AN ANALYSIS OF MORAL IN JOHN RONALD REUEL TOLKIEN’ NOVEL
THE LORD OF THE RINGS
A THESIS
BY:
LINCE TRIANI SARI
REG. NO. 100705089
DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH
AN ANALYSIS OF MORAL IN JOHN RONALD REUEL TOLKIEN’ NOVEL
THE LORD OF THE RINGS
A THESIS
BY:
LINCE TRIANI SARI
REG. NO. 100705089
DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH
AN ANALYSIS OF MORAL IN JOHN RONALD REUEL TOLKIEN’ NOVEL
THE LORD OF THE RINGS
A THESIS
BY:
LINCE TRIANI SARI REG. NO. 100705089
Supervisor, Co-Supervisor
(Dra. Martha Pardede, M.S) (Mahmud Arief Albar, SS. MA)
NIP. 19521229 197903 2 001 NIP. 19820904 20501 1 010
Submitted to Faculty of Letters University of Sumatera Medan Utara in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Sarjana Sastra from Departmen of English
DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH
FACULTY OF CULTURAL STUDIES
UNIVERSITY OF SUMATERA UTARA
MEDAN
Approved by the English Department of Faculty of Cultural Studies University
of Sumatera Utara Medan as thesis for The Sarjana Sastra Examination.
Head, Secretary,
(Dr. H. Muhizar Muchtar, MS) (Rahmadsyah Rangkuti, MA.PhD)
AUTHOR’S DECLARATION
I, LINCE TRIANI SARI DECLARE THAT I AM THE SOLE AUTHOR OF THIS THESIS EXCEPT WHERE REFERENCE IS MADE IN THE TEXT OF THIS THESIS. THIS THESIS CONTAINS NO MATERIAL PUBLISHED ELSEWHERE OR EXTRACTED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FROM A THESIS BY WHICH I HAVE QUALIFIED FOR OR AWARDED ANOTHER DEGREE. NO OTHER’S WORK HAS BEEN USED WITHOUT DUE ACKNOWLEDGMENTS IN THE MAIN TEXT OF THIS THESIS. THIS THESIS HAS NOT BEEN SUBMITTED FOR THE AWARDS OF ANOTHER DEGREE IN ANY TERTIARY EDUCATION.
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NAME : LINCE TRIANI SARI
TITLE OF THESIS : AN ANALYSIS OF MORAL IN JOHN RONALD
REUEL TOLKIEN’ NOVEL THE LORD OF THE RINGS
QUALIFICATION : S-1/ SARJANA SASTRA
DEPARTMENT : ENGLISH
I AM WILLING THAT MY THESIS SHOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR REPRODUCTION AT THE DISCRETION OF THE LIBRARIAN OF DEPATMENT OF ENGLISH, FACULTY OF CULTURAL STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF SUMATERA UTARA ON THE UNDERSTANDING THAT USERS ARE MADE AWARE OF THEIR OBLIGATION UNDER THE LAW OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
First, I praise The Lord, in the name of my saviour Jesus Christ. I would like
to thank God for His blessing and mercy in my life. Thank God for giving me ability,
guidance, patience, and wise so I can complete this thesis as one of the requirements
to get Scholar Certificate in English Department, Faculty of Cultural Studies,
University of Sumatera Utara.
The writer gets so many helps, motivation, suggestion, and also support from
many people to process of doing this thesis, from the beginning of my study until the
writer finish this thesis. On this occasion, I would like to express my sincere gratitude
and appreciation to those parting namely:
1. The Dean of Faculty of Cultural Studies, University of Sumatera Utara, Dr. H.
Syahron Lubis, MA who has authority in my academic years of learning.
2. Dr. H. Muhizar Muchtar, MS the Head of English Department and Mr
Rahmadsyah Rangkuti, MA. PhD as the secretary of English Department
Department, who has helped me with his leadership to finish my study, and
the staffs of English literature department who has given all the opportunities
and facilities, during my study in this university and in completing this thesis.
3. My supervisor, Dra. Martha Pardede, M.S and my co-supervisor, Mahmud
Arief Albar, SS. MA, thank you for all the time, guidance, patience,
suggestions, corrections that is given to me in doing this thesis so I can
complete it well. I also would like to thank all my lectures of Faculty of
Cultural Studies, University of Sumatera Utara for their willingness sharing
times and patience in guiding, and supervising this thesis.
4. My hearties and deepest gratitude is due to my parents. My beloved daddy,
P.Tarigan and my beloved mommy T. Sinambela, who always give me love,
care, support and patience. You are my smile and spirit. I love you so much
5. My huge thanks for my beloved sisters, Imeldawati br. Tarigan, Iyeti
Agustina br. Tarigan, and Delfrianti Enina Enina br. Tarigan. You are the
greatest sisters in the world. I wouldn’t find anyone like you. Thanks for
great care and love, sharing times to fighting and laughing, and all support in
my life. I love you all.
6. My special thank to all my friends. My friends from Senior High School
“Here We Are” who exist forever. Thank for spare time and always give me
spirit and advice. You are really really friends. All of you, I love you.
7. All my friends in campus, I can mention one by one. We have spent time four
years and so much pleasure in it. My friends and neighbors at once. Thank for
advice, love, supports. All of you are also really really friends. Always spirit
guys!
8. My Senior and Junior in University of Sumatera Utara, and all parties in my
life. All of you, I say thank you
At last but not least, I would like to say thanks to my only one who always
loves, support, care, understand and always there for me, I love you my dear.
Finally, hopeful this thesis will be beneficial for all the readers. May God
Almighty bless them all. Amen.
Medan, 23 July 2014 The Writer
Lince Triani Sari
ABSTRAK
Judul skripsi ini adalah An Analysis of Moral in John Ronald Reuel Tolkien’ novel The Lord of the Rings. Skripsi ini menganalisis tentang moral yang ada di beberapa karakter dalam novel The Lord of the Rings. Adapun beberapa moral yang dibahas dalam skripsi ini mencakup moral untuk mengasihi sesama, moral tentang pengorbanan diri serta moral yang mengajarkan untuk hidup dengan ketidakegoisan. Moral ini merupakan moral baik berdasarkan etika Altruistik. Selain itu moral ini juga sesuai dengan sebagian besar moralitas di masyarakat pada umumnya sehingga moral ini dapat diterima dalam ruang lingkup yang lebih besar. Tujuan dari penulisan skripsi ini adalah untuk menganalisa moral yang ada di dalam novel The Lord of the
Rings sehingga moral tersebut dapat diketahui dengan baik dan dipelajari dalam
masyarakat. Selain itu skripsi ini juga menjelaskan mengenai pengaruh moral dalam kehidupan di beberapa karakter yang memberi dampak positif terhadap kehidupan karakter. Metode yang digunakan dalam penulisan skripsi ini adalah metode deskriptif kualitatif dan teori yang digunakan adalah teori etika Altruistik.
ABSTRACT
Title of this thesis is An Analysis of Moral in John Ronald Reuel Tolkien’ novel The Lord of the Rings. This thesis analyze the moral that found is some characters in novel The Lord of the Rings. There are several moral which are discussed in this thesis. They are compassion, willing to self-sacrifice and unselfishness. These moral are classified as good moral base on Altruism ethic. Moreover these moral are accordant with many moralities in society so these moral can be accepted in a big part of societies. Purpose of writing this thesis is to analyze moral so people can know and understand the moral. Therefore people can learn more about these moral in society. Besides this thesis also explain the positive effect of moral in characters’ life. Method is used in writing this thesis is qualitative descriptive research and theory is used is Altruism ethic.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.5 Significance of the Study ... 5
CHAPTHER II: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 2.1 Literature and Society ... 6
2.2 Character ... 8
2.3 Ethic and Moral ... 10
2.4 Altruism ... 13
CHAPTHER III: METHOD OF RESEARCH 3.1 Research Design ... 17
3.2 Data Collection ... 20
3.3 Data Analysis ... 20
CHAPTHER IV: ANALYSIS AND FINDING 4.1 Compassion ... 22
4.1.1 Aragorn ... 23
4.1.2 Gandalf ... 26
4.2 Willingness to Self-sacrifice ... 29
4.2.1 Gandalf ... 30
4.2.3 Arwen... 35
4.3 Unselfishness ... 37
4.3.1 Samwise Gamgee ... 38
4.3.2 Frodo Baggins ... 40
4.4 End of Struggle in The Lord of the Rings ... 41
CHAPTHER V: CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION 5.1 Conclusion ... 44
5.2 Suggestion ... 45
REFERENCES ... 46
APPENDIX APPENDIX I : Biography of John Ronald Reuel Tolkien ... ix
APPENDIX II: Summary of the Novel ... xii
ABSTRAK
Judul skripsi ini adalah An Analysis of Moral in John Ronald Reuel Tolkien’ novel The Lord of the Rings. Skripsi ini menganalisis tentang moral yang ada di beberapa karakter dalam novel The Lord of the Rings. Adapun beberapa moral yang dibahas dalam skripsi ini mencakup moral untuk mengasihi sesama, moral tentang pengorbanan diri serta moral yang mengajarkan untuk hidup dengan ketidakegoisan. Moral ini merupakan moral baik berdasarkan etika Altruistik. Selain itu moral ini juga sesuai dengan sebagian besar moralitas di masyarakat pada umumnya sehingga moral ini dapat diterima dalam ruang lingkup yang lebih besar. Tujuan dari penulisan skripsi ini adalah untuk menganalisa moral yang ada di dalam novel The Lord of the
Rings sehingga moral tersebut dapat diketahui dengan baik dan dipelajari dalam
masyarakat. Selain itu skripsi ini juga menjelaskan mengenai pengaruh moral dalam kehidupan di beberapa karakter yang memberi dampak positif terhadap kehidupan karakter. Metode yang digunakan dalam penulisan skripsi ini adalah metode deskriptif kualitatif dan teori yang digunakan adalah teori etika Altruistik.
ABSTRACT
Title of this thesis is An Analysis of Moral in John Ronald Reuel Tolkien’ novel The Lord of the Rings. This thesis analyze the moral that found is some characters in novel The Lord of the Rings. There are several moral which are discussed in this thesis. They are compassion, willing to self-sacrifice and unselfishness. These moral are classified as good moral base on Altruism ethic. Moreover these moral are accordant with many moralities in society so these moral can be accepted in a big part of societies. Purpose of writing this thesis is to analyze moral so people can know and understand the moral. Therefore people can learn more about these moral in society. Besides this thesis also explain the positive effect of moral in characters’ life. Method is used in writing this thesis is qualitative descriptive research and theory is used is Altruism ethic.
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
In recent years, Indonesia sustains moral degeneration. Arbi Sanit, an academic
in Inside Indonesia online magazine writes that moral crisis is reaching its peak now.
This crisis can be seen in various types of corruption. Some issues such as Century
Bank, project of Hambalang, tax mafia are some cases of corruption. The report from
Hong Kong ranking Indonesia as the third most corrupt in Asia only looked at a
portion of the evidence, namely that government officials demand money from
people in business. A much more common form of corruption again is political
corruption. These corruption issues lead the moral degeneration. People do
corruption only for satisfy their needs without think about others. Corruption is bad
moral because it is not accordant with moral in the society. It shows selfishness.
People live in society as social beings. Generally they keep up moral in the
society. Moral is the distinction between right and wrong, or deals with goodness or
badness of the attitude. People have good moral if their attitudes are convenient with
moral in the society. But what is prohibited by society is really a bad thing? What is
valued by society is really a good thing? Why should people do this? Why should
people not do that? And do people have to be honest in all situations? These
questions require critical and rational attitude in realizing moral. That is ethic.
Ethic is branch of philosophy that studies about moral which determines
Moral can be different or even be contrast in each country. So ethic makes critical
reflection over the moral. Salam elaborates several theories of ethic. They are
Deontology, Utilitarianism, Hedonism, Universalism, Egoism, Altruism, etc. Those
theories definitely discuss about moral such as compassion, sacrifice, honesty,
bravery, selfishness, unselfishness, virtue, humility, loyalty, and so on.
Moral can be analyzed in literature by literary work. Literature is considered
as the reflection of human imagination and reality. One form of literary work is novel
work. Novel is fictional story in writing that has intrinsic and extrinsic elements.
Novel portrays actions and characters deals with human life. Moral in the novel can be
determined by analyzing character in the literary work. Barnet (1983:71) said that
character has meanings as a figure in a literary work, and personality that is, the
mental and moral qualities of a figure.
In this thesis, the writer would like to discuss moral in novel The Lord of the
Rings by John Ronald Reuel Tolkien. This novelconsists of three series or can also
be called trilogy, but some editions combine the entire work into a single volume.
The genre of The Lord of the Rings is fantasy, a branch of fiction, which is based on
mythological and historical traditions with a grain of magic. This novel is chosen
because the writer would like to investigate moral in literary work, even it can be learned
in fantasy novel.
The novel tells about nine companions called Fellowship of the Ring. Setting of
the place is in Middle Earth. The companions Fellowship of the Ring do journey to a
place named Mordor to destroy a ring. In this story, there is a ring which is powerful. If
the ring is fallen to Sauron, the Dark Lord, the Middle-Earth will be controlled by evil
face obstacle and temptation to Mordor. Frodo is one of the companions Fellowship that
hold the ring. He does not choose himself to be a ring bearer but he is chosen. He accepts
the decision as the ring bearer and must carry on an almost impossible mission. In this
story, Frodo shows unselfishness. In the other hand, in this mission, many parties are
involved and many things must be sacrificed. This novel also portrays about life which
is full of sacrifice. The moral that found such as compassion, self-sacrifices and
unselfishness are described through some characters. These moral are convenient
with Altruism ethic.
Altruism is an
solely on the impact on other people, regardless of the consequence on that people.
The compassion, self-sacrifice and unselfishness are epitome of good moral in this
ethic. Otherwise the self-sacrifice and unselfishness can be classified as bad moral in
Egoism ethic. Generally, theory of ethic has its own system to identify moral.
Altruism is opposite with Egoism ethic. Nevertheless Altruism ethic is chosen as the
theory of moral because in this novel, characters who reflect these moral are
protagonists. They also do good things to many people. The writer also chooses
altruism because it is good ethic as orientation of moral.
In this thesis, moral is explained in literature, in this case novel can train
moral in the society. It can help people to understand moral, especially compassion,
self-sacrifice and unselfishness. Nowadays these moral are so rarely in society.
People should be aware about the situation of moral in society. By understanding
these moral, people can know and more understand the moral. Therefore people can
be more respectful and care to others. This analysis is focused on moral base on
1.2 Problem of the Study
Based on the background of the analysis above, the problems of the study as
follows:
1. How are compassion, self-sacrifice, and unselfishness portrayed in The Lord
of the Rings as good moral?
2. What will happen to characters’ life by maintaining the good moral until the
end of struggle in The Lord of the Rings?
1.3 Objective of the Study
The purpose of this research tends to answer the problems of analysis. Based on
the problem above, the purpose of this thesis are:
1. To discuss compassion, self-sacrifice, and unselfishness portrayed in The
Lord of the Rings as good moral.
2. To describe the life of characters who maintain the good moral until the end
of struggle in The Lord of the Rings.
1.4 Scope of the Study
In this thesis, some characters which are portrayed in The Lord of the Rings
areFrodo (a hobbit), Sam (a hobbit), Arwen (Elf), Gandalf (a wizard), Aragorn and
Boromir (human). Analyzing moral of some characters deals with Altruism ethic. So
it does not be connected to the culture and religion. It focuses on compassion,
self-sacrifice, and unselfishness as good moral.
1.5 Significance of the Study
The significances of this analysis are to enrich knowledge about moral and to
increase the literary understanding in terms of literary work. Hopefully this thesis
could be guidance to understand about the moral in the literary work, especially in
especially about the moral. Furthermore, this thesis could be used for the scientific
CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
2.1 Literature and Society
Kennedy (1995) in his book Literature said, “Literature helps us grow, both
personally and intellectually. It provides an objective base for knowledge and
understanding. It links us with the broader cultural, philosophic, and religious world
of which we are a part. It enables us to recognize human dreams and struggles in
different places and times that we would never others wise know. It helps us develop
mature sensibility and compassion for all condition of all living things.” From the
quotation above, Kennedy gives the understanding of the literature effect toward
many aspects. They are linked with literature. Literature helps us develop mature
sensibility and compassion for all condition of all living things means that how the
literature gives its effect toward life. Kennedy (1995:1) also said that literature refers
to compositions that tell stories, dramatize situations, express emotions, and analyze
and advocate ideas. It is expression of feeling and emotion of writer.
Warren and Wellek in Theory of Literature book (1982:94) state, “Literature
is a social institution, using as its medium language, a social creation. Such
traditional literary devices as symbolism and metre are social in their very nature.
They are conventions and norms which could have arisen only in society. But,
furthermore literature represents ‘life’; and ‘life’ is, in large measure, a social
reality, even though the natural world and the inner or subjective world of the
individual have also been objects of literary ‘imitation’. From the quotation above
represents life with social reality. Literature is the way, the connection among human
to others and life. Warren and Wellek in Theory of Literature also explain that
literature has also a social function, or use, which cannot be purely individual.
Literature is a reflection of life in a social reality.
Zeraffa (1972) in Sociological Perspective book said that literature is an
attempt to make sense of our lives. Sociology is an attempt to make sense of the
ways in which we live our lives. In the sociology of the novel, sociology is dealing
with an art. Narrative fiction is contained within language and takes most of its own
character from; the form and content of the novel derive more closely from social
phenomena than do those of other arts, except perhaps cinema; novels often seem
bound up with particular moments in the history of society: we are none the less
concerned with a specific art. From the quotation, novel is one of literary form. It is
closely with social phenomena, it also bound up the history of society.
Henry James, one of novelist analyses the data of social life. Then he
interprets them, and tries to determine their essential features in order to transmit
them in writing. Literary work is reflection of social life. Its data is derived of
phenomena in social life. So literature is related closely with society. Warren and
Wellek (1982) elaborate that literature has claimed to be both a superior form of
knowledge and a form also of ethical and social action. Literature as a form of ethical
and social action will be discussed through a literary work, for example a novel.
2.2 Character
Kennedy (1995:131) in his book Literature elaborates, “In fiction, a character
may be defined as a verbal representation of human being through action, speech. A
trait is a quality of mind or habitual mode of behavior, such as never repaying
borrowed money, or avoiding eye contact, or always thinking oneself the center of
the attention. Sometimes, of course, the traits we encounter are minor and therefore
negligible. But often a trait may be a person’s primary characteristic (not only in
fiction but also in real life).” Character is the one of the most important elements in
literature. Character holds the main role in a story of literary work such as drama,
novel and poem. Character is created by the author to portray the personalities of
human beings. Characters has important role in creating the conflicts in a story.
In literary work such as novel, there are several kinds of characters will
involve throughout the entire story. The reader of the novel will find so many
characters during reading the novel. Some characters may appear for almost of the
entire story, and the others characters may appear slightly. The characters that can be
found in the story of the novel has different function to the novel, some characters
may give the most great influence to the story, or even do not have the influence to
the story at all.
Kennedy (1995:135) in his book Literature uses five ways to present their
character in a novel. They are actions, description, dramatic statement and thoughts,
statement by other characters, and statement by the author speaking as story teller or
1. Actions. What characters do is our best way to understand what or why they
are. As the ordinary human beings, fictional characters do not necessarily
understand how they may be changing or why they do things do.
Nevertheless, their actions express their character. Actions may also signal
qualities such as naive, weakness, deceit, a scheming personality, strong inner
conflicts, or a realization or growth of some sort.
2. Description, both personal and environmental. Appearance and
environmental reveal much about a characters social and economic status, of
course but they also tell us more about character traits.
3. Dramatic statement and thoughts. Although the speeches of most characters
are functional – essential to keep the story moving along – they provide
material from which we can draw conclusion. Often, characters use speech to
hide their motives, though we as readers should see through such a ploy.
4. Statement by other characters. By studying what characters say about each
other, we can enhance our understanding of the characters being discussed.
Ironically, the characters doing the talking often indicate something other
than what they intend, perhaps because of prejudice, stupidity, or foolishness.
5. Statement by the author speaking as story teller or observer. What they
author says about a characters is usually accurate, and the authorial voice can
be accepted factually. However, when the authorial voice interprets actions
and characteristic, the author himself or herself assumes the role of a reader
frequently avoid interpretations and devote their skill to arranging events and
speeches so that readers may draw their own conclusions.
2.3 Ethic and Moral
Moral is derived from Latin word, mores or mos (plural form). It means
manners, custom or the way of life. Moral is concerned with the judgment of the
goodness and badness of human action and character, pertaining to the discernment
of good and evil, designed to teach goodness of character and behavior, instructive to
what is good and bad. Briefly, moral is the distinction between right and wrong, or
deals with goodness or badness of the attitude.
People live in society as social beings. Generally they keep up moral in the
society. People have good moral if their attitudes are convenient with moral in the
society. People get moral from what they do, think, and say. Moral employs terms
such as good and bad, right and wrong to express preferences, decisions and choices
or to criticizes, grade, persuade, praise, blame, and encourage. In other word, moral
standard in society are standards to decide whether human conduct is right or wrong
and bad or good.
Moral are divided into two parts, they are personal moral and social moral.
There is a fundamental difference between personal moral and social moral. Personal
moral defines how we personally respond to life from or within our own integrity,
and within our own personal values. Social moral defines how we respond to our
environment, our immediate community and the world community. We are all
personally guided by our own sense of what is right and wrong. Socially, we must be
According to Bentham (1959:382) man is a pleasure seeking, pain avoiding
creature. Human beings with refined faculties are not satisfied with the pleasure of
the body; they seek the higher pleasure of the mind, feelings, and moral sentiments.
Once a man has lived on a higher level, he can never really wish to sink into a lower
level of existence. This is due to the human sense of dignity. The temptation of
becoming a glorious person can make people blind. In order to get their glory, people
tend to do whatever it takes to reach their goal. For some people who could die to
reach the top of the world, they can do anything and sometimes abandon some moral
standard that have been occurred in society where he or she belongs. This kind of
attitude of course can defect social system if it happened continuously. Moral
standards are concerned with presenting and justifying a guide to right conduct. A
thing can be used as critical approach toward the moral is ethic.
Suseno (1990:3) states that ethic is not an additional source of morality but
it’s a philosophy that reflects on moral teaching. However, moral standard is not
always same in each domain. Moral can be different or even be contrast in each
country. So ethic makes critical reflection over the moral. Ethic is a branch of
philosophy which discuss about of human attitude or behavior, which can be
evaluated as good and bad character. Ethics seeks to address questions such as, how
a moral outcome can be achieved in a specific situation, how moral should be
determined, what morals people actually abide by, what the fundamental nature of
ethics is, including whether it has any objective justification, and how moral capacity
or moral agency develops and what its nature is.
By understanding moral and ethic, we know moral has the closely connection
it certain ethic is required critical and rational attitude in realizing moral. However,
moral standard is not always same in each domain. Moral can be different or even be
contrast in each country. It is also with ethic. There are several theories of ethic. It
can be concluded that moral defines personal character, while ethic makes critical
reflection over the moral.
2.4 Altruism
Auguste Comte, French philosopher coined the term altruism in 1851. Aguste
Comte penned the term altruism, derived from the Latin word alter and the Italian
adjective altrui. It means other people. Altruism is an ethic system that accentuates
benevolence toward others. Comte (1875) believed that Altruism signified
benevolence or living for others. He stated that an act of altruism is self-sacrifice for
the benefit of others. Some people considered his ethical system in which the only
moral acts were those intended to promote the happiness of others rather extreme, so
meaning loving others as oneself evolved.
Altruists choose to align their well-being with others, so they feel happy
when others thrive, feel sad when others are suffering. Essential in establishing
strong relationships, most societies acknowledge the importance of altruism within
the family. By motivating cooperation rather than conflict, it promotes harmony
within communities of any size. Altruism is the abdication of claims of power over
others, to state that none of us are worth more and none are worth less than anyone
else is almost a truism, but modern technology has given a new urgency to all such
appeals for altruism. Everything that makes it possible and enjoyable to live is a free
There are several opinions about altruism. Salam (1997) in his book Etika
Sosial states that Altruism is the principle or practice of unselfish concern for or
devotion to the welfare of others. He also said that Altruism is anthat holds the
value of people attitudes depend solely on the impact on other people,
regardless of the consequence on that people. Batson (1998) made a classification
between altruism and egoism. According to Batson (1991: 114) altruism is the
feeling empathy for (a) person in need evokes motivation to help (that person) in
which these benefits to self are not the ultimate goal of helping; they are unintended
consequences. According to Santrock (2003) the circumstances most likely to evoke
altruism are empathy for an individual in need, or a close relationship between the
benefactor and the recipient.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, Altruism or selflessness is the
principle or practice of concern for the welfare of others. It is a traditional virtue in
many cultures and a core aspect of various religious traditions and secular
worldviews, though the concept of others toward whom concern should be directed
can vary among cultures and religions. Altruism or selflessness is the opposite of
selfishness. Altruism can be distinguished from feelings of loyalty. Pure altruism
consists of sacrificing something for someone other than the self, for example
sacrificing time, energy or possessions with no expectation of any compensation or
benefits, either direct, or indirect for example receiving recognition for the act of
giving.
For almost all of history, humans never saw the need to buy and sell things,
or even to barter. Altruism is its own reward. Positive relationships with others have
illusions about money or power over others. Altruism is when we act to promote
someone else’s welfare, even at a risk or cost to ourselves. Though some believe that
humans are fundamentally self-interested, recent research suggests otherwise studies
have found that people’s first impulse is to cooperate rather than compete; that
toddlers spontaneously help people in need out of a genuine concern for their
welfare; and that even non-human primates display altruism. Evolutionary scientists
speculate that altruism has such deep roots in human nature because helping and
cooperation promotes the survival of our species. Indeed, Darwin himself argued that
altruism is an essential part of the social instincts. (Quoted from
:http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/altruism/definition
However, many pro social behaviors that appear altruistic are in fact
motivated by the norm of reciprocity, which is the obligation to return a favor with a
favor. People feel guilty when they do not reciprocate and they may feel angry when
someone else does not reciprocate. Reciprocal altruism suggests that such helping is
driven by a genetic tendency. Thus some professionals argue that altruism may not
exist, and is completely motivated by reciprocity. Either reciprocity or altruism may
motivate many important pro-social behaviors, including sharing.
)
The term Altruism may also refer to an ethical doctrine that claims that
individuals are morally obliged to benefit others. Used in this sense, it is usually
contrasted with Egoism, which is defined as acting to the benefit of one's self. The
concept has a long history inandthought. Generally, theory of
ethic has its own system to identify moral. Altruism is opposite with Egoism ethic.
Whilst ideas about Altruism from one field can have an impact on the other fields,
on altruism. In simple terms, Altruism is caring about the welfare of other people and
acting to help them. Berkowitz (1966) defines altruistic behavior as a voluntary act
which must aim to benefit others and which must be carried out without expectation
of a reward. So in Altruism, several moral are accordant with this theory of ethic
CHAPTER III
METHOD OF RESEARCH
3.1 Research Design
In this thesis, descriptive qualitative research is used. Qualitative method is a
method concludes the data and the results by words Bogdan and Taylor (1975:5)
explain that qualitative method is a research procedure that descriptive data such as
written word or verbal expression from the people and their behavior that have been
observed. Neuman (1997:331) classified six characteristics of a qualitative research:
1. The importance of context. Qualitative researchers emphasize the importance
of social context for understanding the social world. They hold that the
meaning of a social action or statement depends, in an important way, on the
context in which it appears. When a researcher removes an event, social
action, answer to a question, or conversation from the social context in which
it appears, or ignore the context, social meaning and significance are
distorted.
2. The case study method. The researchers might gather a large amount of
information on one or a few cases, go into greater depth, and get more details
on the cases being examined.
3. The researcher’s integrity. The researchers ensure that their research
accurately reflects the evidence and have checks on their evidence.
4. Grounded theory. A qualitative researcher begins with a research question
inductive method means that the theory is built from data or grounded in the
data.
5. Process. Qualitative researchers look at the sequence of events and pay
attention to what happens first, second, and so on. Because qualitative
researchers examine the same case over time, they can see an issue involve, a
conflict emerge, or a social relationship develop. The researcher can detect
process and casual relations.
6. Interpretations. The data are in the form of word, including quotes or
descriptions of particular events. The researcher interprets data by giving
them meaning, translating them, or making them understandable.
In research method, library research also is used in this thesis. Some books
which are related to the topic of this thesis are used. The primary source of the data
acquired from the novel entitled The Lord of the Rings. First, the writer read the
novel as the source of data of the moral base on the some characters. The secondary
data is drawn from other books as references which are concerned about the moral in
the literary work especially novel. Then the writer used some books as references
which are concerned about the moral to understand the moral. And some data that
found from the internet are also used as the supporting references in finishing this
thesis. Data will be collected and selected before it is analyzed. And finally, the
conclusion of the data will be made to support the ideas of the researcher. Theory is
3.2 Data Collection
In this thesis, library research is applied by searching and collecting reference
that support the topic which is discussed in this thesis. In collecting data, there are
several steps that are used in making this thesis. First, reading the novel to get deep
understanding about the novel and what the story tells about. Then identifying moral
Researcher
Data Selected – Interpreted
- Analysis Method:
Qualitative Descriptive
Conclusion
Data:
Character and quotations from the text of novel
The Lord of the Rings
Source of the Data:
which is found from some characters then underlining the moral. After underlined
and collecting the data, this thesis has to selecting the data. In selecting the data, the
writer selects the important which is needed to support analysis of moral.
Secondary data are gathered from several books that related to the topic of this
thesis. The related books that concern to the subject matter being analyzed are used
as the source of the idea to support the analysis of this thesis and also to give
additional information and statement that can be drawn for this thesis. Some data
from the internet are also used as the supporting references that related to moral as
the subject matter of this thesis. All the data and information that related to the topic
of this thesis are collected then the data will be selected and used in the process of
finishing this thesis.
3.3 Data Analysis
The data analysis was applied when all primary important data from the novel
The Lord of the Rings had collected and selected. Several steps in analyzing the data
are implemented. Firstly, data is identified from dialogues or statements which lead
to the moral of the character. Then, get some moral through some quotations of novel
The Lord of the Rings. Secondly, those quotations will be analyzed to give
interpretation about the moral through some characters of the novel. The
interpretation will be supported by quotations from some other books about the
moral and some information from the internet. Finally, conclusion will be inferred
CHAPTER IV
ANALYSIS AND FINDING
The Lord of the Rings is a novel which is written between 1937 and 1949 by
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien. Moral is analyzed through some characters. They are
Aragorn, Gandalf, Boromir, Arwen, Sam, and Frodo. The moral is analyzed are
self-sacrifice, compassion, and unselfishness. These moral are accordant with altruism
ethic. Altruism is a theory of ethic based on philosophy which explains some moral
such as compassion, self-sacrifice, and unselfishness. These moral are classified as
good moral base on Altruism ethic.
4.1 Compassion
Jimenez (2011) in Compassion article online said that compassion is
emotion that we feel in response to the suffering of others that motivates a
desire to help. Compassion is pity for others with a desire to help. A Greek
philosopher, Aristoteles said that people are zoon politicon. It means that
people are social beings. We cannot live without others and vice versa. That
is why everyone has the desire to help others or called compassion. The
compassion actually is natural act as social beings. Compassion is a good
moral base on altruism. Universally, compassion is also known as a good
characteristic. In this novel, there are some characters that show the
compassion or desire to help others. The Fellowship of the Ring entirely has
the compassion but it is dominant in two characters. So the writer do
4.1.1 Aragorn
Aragorn was born from human race. He is one of companions
Fellowship of the Ring. Aragorn is heir to the throne of Gondor, the kingdom
of human in the Middle Earth. The former king of Gondor, Isildur has been
died and failed to destroy the ring. For several years, Aragorn hides his
identity and pretends to be a ranger named Strider. Knowing Sauron, the
Dark Lord search for the ring, Aragorn decides to be one of Fellowship of the
Ring after he met Frodo that bring the ring. And finally he reveals who he is.
He safe Frodo and other hobbits from enemy that want to take the ring. The
power of the ring may obsess everyone but he can survive himself and choose
to help them.
“Strider!” said Frodo. “Yes,” he said with a smile, “I ask leave once again to be your companion, Frodo.” “I would have begged you to come,” said Frodo, “I am,” said Aragorn. “And the Sword that was Broken shall be reforged ere I set out to war. But your road and our road lie together for many hundreds of miles.”
(Tolkien, 2002: 520)
From the quotation above, Aragorn is chosen become one of Fellowship of
the Ring that accompanies Frodo, the bearer ring to Mordor. Before, he has
saved Frodo life and more he wants to keep him during the journey to
Mordor. Aragorn show his humility when he asks to be one of Fellowship of
the Ring. And his humility expresses his desire to help or called compassion.
Aragorn actually feels the pity for Frodo as ring bearer. Aragorn knows
a hobbit actually does not like war or fighting. A hobbit also cannot do many
things to survive. He realizes that Frodo definitely need companion to survive
him. Along the journey, Aragorn and other companions face many
against many orcs, the devil’s errand of Sauron. Aragorn stands to keep up
Frodo and others companion, with his sword he fights many orcs.
A great war in Rohan requires people of Rohan to be involved in that
war because so many enemies there. Aragorn can see the fear of many people
of Rohan. Aragorn knows their worries to against many orcs, their worries of
war. Aragorn feels pity of them so Aragorn decides to ask a part of people
back. He keeps respect to their effort. He also gives support to others people
of Rohan to be brave and defense consistently.
Aragorn looked at them, and there was pity in his eyes rather than wrath; for these were young men from Rohan, from Westfold far away, or husbandmen from Lossarnach, and to them Mordor had been from childhood a name of evil, and yet unreal, a legend that had no part in their simple life; and now they walked like men in a hideous dream made true, and they understood not this war nor why fate should lead them to such a pass. ‘Go!’ said Aragorn. ‘But keep what honour you may, and do not run! And there is a task which you may attempt and so be not wholly shamed. Then some being shamed by his mercy overcame their fear and went on, and the others took new hope.
(Tolkien, 2002:152)
This quotation shows that Aragorn respects and cares many people. He really
wants to protect the innocent people of Middle-earth but does not want to
force many people face war so Aragorn said, “Go! But keep what honour you
may, and do not run!”. He thinks that they may go back home but to
encourage their spirit Aragorn asks to keep what honour they may when they
are in path and do not run. The compassion of Aragorn is also clearly seen to
everyone.
The compassion of Aragorn also is showed to Faramir. He is brother of
Boromir. Faramir is the one who survive Rohan. When he finds Faramir
Faramir and his father is really unexpected. Aragorn look afters Faramir that
is faint. Eventually, Faramir awakes and he finds Aragorn beside him. The
quotation below explains:
Suddenly Faramir stirred, and he opened his eyes, and he looked on Aragorn who bent over him; and a light of knowledge and love was kindled in his eyes, and he spoke softly. “My lord, you called me. I come. What does the king command?”. “Walk no more in the shadows, but awake!” said Aragorn. “You are weary. Rest a while, and take food, and be ready when I return.” “I will, lord,” said Faramir. “For who would lie idle when the king has returned?”.”Farewell then for a while!” said Aragorn. “I must go to others who need me.” (Tolkien, 2002:130)
Aragorn is the only one heir of Gondor but he is so humble. He also respects
many people and shows the compassion toward many people.
The character of Aragorn learns us about a good moral that is
compassion. The writer analyzes that everyone has the compassion but some
people often do not realize or cover it with egoism. From Aragorn
characteristic, the writer knows that the compassion appears from awareness
to respect people, awareness to help people. We should know we never live
lonely. We always live together with others. Actually compassion can be
accepted as good moral by many people. The writer analyzed compassion is a
natural trait of people but egoism can cover it.
By analyzing Aragorn character, the writer also knows Aragorn is the
protagonist. By his compassion, he lives better by this moral. Many things he
gets. Many things he reaches in his life. Before, he is a man who lives
alienate as strider. He hides his identity as the heir of the Gondor. But his
desire to help people and respectful to many people raise his compassion. He
hero, moreover he becomes a king. He has done what the heir of the king
should do. By analyzing this character, the writer concludes the compassion
brings the life better. It is good act and accordant with altruism ethic as good
moral.
4.1.2 Gandalf
Gandalf is the leader of Fellowship of The Rings. He decides to be one
of Fellowship of the Rings because his compassion to many innocent people
in Middle Earth. Gandalf is a wizard. He roams Middle-earth looking for
information and allying strength against Sauron. Gandalf always encourages
the other companions to survive. He is quiet and wise. He is ageless and he
seems to be in the right place at the right time. Although he has magic to do
something, he keeps to help people. He does not do his magic for bad things.
Saruman, his wizard friend ever asks him to participate for Sauron. Saruman
accedes Sauron to master to Middle Earth. Wizard is one of races in the
Middle Earth that has magic and strength. But Gandalf disagrees and chooses
to save the innocent people in Middle Earth. It does not matter what he want
to follow because he will take no risk. But he cares to many people and he
cannot repress his desire to help people.
As soon as Gandalf knows that the ring is owned by Bilbo Baggins, he
ask Frodo Baggins, Bilbo’s nephew to bring the ring to Mordor. He knows
Bilbo has been so old and cannot do this mission. Actually Gandalf can take
the ring easily but he realizes it is not good idea. He knows bad things will
happen by do that fool thing. So Gandalf ask Frodo but he always
As long the journey, Gandalf guides others companion in the way. But
finally Fellowship of the Ring separates into three parts. Fortunately,
Fellowship of the Ring still continues the journey and fight against evil.
Once, Gandalf and others companion arrive in Theoden palace. Gandalf finds
King Theoden is not good condition. The King Theoden looks so old and
weak. Gandalf realizes King Theoden been influenced of black magic of
Sauron. It is done to make King Theoden and his people obey to Sauron.
Gandalf really feels pity of him. The quotation below explains:
'Now Théoden son of Thengel, will you hearken to me?' said Gandalf. 'Do you ask for help?' He lifted his staff and pointed to a high window. There the darkness seemed to clear, and through the opening could be seen, high and far, a patch of shining sky. (Tolkien, 2002:109)
Although King Theoden does not welcome to Gandalf and others companion,
but Gandalf is neither angry nor annoyed. Gandalf even feels pity and
miserable of King Theoden condition. Gandalf shows his humility to help
King of Theoden. He recovers the King Theoden of Sauron influence.
Slowly Théoden left his chair. A faint light grew in the hall again. The woman hastened to the king's side, taking his arm, and with faltering steps the old man came down from the dais and paced softly through the hall.(Tolkien, 2002:109)
Gandalf heals King of Theoden and returns his body and condition. The
quotation explains the condition of King Theoden. Before he always sit in his
chair and cannot doing anything, but now he realizes everything and get up
from the chair. He feels like life once again. The magic of Gandalf works as
his compassion. Now King Theoden realizes what happened with his body
By analyzing Gandalf character, the writer assures that compassion is
one of the good moral not only because it is accordant with altruism ethic but
this moral is accordant with morality universally. that Compassion is a good
moral that is showed to everyone. In this story, Gandalf shows his
compassion to people in Middle Earth so he decides to ask Frodo to bring the
ring to Mordor. He does not bring the ring himself because he realizes the
power of the rings will obsess him and it will arise problem. The compassion
of Gandalf is also showed when he makes her desire to help Gandalf come
true. Gandalf heals King Theoden and encourage him. Compassion can be
applied in daily life because this good moral can heals people. Gandalf by his
compassion may have magic to healing King Theoden by his compassion.
The writer analyzes the big strength is derived from the compassion, the
desire to help. So this moral is accepted as good moral.
4.2 Willingness to Self-sacrifice
Self-sacrifice is also called self-denial/ self-abnegation. Etymologically,
sacrifice is derived from Latin word sacrificium. According
Freedictionary.com sacrifice is forfeiture of something highly valued for the
sake of one considered to have a greater value or claim. Others meaning of
sacrifice is the surrender of destruction of something valued for the sake of
something having a higher or more pressing claim. Self-sacrifice is sacrifice
of one’s personal interests or well-being for the sake of others or for a cause.
According Wiktionary self-sacrifice is the giving up of one’s own benefit,
Various religions and cultures take differing views of self-sacrifice,
some considering it a positive trait and others considering it a negative one.
According Altruism ethic self-sacrifice is good moral accordant. In The Lord
of the Rings, many characters do sacrifice. This novel tells about struggle of
Fellowship of the Ring and many races. Several races do struggle to survive
their own and against enemies of Sauron such as Hobbit, Human, Elf,
Wizard, Dwarf. The people of these races do sacrifice for against the enemy.
But there are two characters do self-sacrifice in fighting. They are Boromir
and Gandalf. Other self-sacrifice is showed by Arwen, the Princess of Elves.
She does self-sacrifice for one the greatest thing of her live, it is love.
4.2.1 Gandalf
In the journey to Mordor, Gandalf as the leader of Fellowship of the
Ring guides his companion to pass Mining of Moria. But they pursue and
surround by many orcs there. They encounter with Balrog, a horrible enemy.
Gandalf tells them that Balrog is too powerful for them to fighting. So
Gandalf commands his companions run as quickly as they can do. Every
companions realizes to help each other, they are one unity. But in this time,
Gandalf knows enemy well than everyone. So Gandalf takes it upon himself
to battle this fire-breathing demon himself. Gandalf do this in order his
companions could escape of Balrog and others orc.
That quotation explains Gandalf actually feel worried of Balrog. But he keeps
to stay while let his companions pass Mining Moria.
During the battle, Gandalf stood his ground on the bridge as he faced the
gapping hell-mouth of the demon. Actually Gandalf has been weary because
he has fight against many orcs before meet Balrog but he chooses to fight
against Balrog by himself. The quotation below explains:
The Balrog reached the bridge. Gandalf stood in the middle of the span, leaning on the staff in his left hand, but in his other hand Glamdring gleamed, cold and white. The wizard swayed on the bridge, stepped back a pace, and then again stood still. “You cannot pass!” he said. With a bound the Balrog leaped full upon the bridge. Its whip whirled and hissed. “He cannot stand alone!” cried Aragorn suddenly and ran back along the bridge. The bridge cracked. Right at the Balrog's feet it broke. With a terrible cry the Balrog fell forward, and its shadow plunged down and vanished. But even as it fell it swung its whip, and the thongs lashed and curled about the wizard's knees, dragging him to the brink. He staggered and fell, grasped vainly at the stone, and slid into the abyss. “Fly, you fools!” he cried, and was gone. The fires went out, and blank darkness fell.
(Tolkien, 2002:579)
Gandalf commands his companion to pass bridge soon and he keep
staying in the bridge to block the path. When Balrog almost reaches the
bridge, Gandalf uses his magic to against Balrog. Gandalf is a wizard, he
hope his magic can against Balrog because he knows sword is not important
to fight with Balrog. He also knows this is hard but he try to fight with his
magic. Gandalf knows Balrog is one of the most dangerous evil in Moria.
After Gandalf spells magic word, the bridge breaks so Balrog cannot reaches
him. Balrog is falling down to the gap. But unfortunately, when Balrog fall
down, he pulls Gandalf with him to the gap. Gandalf try to keep stay but he
cannot. Gandalf realizes that sacrifice should be done by himself so the others
sacrifice because he do self-sacrifice. Gandalf finally fall down to the gaps
with Balrog. Gandalf left his companions but he has done the best of him.
By analyzing Gandalf character, the writer finds two good moral of
Gandalf. Those are compassion and self-sacrifice. Before the writer
investigates about self-sacrifice, the writer analyzes sacrifice first. In The
Lord of the Ring absolutely has been found sacrifice trait. The writer finds it
in many characters. Specifically, based on altruism, the writer investigates the
self-sacrifice, Gandalf is one of the characters that has showed this trait. The
writer evaluates Gandalf as the wise wizard so he can be a leader of
Fellowship of the Ring. self-sacrifice is done by Gandalf because his love and
responsible to his companions. As a wise wizard, Gandalf should choose a
wise chosen. So Self-sacrifice is his decision.
sacrifice can be considered as good moral or bad moral.
Self-sacrifice absolutely takes risk of people who do self-Self-sacrifice as like Gandalf
did. This is so hard decision therefore some religions and culture disagree to
put self-sacrifices as good moral, Egoist ethic even put this to bad moral.
However, the writer focuses to analyze The Lord of the Rings novel. The
writer investigates sacrifice as good moral. Because the purpose of
self-sacrifice to save others companions. Gandalf hope his companions can reach
the mission. This self-sacrifice is done for the certain purpose. Self-sacrifice
is also good moral accordant with Altruism ethic.
4.2.2 Boromir
Boromir is portrayed as an honourable and noble character who believes
people to the last. Boromir's great stamina and physical strength, together
with a forceful and commanding personality, made him a widely admired
commander in Gondor's army. He was made Captain of the White Tower, and
quickly became Captain-General, also bearing the title High Warden of the
White Tower. He was also heir apparent to the Stewardship. He took no wife
and was more interested in arms and warfare. Boromir was one of
When the Fellowship of the Rings continues journey to Mordor, they
pass north to
Sauron, the Dark Lord. Boromir and others companions attempt to fight the
oncoming army of Uruk-hai. They fight bravely. At the time, Boromir
separates with others companions and just with two companions, they are
hobbits. Boromir knows he cannot hope many things form those hobbits. So
Boromir does fighting against enemies as he can survive himself and two
hobbits. While he fights, he also tries to call others companions by
sangkakala. But others companions also do fighting to the enemies in
different place. Boromir knows it, so he encourage himself to be braver and
he knows he is the power for two hobbits. He consequences to help two
hobbits and decides to fighting with all of his strength.
It is possible for Boromir to run, to save his life but he chooses to keep
fighting. It is more than merely fighting. He understand well he may be
killed. This is self-sacrifice. While Boromir fights against enemies, a big
commandant of Army Uruk-Hai come and throws arrow to Boromir. This is a
chest. It hurts him but he still keeps fighting. Second arrow also sticks in his
chest. Boromir fall down, but he try to get up and do fighting again. Until
three arrows in his chest, he still keeps fighting. But it too hurt him. Boromir
tries to fight as his strength and he is killed in battle.
Boromir was died when others companion reaches him. His bravery
allows the other members of the fellowship to survive bravely. Boromir’ act
is one of redemption through self-sacrifice. This quotation shows the last
situation of Boromir before he do self-sacrifice then he was died:
Boromir opened his eyes and strove to speak. At last slow words came. His glance strayed to his fallen enemies; twenty at least lay there. “Farewell, Aragorn! Go to Minas Tirith and save my people! I have failed.” “No!” said Aragorn, taking his hand and kissing his brow. “You have conquered. Few have gained such a victory. Be at peace! Minas Tirith shall not fall!” Boromir smiled. 'Which way did they go? Was Frodo there?' said Aragorn. But Boromir did not speak again. “Alas!” said Aragorn. 'Thus passes the heir of Denethor, Lord of the Tower of Guard! This is a bitter end. (Tolkien, 2002:2)
Boromir has been died but his spirit always be exist, as he said before he die,
“Farewell, Aragorn! Go to Minas Tirith and save my people! I have failed.”
His self-sacrifice shows his big bravery. He has been died but he was not
failed. He fights until his death.
By analyzing Boromir characters, the writer finds self-sacrifice in
Boromir. As explanation before, self-sacrifice is good moral as altruism ethic
understanding. Self-sacrifice of Boromir refers the brave making decision for
his life, brave to fighting, to brave to survive and brave to sacrifice his last
blood. But self-sacrifice can be contrast with people’ life now. It is so rare
self-sacrifice to defend their own, to care their nation, to be freedom, to show who
are them. Self-sacrifice is the good moral.
4.2.3 Arwen
Arwen was born from elf race. She is a very beautiful elf in the Middle
Earth. She is not a part of companion Fellowship of the Ring but she also
supports the Fellowship of the Ring. Arwen ahas participated to help
Fellowship of the Rings. She saves Frodo life when Frodo was infected toxin
of enemy sword. Arwen rides a white house and run from many enemies that
seek Frodo. Arwen brings Frodo to Elf palace to heal Frodo.
Elves are so special race, they life forever. So does Arwen, moreover she
is the most beautiful elf. Many people admire her but she has fallen in love
with someone. He is from human race. Arwen knows it is impossible to
falling in love with human because she is an elf. She lives as an elf and it is
different with human life. The one that she loves is Aragorn, the heir of
Gondor. Aragorn bears the big responsibility for Gondor because he is the
future king of Gondor. It is impossible for Aragorn to left his human life
although Aragorn and Arwen love each others.
Finally Arwen has chosen. She absolutely enjoys her life as an elf but
she cannot feels life with her love. Arwen has decided to leave her life as an
elf. She chooses to live with her love, Aragorn. She puts off her elf neglect
and she life as human too. There no life forever anymore because she is not
the end of her life. But the greatest thing in her life, she can love with a man
that she loves.
Arwen became as a mortal woman, and yet it was not her lot to die until all that she had gained was lost. As Queen of the Elves and Men she dwelt with Aragorn for six-score years in great glory and bliss; yet at last he felt the approach of old age and knew that the span of his life-days was drawing to an end, long though it had been. Then Aragorn said to Arwen: "At last, Lady Evenstar, fairest in this world, and most beloved, my world is fading. Lo! We have gathered, and we have spent, and now the time of payment draws near." Arwen knew well what he intended, and long had foreseen it; nonetheless she was overborne by her grief. "Would you then, lord, before your time leave your people that live by your word?" she said. "Not before my time," he answered. "For if I will not go now, then I must soon go perforce. And Eldarion our son is a man full ripe for kingship." Then going to the House of the Kings in the Silent Street, Aragorn laid him down on the long bed that had been prepared for him. There he said farewell to Eldarion, and gave into his hands the winged crown of Gondor and the sceptre of Arnor; and then all left him save Arwen, and she stood alone by his bed. And for all her wisdom and lineage she could not forbear to plead with him to stay yet for a while. (Tolkien, 2002:229)
By analyzing Arwen character, the writer recognizes self-sacrifices of
her. She does not merely take decision bravely but her decision also changes
her life, her fate as an pure elf. Arwen is life as an elf but she leaves
everything for love. She leaves her family, her immortal life, elves palace.
She chooses to live with a man that she loves. Arwen does self-sacrifices for
her love. This attracts the writer to understand more about love between
Arwen and Aragorn, self-sacrifice. So the writer does analyzing relation of
love and self-sacrifice which has been done by Arwen.
As Bentham (1959:382) said that man is a pleasure seeking, pain
avoiding creature. So people search happiness in their live. Happiness can be
derived for many things, such as wealthy, love, and so on. The writer
her live. That is why she chooses to leave everything she has as an elf for
love. Arwen does self-sacrifice for a man that she loves, and definitely the
love for reach her happiness. So the writer analyzes self-sacrifice of Arwen
could be valued as good moral. It is because by self-sacrifice she lives
happily with Aragorn, although she does sacrifice but finally it brings good
things for her, she reaches the happiness. By analyzing, the writer concludes
to reach certain aim or purpose in our life, there is always struggle or
sacrifice.
4.3 Unselfishness
In Altruism ethic, unselfishness includes good moral base on the
principles of altruism itself. In Wordnet Search, a site of word definitions,
unselfishness is the quality of not putting ourselves first but being willing to
give our time or money or effort for others. Unselfishness shows unselfish
concern for the welfare of others. Unselfish people always think about what
other people want and need instead of thinking about themselves.
Unselfishness is shown in two characters in The Lord of the Rings. They are
Samwise Gamgee and Frodo Baggins.
4.3.1 Samwise Gamgee
Samwise Gamgee is a hobbit. He is also one of Fellowship of the Ring
companions. Sam has good friendship with Frodo. He actually has a simple
and happy life if he stays in Shire but he decides to join the Fellowship of the
Frodo to the Mordor. A long journey, he helps Frodo although there are so
much fear must be faced.
Sam shuddered and tried to force himself to move. There was plainly some devilry going on. Perhaps in spite of all orders the cruelty of the orcs had mastered them, and they were tormenting Frodo, or even savagely hacking him to pieces. He listened; and as he did a gleam of hope came to him. There could not be much doubt: there was fighting in the tower, the orcs must be at war among themselves, Shagrat and Gorbag had come to blows. Faint as was the hope that his guess brought him, it was enough to rouse him. There might be just a chance. His love for Frodo rose above all other thoughts, and forgetting his peril he cried aloud: “I’m coming, Mr. Frodo!” He ran forward to the climbing path, and over it. At once the road turned left and plunged steeply down. Sam had crossed into Mordor. (Tolkien, 2002:163)
The quotation above explains the situation when Frodo is caught by enemy
Sam comes soon to save him. Actually Sam is like others hobbit. He does not
like fighting and feels fear or shudder. But his loyalty to Frodo always builds
up his hope. His loyalty his friend beat all weary of him. Sam always stays
for Frodo as quotation below also explains:
“I can’t manage it, Sam,” he said. “It is such a weight to carry, such a weight.” Sam knew before he spoke, that it was vain, and that such words might do more harm than good, but in his pity he could not keep silent. “Then let me carry it a bit for you, Master,” he said. “You know I would, and gladly, as long as I have any strength.” (Tolkien, 2002:204)
Unselfishness of Sam is seen since the first time he follows Frodo to the
place that he never know before, that is Mordor. He actually loves being in
Shires but he departs to Mordor and face many obstacles and temptations.
Unselfishness of Sam is so real because until the end of the journey he still
keeps fight and help Frodo as long as he can do. This quotation below shows
his unselfishness:
