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.
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