to convey to an audience (2.2.1) Because Tolkien’s books require quite a high level of comprehension, Jackson had the ability to reach out to a much larger range of viewers by exposing them through film, which is a more user friendly medium. When viewing the film it can be difficult to not get wrapped up in the action and storyline, however when looking at the movie from an English based point of view, the verisimilitude and significance of the text is unbelievably important and relevant to our lives. Viewing the special features definitely enhanced my appreciation for the artistry (2.3.3) that went into all of the special features and making of the films. In addition to all of these examples, I used my previous knowledge (2.1.3) of the trilogy to construct a final research project and used reference technologies (2.1.4) to document my sources in a Works Cited list.

RESEARCH ESSAY - Lord of the Rings: Return of the King

 

“How do you go on when in your heart you begin to understand there is no going back” –Frodo Baggins

Erin Williams

Henderson

May 15, 2013

Table of Contents

---

Abstract                   Page 2

Introduction                                                                          Page 3

Cinematic          

• Angles                                                                                              Page 4

• Music                                                                                               Page 5

• Special Effects                                                                                 Page 5

Dramatic

• Set                                                                                                    Page 6

• Costumes                                                                                         Page 6

Literary

• Frodo                                                                                               Page 7

• Aragorn                                                                                           Page 7

Conclusion                        Page 8

Works Cited Page 9

The use of film elements to develop a central theme in The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King

The principal objective of this paper is to demonstrate the effectiveness of Peter Jackson’s development of cinematic, dramatic and literary elements to contribute to a central theme of the effect of corruption on physical, mental, and emotional aspects of life.

By studying the film The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, as well as completing additional research, it can be concluded that director Peter Jackson was very efficient in contributing to the depth of the literary aspects of the film by adding further meaning to his movie through cinematic elements such as special effects, music, camera angles, dramatic elements such as sets and costumes, and literary elements using characters Frodo and Aragorn.

Introduction

As one of the most monumental movie series of its time, The Lord of the Rings trilogy also offers deep literary elements that made it enticing to all. Although it seemed as though author JRR Tolkien simply created a story in his mind, further research concluded that Tolkien was a mastermind who was inspired by language, religion and personal experience. It had been said that The Lord of the Rings was the “unfilmable book” (Ficher) however director Peter Jackson took on the vast task to bring these incredible books to life. By bringing this epic story onscreen, Jackson brought the series to a new level by adding aspects of film such as music, camera angles, costumes, and house hold faces to Tolkien’s magical world. By doing this, Jackson brought his own spin to the trilogy, but he also presented it in a way in which views for many generations could be affected by the central themes in the films. However, when looking at Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, it became clear that Peter Jackson did an impeccable job of using the cinematic, dramatic and literary elements to develop the central theme of the effects that corruption and evil can have on every aspect of life, whether physical, mental or emotional. More specifically, Jackson used elements such as mood, costumes, special effects, and music to portray the negativity that dwells from prolonged exposure to rot and corruption.

Cinematic

Angles

As a viewer of a movie, one is often distracted by the action and plot line to notice minute details that have went into creating a film. In The Lord of the Rings, Peter Jackson was in charge of so many elements, it was hard to appreciate all the thought and symbolism that was put into aspects such as camera angles. A few simple angles include high angle, ‘eye level’ angle, and low angle, each of which have its own symbolism attached to it. To portray the central theme of corruption, Jackson used the high angle shot to produce the emotion of the evil lingering about the characters, like a heavy burden the characters would have to be carrying the effects of the rot with them. During Frodo, Sam, and Gollum’s ascent of The Stairs of Cirith Ungol, there are many high angle shots to suggest the overhanging uneasiness Gollum asserts, which is rooted to his corruption due to the Ring. Similarly, when Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli confront the Army of the Dead and the protagonists are initially surrounded by the army, a high angled, long shot was created to stimulate the tension and fear which was felt from the three characters being confronted with such an overwhelming amount of death and decay.

Music

More obvious than camera angles, the music in the trilogy was very symbolic of which themes were present at the time. At the corrupted moments of the movie, such as the Battle at Pelennor Fields, when Frodo enters Shelob’s lair and the many scenes with the Orcs, are  backed  by dark, deep, drumming musical themes, while in comparison, the Shire, hope and the Rohirrim are musically symbolized by lighter, more string based melodies. As a viewer, music adds an extra emotion depth and connection to the characters and events on screen. By using multiple music themes, Jackson certainly made that connection stronger and brought the value of his movies to the next level.

Special Effects

Perhaps the most visual representation of the affects that corruption has lies within the special effects. Because Lord of the Rings was such has fantasy based novel, Jackson had no choice but to do a significant portion of his film using special effects. When creating the King of the Dead, he used an overlay of a human skull and rotten flesh. When the King was angered of threatened more of the skull should show, whereas when he was relaxed the rotten skin would show. The visual representation of corruption links to the physical aspect of life. Although members of the Army of the Dead have been dead for many decades, it is not the fact that they are dead that makes them rot, it’s the evil and treachery that they have been emerged in for so long. John Howe, the conceptual artist on set, used special feature “lighting at Minas Morgul to foster the idea of rot” (Howe). By again, overlaying multiple lightings of the evil palace, he used the one that “evoked macabre” (Howe).  With the rust dripping down the sides, this feature represents all three aspects of corruption. Firstly, the physical appearance of rust is literal to the decay of the function of the object. Secondly, it relates to the emotional and mental aspects of corruption because through prolonged exposed to evil, one often feels as though they have lost their way and are not sure of themselves, which connects to characters Frodo and Aragorn. When the rust begins to fall down the building, it does not have a set path, but goes where it can within the limits of the building.

Dramatic

Set

A very important element in portraying the theme of rot and corruption was credited to the set. Although another small detail that viewers sometimes do not pick up on, the set was incredibly symbolic throughout the trilogy. The most influenced by decay was the set of Shelob’s Lair. Even though the set was not biggest, or the most extravagant, and incredible amount of detail was put into fostering a corrupted environment for Shelob to live in. The rocks at the bottom of the lair were smoother and more worn, whereas the rocks at the top of her cave were sharp and pointed. This is similar to the helplessness one feels under long exposure to evil. Parallel to the character Gollum, at first Gollum is very violent and brutal, but with his original personality, like the rocks. However after decades of being tortured by the temptation and evil of the Ring, Gollum becomes more subject to his desire for the Ring and it becomes more of his person, instead of jagged fragments of his greed.

Costumes

Lord of the Rings has been famous for its intricate designs and costumes. Once again, costume designers Richard Taylor and Nglia Dickson put a tremendous amount of work in the symbolism of the costumes, where much was gone overlooked. Specifically with the Orcs, Taylor and Dickson had the tremendous idea to add “bits of rot” (Dickson) to each Orc.The longer the Orc’s  were around Sauron’s evil, the more “bits of rot” (Dickson) they were to have. Although such a simple detail, it connects to the physical theme of corruption.

Literary

Frodo

The affects that the Ring had on Frodo was very obvious throughout the Trilogy. Although Frodo set out on his journey with the Ring as an object, by the Return of the King, the Ring has become Frodo’s worst best friend. He constantly had it on his mind, and was obsessed with it. The power had finally tainted Frodo’s good heart and affected his personality, his thoughts and his being. When Gollum tricked Frodo into distrusting Sam on the Stairs of Cirith Ungol, it was the monument of Frodo’s corruption because he was emotionally exhausted from the Ring, mentally fatigued from his journey, and physically tired from not being able to sleep.

Aragorn

Aragorn was seen for most of the Trilogy as a tough ranger but he was actually emotionally unstable. Even though he is the heir to the Throne of Gondor, because his ancestors had faltered under the power of the Ring, he did not want to subject himself to the same disappointing fate. So although he was not corrupted by an outside source, Aragorn’s faltering self-confidence led him to not only let himself down, for a time, but all of Middle Earth.

Conclusion

As a director, Peter Jackson did an immaculate job of portraying the central theme of the effects of corruption on life in his movie trilogy, which was inspired by JRR Tolkien’s novel. It is not surprising that all three of the films have landed themselves spots in the “All Time Worldwide Top 40 Box Office” (Box Office Mojo, 2013). Although Lord of the Rings is not just a tremendous film, but an incredible story with many connections to the human condition that viewers of all ages and all generations can certainly appreciate.

Works Cited

Box Office Mojo. (2013, May 15). All Time Box Office. Retrieved May 2013, from Box Office Mojo: http://boxofficemojo.com/alltime/world/

IMDb. (2013). Awards For Peter Jackson. Retrieved May 2013, from IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001392/awards

IMDb. (2013). The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King. Retrieved May 2013, from IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0167260/plotsummary?ref_=tt_stry_pl

Jackson, P. (Director). (2003). Lord of the Rings: Return Of The King [Motion Picture].

SparkNotes. (2013). The Return Of The King. Retrieved May 2013, from Sparknotes: http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/returnking/themes.html