“It is not as if we were prodigal sons”: Understanding Faramir in "The Lord of the Rings"

Open Access

Author:: Joyce, Katherine
Area of Honors:: English
Degree:: Bachelor of Arts
Document Type:: Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:: Scott Thompson Smith, Thesis Supervisor
Matt Tierney, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:: literature
Tolkien
J.R.R. Tolkien
literary analysis
Faramir
World War I
character study
The Lord of the Rings
English
Abstract:: This thesis explores the changing role of Faramir in J.R.R. Tolkien’s "The Lord of the Rings." Faramir is a fascinating character. Tolkien tends to use him as a plot device, exposition, a character foil, and a messenger. The study examines different functions of Faramir. The first chapter explores Faramir’s origins, Tolkien’s thoughts on his new character, and Faramir’s function as a storyteller in "The Two Towers." The second chapter takes a more historical approach to the character, analyzing how Tolkien’s own experiences in World War I informed Faramir’s function as a soldier and his greater symbolism in the story. Finally, the third chapter looks at Faramir from a thematic perspective, exploring how the hope and pity Faramir embodies throughout the narrative affects other characters in "The Lord of the Rings." This thesis studies Faramir’s mysterious origins and evolving purpose in the trilogy, and strengthens the connection between Faramir and Tolkien himself.