MOTIVES BEHIND CHARACTERS
’ DECISION MAKING
IN
CHOOSING GOOD AND EVIL DEED
IN J.R.R TOLKIEN’S
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE
RING
AN UNDERGRADUATE THESIS
Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Sarjana Sastra
in English Letters
By
Anggi Georgie Christiansent
Student Number: 054214111
ENGLISH LETTERS STUDY PROGRAME
DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LETTERS
FACULTY OF LETTERS
SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY
i
MOTIVES BEHIND CHARACTERS
’ DECISION MAKING IN
CHOOSING GOOD AND EVIL DEEDS
IN J.R.R TOLKIEN’S
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING
AN UNDERGRADUATE THESIS
Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Sarjana Sastra
in English Letters
By
Anggi Georgie Christiansent
Student Number: 054214111
ENGLISH LETTERS STUDY PROGRAME
DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LETTERS
FACULTY OF LETTERS
SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY
v
Man is fully responsible for his nature
and his choices
(Sartre)
No great thing is created
suddenly
(Epictetus)
The man with the
greatest soul will always
face the greatest war
with the low minded
persons
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TO MY BELOVED
vii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank for Jesus Christ whose name I mention in my heart every
time I need to remember the existence of a bigger power above myself. Thank for
always being in my mind.
Very much thank I have to say to my advisor, Drs. Hirmawan Wijanarka,
M.Hum. and my co-advisor, Dewi Widyastuti, S. Pd., M. Hum. who does not only
care about my thesis but motivates me a lot as well.
The greatest thanks are for my family, to my father, Ir. Jansen Lihart, I thank
you for your advice so that I can be who I am now. To my mother, Ir. Selvia Mettaria
Silaban, for always supporting me with love and care. I admit that sometimes I do not
hear her, but my heart always belongs to her. Also, to my little brother, Basar Brasilio
Zwagery, for always being a good enemy at home. I know that he loves me as his big
brother. I thank for every supports that all of you give to me. It will be the precious
treasure for the rest of my life.
Big thanks are also presented to Jonathan, Irene Sartika Dewi, S.S. as the one
who always bothers with every question that she has in her mind, and as somebody to
share with in every situation. To my friends in Media Sastra, thanks for being my
friends since 2007. It has been fabulous time spent with you all. I would also thank
the members of Jl. Dian Nusantara 1/76 for their support in my deadline.
viii
1. “Symbolism of the Ring: The Embodiment of Evil” ………. 6
2. “The Treachery of Saruman: A Symbol of Human Selfishness” ……….. 7
3. Fabrizio’s conflicts and their influences to his final decision in Stendhal’s The Charterhouse of Parma ……… 8
4. The Relationship between the Member of the Fellowship of the Ring in J.R.R Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings … 8 5. The Value of Heroism as seen in the Main Character of Frodo in J.R.R Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring ……… 9
6. The Significance of the Dominant Symbol to the Revelation of the Message in J.R.R Tolkien’s the Lord Of The Rings ……….. 10
B. Review of Related Theories ………. 11
1. Theory of Conflict ……….. 11
2. Theory of Motives ……….. 12
3. Psychological Theory on Conflict ……….…… 14
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A. The Conflicts which the Four Characters Face in the Story……. 21
1. Gandalf Refusing Frodo’s offer to take the One Ring……… 23
2. Saruman’s and Gandalf’s Conflict whether to Join or not to Join Sauron ………. 25
3. Gandalf’s Conflict to Have the Ring Destroyed ……… 28
4. Frodo’s Conflict to Leave the Shire………. 30
5. Boromir’s Conflict to Agree with the Plan to destroy the Ring and Frodo’s Conflict to be the Ring Bearer………. 31
6. Boromir’s Conflict to go West and Take the Ring From Frodo and Frodo’s Conflict to go East and Continue his Journey ……… 34
B. The Motives of the Four Characters in Making decisions (Saruman, Gandalf, Boromir, and Frodo) when facing the Conflicts in the Story ……… 38
1. Gandalf’s Motives in Refusing Frodo’s Offer to Take the Ring ……….…… 38
2. Saruman’s and Gandalf’s Motive whether Join or not Join Sauron ……….……… 39
3. Gandalf’s Motive to Have the Ring Destroyed ……….. 41
4. Frodo’s Motive to Leave the Shire ………. 42
5. Boromir’s Motives to Agree with the Plan to destroy the Ring and Frodo’s Motives to be the Ring Bearer………. 44
6. Boromir’s Motives to go West and Take the Ring From Frodo and Frodo’s Motive to go East and Continue his Journey……… 46
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ABSTRACT
ANGGI GEORGIE CHRISTIANSENT. MOTIVES BEHIND CHARACTERS’
DECISION MAKING IN CHOOSING GOOD AND EVIL DEED IN J.R.R TOLKIEN’S THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING. Yogyakarta: Department of English Letters, Faculty of Letters. Sanata Dharma University, 2012.
One of the kinds of literary work may take form in a fantasy story. J.R.R. Tolkien wrote his masterpiece fantasy stories in a trilogy of The Lord of the Rings. This is the story about the conflicts between good and evil. In everyday life, making a decision is a common thing, such as getting up in the morning, having breakfast, and going to work. However, someone does not deal with trivial things all the time. Sometimes, a person has to deal with a more serious thing that concerns with other’s necessity. In this case, he has to make a right decision since many human lives depend on his decision. Therefore, knowing one’s motives is important to understand the decision one’s makes.
This undergraduate thesis is intended to examine the characters’ motives in making decision in the novel The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. By considering the motives of the four characters, how the motives influence their actions into a good deed or evil deed will be figured out. Two problems are formulated as follows; first is what are the motives of the four characters in making decisions (Saruman, Gandalf, Boromir, and Frodo) when facing the conflicts in the story, and the second is how do their motives influence their actions into a good deed or evil deed.
I analyze the conflicts due to this problem to find out their motives behind their decisions. Then I find out how these motives show their good and evil decisions. The methodology applied in this thesis is library research. Using the psychological approach, this thesis is written to analyze the motives of the characters when facing the conflict. There are four theories applied in this thesis; the theory of motives, theory of conflict, psychological theory on conflict and the last is ethical theory of good and evil to classify the action.
xi
ABSTRAK
ANGGI GEORGIE CHRISTIANSENT. MOTIVES BEHIND CHARACTERS’ DECISION MAKING IN CHOOSING GOOD AND EVIL DEED IN J.R.R TOLKIEN’S THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING. Yogyakarta: Jurusan Sastra Inggris, Fakultas Sastra. Universitas Sanata Dharma, 2012.
Salah satu bentuk dari karya sastra adalah cerita fantasi. J.R.R Tolkien menulis karya besar cerita fantasinya dalam trilogi The Lord of the Rings. Novel ini berisi cerita tentang konflik antara baik dan jahat. Dalam kehidupan sehari hari, membuat suatu keputusan adalah hal yang umum. Bagaimanapun juga, seseorang tidak selamanya berurusan dengan hal yang sepele. Kadang seseorang harus berurusan dengan hal yang lebih serius yang berkaitan dengan kepentingan orang lain. Dalam kasus ini, orang tersebut harus membuat keputusan yang tepat dikarenakan banyak nyawa manusia bergantung pada keputusan tersebut. Untuk hal itu, mengetahui motif seseorang merupakan hal penting untuk mengerti keputusan yang diambil oleh orang tersebut.
Skripsi ini dimaksudkan untuk memeriksa motif-motif dalam pengambilan keputusan yang dilakukan oleh para karakter dalam novel the Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Dengan mempertimbangkan motif-motif dari empat karakter, akan kelihatan bagaimana motif-motif tersebut mempengaruhi tindakan-tindakan mereka dalam berbuat baik atau jahat. Ada dua permasalahan yang dimunculkan dalm analisa ini; yang pertama adalah apa motif dari keempat karakter dalam pengambilan keputusan ketika menghadapi konflik yang terjadi, sedangkan yang kedua adalah bagaimana motif-motif tersebut mempengaruhi tindakan mereka dalam berbuat baik atau jahat?
Dalam hal ini, saya menganalisis konflik yang terjadi untuk mengetahui motif dibalik keputusan keempat karakter. Lalu menyelidiki bagaimana motif tersebut menunjukkan sifat baik dan jahat mereka. Metodologi yang saya pakai dalam penulisan skripsi ini adalah kajian pustaka. Dengan menggunakan pendekatan psikologi. Ada empat teori yang diaplikasikan dalam skripsi ini, teori motif, teori konflik, teori psikologi dalam konflik dan yang terakhir adalah teori etika jahat dan baik yang akan digunakan untuk mengklasifikasi tindakan yang terjadi.
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CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A. Background of the Study
A piece of literary work, in this case a prose fiction, tells us about a “story
based on imaginary things that are created by the author” (Roberts and Jacobs,
1986: 123). In the other words, it tells about an imaginative story. Using the
imagination, an author is free to create or to say anything that is unreal or
impossible in the real world.
A fantasy story is “a work that takes places in a nonexistent and unreal
world, such as a fairyland, or concerns with incredible and unreal characters”
(Holman and Harmon, 1986: 198). It takes the reader to the dreamland, a land in
the imagination where lots of fantastic creatures dwell.
It is obvious that the words dwarf and elf offer fantasy pictures to the
readers. „During the twentieth century, this kind of literary work was dominant in
United Kingdom after the first world war and the second world war and are often
thought as characteristically English‟ (Hunt, 2001: 270) and one of the famous
English writer at this period is John Reuel Tolkien. Related to this fact, I choose
him as the author that I want to study.
Bleiler in his book Supernatural Fiction Writers categorizes Tolkien, who
is considered as a famous 70‟s writer, as a supernatural fiction writer (Bleiler,
1985: 675-681) due to his fondness on fantasy matter. Tolkien, using his fantasy
2
mythical world called middle-earth in his story. Tolkien even created languages
for the characters he made. However, some responses from the readers toward his
works were not all positive. „Tolkien‟s fiction dismayed most of the fellow
scholar at Oxford‟. (Magill, 1983: 2653). Furthermore, some of the negatives
critics even „insisted that the work had no right to an audience because it was a
“failure”, and therefore must soon prove unpopular as they wished to be‟ (Bleiler,
1985: 676). Nevertheless, facts prove the otherwise. Tolkien‟s works „delighted
most of his general readers…due to his hard work and skill in linguistic talent,
which underlay both his professional achievements and his mythical universe‟
(Magill, 1983: 2653).
Tolkien began to write about fantasy, which turned out to be great works,
just after he was sent home with trench fever from the First World War battlefield
in France. In 1917, during his recuperation in the military hospital, he began to
write a story that later became The Silmarrion (1977).
Tolkien‟s trilogy of The Lord of the Rings is the most famous work that he
has done and the most delighting one compared to his other works. The trilogy
consists of first, The Fellowship of the Ring, the one that will be analyzed in this
thesis and also the part that tells about the beginning of the quest, where all
adventures start and the characters‟ motives to make journey explained. The
second is The Two Towers; and, the final is The Return of the King. The trilogy is
a massive epic fantasy of more than half a million words.
The chronology of the story is so complicated because although the
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history of the Middle-Earth (Hardy, 1977: 6). Furthermore, in talking about
cosmogony, Tolkien inserted the story of the creation of the Middle-Earth to help
the readers understand his idea of the world.
Meanwhile, the complicated geography and nomenclature can be seen
through the vast number of places and the complexity of the system of names of
the characters. Another complicated thing is the languages that are used by the
people in the story, such as language of the elves and the dwarves. These
languages, which are merely Tolkien‟s creation, are different from human
language.
Although surrounded by mythical world, Tolkien‟s character adopts
human attitudes. However, the human attitudes that they show are not precisely
accordance to human physical appearance but more likely with the mental
attitudes. Tolkien‟s characters are capable to experience love, joy, pity, sad, angry,
hate, and jealous.
In The Fellowship of the Ring, at least two things that show matters of good and evil, that is the theme and the other one is conflict. Evans in his Writers
for the 70‟s: J. R. R Tolkien says that The Lord of the Rings “has allegorical
characteristics and it simply tells about the triumph of good and evil” (Evans,
1974: 42). From the quotation, it can be inferred that there must be conflicts
between good and evil in the story. In the theme about one‟s ambition to gain
power and about fighting the villain and saving the world, the conflict between
4
through the Ring so that they are willing to make evil actions. On the contrary,
some other characters choose to fight those who want to misuse the ring‟s power
in order to save the Middle-Earth, and this can be considered as a good action. As
a result there are conflicts between the two sides.
The decisions of the characters in The Fellowship of the Ring to do actions
have something to do with their motive. A motive is the reason why somebody
makes a certain action. A character who decides to take the Ring or to destroy it
must have motive(s) behind.
In everyday life, making an action is a common thing, such as getting up
in the morning, having breakfast, and going to work. However, someone does not
deal with trivial things all the time. sometimes, a person has to deal with a more
serious thing that concerns with other‟s necessity, like whether he has to use an
atomic bomb in the battle to win the war or not. In this case, he has to make a
right decision since many human lives depend on his decision. Therefore,
knowing one‟s motives is important to understand the decision one‟s makes.
B. Problems Formulation
The problems of this undergraduate thesis are formulated as follow:
1. What are the conflicts that the four characters (Saruman, Gandalf, Boromir,
and Frodo) faced in the story?
2. What are the motives of the four characters (Saruman, Gandalf, Boromir, and
Frodo) in making decisions when facing the conflicts in the story?
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C. Objectives of the Study
The first objective of this study is to find out the motives of the four
characters (Saruman, Gandalf, Boromir, and Frodo) in making their decisions
while facing the conflicts in the story. By considering the motives of the four
characters, the second objective is how the motives influence their actions will be
figured out.
D. Definition of Terms
According to Holman and Harmon in A Handbook to Literature, a motive
is the product of the “combination of the character‟s moral value with the
circumstances in which the character is placed” (1986: 314). Charles G. Morris in
his book Psychology: an Introduction said that motive is a specific need, desire,
or want such s hunger, thirst or achievement, that energizes and directs
goal-oriented behavior (Morris, 1990: 408). I can define in conclusion that motive is
desire or need in somebody‟s mind that can stimulate the person to have a certain
action. Motive is something that „causes motion‟ or something that „causes
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CHAPTER II
THEORETICAL REVIEW
A. Review of Related Studies
There are six related studies that I read before writing this thesis, five of
them discuss the same novel which is The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring and the other discuss the same topic about character decision making. The studies related to Motives Behind Character Decision Making to their Action
in Choosing Good and Evil Deed in J.R.R Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings: The
Fellowship of the Ring are:
1. “Symbolism of the Ring: The Embodiment of Evil”
In this essay by Stephan Gundy, the explanation of the evil nature of the
Ring is explained separately from the Ring itself. In the physical world, the Ring
becomes the reality of evil. It is said that in every way, it is the nature of evil
which must be either accepted or rejected outright. Its mere presence is a
personification of the opportunity for people to have and execute free will and
make morally correct or incorrect decisions. The One Ring in J.R.R Tolkien‟s The
Lord of the Rings is a symbol of power, the evil power.
” The exercise of Evil, and in essence the power of the Ring, is the exact
opposite of freedom. As for the nature of evil, it has been shown that no good can possibly come from evil means, but evil results can be averted if one can acquire the evil object while resisting the evil nature of it. Also,
the Ring is both real and symbolic”. Gundy,Stephan. “Symbolism of the
7
The physical nature of the Ring is behavioral and can be physically
observed. Meanwhile, the essence or power of the Ring is a concept which
opposes morality. In this thesis, it is explain the differentiation of the symbolism
and the presence of the Ring itself. In the conclusion, it is explained that even the
Ring destroyed physically, the evil essence will remain present in some form until
the end of time.
The thesis by Stephan Gundy is related to the writer‟s thesis since Gundy
analyzes about the ring in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. The
object of the study that Gundy use is the same object that the writer uses in this
thesis even the main topic is different. The Ring is the main issue in whole story;
furthermore, the ring is related to all of the conflict in the story. Thus, by
understanding the main role of the ring itself, the writer can find out the motives
and the psychological effect of the four characters toward the conflict.
2. “The Treachery of Saruman: A Symbol of Human Selfishness”
The main topic of this essay of Vladiskovic‟s is centered on Saruman the
White, the head of the order of Istari. Saruman is the character in Tolkien‟s The
Lord of the Rings. In the beginning, Saruman works with the other wizard to defeat Sauron. Later, he betrays the Istari and allies with Sauron. This kind of
characteristics make Saruman human-like, he has the real depth of human being.
This essay analyzes Saruman‟s treachery and the reasons why he doing such kind
of action.
“The wizard is determined to have power for himself and to rule over
others, and, after his downfall, seeks for revenge. Ambition, pride, but also determination and strength of will are the characteristics that make
8
pride are exasperated and extremely marked, the wizard becomes in a way
a symbol of human selfishness.”. Vladiskovic, Chiara. “The treachery of
Saruman: A symbol of Human Selfishness”, 2012. (www.vladiskovic.it)
This essay related with this thesis of the writer‟s because it discuss about
Saruman who also being discussed in this thesis. It discussed about the
characteristic of Saruman and help the writer know more about this character.
3. Fabrizio’s Conflicts and Their Influences to His Final Decision in
Stendhal’s The Charterhouse of Parma
Vanessa‟s thesis analyzes a character named Fabrizio in Stendhal‟s The
Charterhouse of Parma. It analyzes a character who faces a whole series of conflicts when he attempts to find pleasure from worldly happiness.
“The main character, in this novel, will experience such external and
internal conflicts when he tries to find his happiness. The external conflicts will show how the character faces problems when he pursuits happiness from adventure and love affairs. The internal conflicts will show how hard the character has to struggle against himself when he has
to make such decision.” (P. iii)
Christina Vanessa‟s thesis on the character final decision in Stendhal‟s The
Charterhouse of Parma is related to this thesis because it discusses about the same topic even the primary source (the novel) is different. The writer uses the
thesis above to see how the chronology of the thesis runs.
4. The Relationship between the Member of the Fellowship of the Ring in
J.R.R Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings
There is a fellowship whose task is to bring the One Ring into the Crack of
Doom. This fellowship is consists of nine peoples from different races and
characteristics. This undergraduate thesis by Widyastuti Budiningsih analyzes the
9 relationships between each members of the fellowship of the Ring arise by
their differences…” (p. vii)
The undergraduate thesis by Widyastuti is related with this thesis because
it analyzes the relationship of the character with the other character in the story. It
helps the writer to understand more about the character‟s characteristic and the
relation between them so it will help to understand more when they facing the
conflict in the story.
5. The Value of Heroism as Seen in the Main Character of Frodo in J.R.R
Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Frodo as the main character in the Lord of the Rings has a main duty to
bring the One Ring into the Cracks of Doom. As the main protagonist in the story,
Frodo is characterized as a hero who later saved the Middle-earth. This thesis by
Wisnu Pujo Bayu Adi analyzes the value of heroism as seen in Frodo.
“The study explains the reason why Frodo Baggins has been chosen as the ring Bearer and his qualities of heroism. Frodo Baggins is the only person who can be trusted to inherit the Ring from his uncle. He also loves to make adventurous journeys. He has been proven successfully brought the Ring from the Shire to Rivendell, the study reveals Frodo Baggin‟s value
of heroism.” (p. x)
As Wisnu‟s thesis analyzes about the main character and his value of
heroism, it makes the thesis related with this thesis. Wisnu analyzes the value of
10
story. In my thesis, I later analyze Frodo‟s motive before he doing some actions
toward the conflicts that occur in the story.
6. The Significance of the Dominant Symbol to the Revelation of the
Message in J.R.R Tolkien’s the Lord of The Rings
The One Ring becomes the most dominant symbol in the story. The One
Ring itself becomes the main issue in the story; it becomes the center of most
conflicts in the story. Himayanti‟s undergraduate thesis analyzes the One Ring as
the dominant symbol related to the revelation of the message that Tolkien want to
say through the story.
“The One Ring symbolizes the dark side of human being. A message in a
story is intended as a suggestion related to the problems in life that can be taken by the readers through the story…The temptations trigger the dark side of every human being in life, human beings always faces many kind
of temptations whether it is in a good or evil incarnation.” (p. ix)
This thesis by Himayanti helps later in my thesis in understanding the
nature of the One Ring. Thus, I can relate the problem with the conflicts related to
the One Ring in my analysis. Knowing the nature of the One Ring helps me to
understand more about the probably motives of the characters toward the conflicts
about the One Ring.
All of the studies reviewed above are different from my thesis because in
this thesis I analyze about the motive that the characters‟ have when they facing
the conflicts in the story and how their motive influence the character to do the
action relating to the conflicts.
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B. Review of related Theories
1. Theory of Conflict
According to Perrine, a conflict is “a clash of actions, ideas, desires, or
wills” (1996: 59). In other words, a conflict “involves two opposing forces”
(Shipley, 1962: 75). In the story The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, the clash of ideas can be seen from the differences ideas of Gandalf and Boromir. Gandalf thinks that the best way for the company to pass Misty
Mountain is through the mine of Moria. On the other hand, Boromir thinks that it
is better for them to take the way through the gap of Rohan (Tolkien, 2001:
287-288). This difference causes a clash of ideas that lead to a conflict between them.
Perrine classifies conflicts into three types. The first is a social conflict, a
clash between a character against some person or group (Perrine, 1996: 59).
Second is a physical conflict, a conflict between a character with some external
force-physical nature, society or fate (Perrine, 1996: 59). Both of them are
external conflict, the conflicts between a man and things outside himself such as
one or more individuals, and/or the environment. The third is psychological
conflict, in which a struggle between a man with some elements in his own nature
(Perrine, 1996: 59). This kind of conflict involves several thoughts that exist in
one individual and the psychological aspects of a human being. A good example
of this case is Frodo‟s internal conflict when he faces the fact that his Ring brings
danger to others. Frodo is confused whether to leave the Shire or not. On one hand
he wants to go to save the Shire. On the other hand, he wants to stay since
12
psychological conflict within Frodo‟s mind before he makes a decision to do a
certain action.
Moreover a conflict can lead to another conflict. For example, a social or
physical conflict appears between a person and other person or force. Thus,
clashes between ideas, desires, and wills which grow out of the interplay of those
three forces may also appear among and inside the characters. (Shaw, 1972: 91).
This means that as a result of an external conflict, a psychological conflict may
appear. The clash of the three forces has caused a struggle inside the characters.
On the other way, a psychological conflict may also resulted in an external
conflict. By analyzing the character‟s conflict, we can see what motives behind
the action that the characters take.
2. Theory of Motives
A motive is something that stimulates a person to do something.
According to Holman and Harmon in A Handbook to Literature, a motive is the
product of the “combination of the character‟s moral value with the circumstances
in which the character is placed” (1986: 314). It means that a character with a
certain kind of moral value will have a certain kind of motive. The character‟s
motive is also influenced by the circumstances around him at the time he produces
a motive before making a particular action. For example: A robber takes some
money from an old lady after he empties the cashier machine in a little shop. The
possible motive behind his action is greediness. He lacks the moral value that
might stop him from taking the money from the old lady. Meanwhile, the
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encourage him to do so. It is possible that at that time the old lady has just
received some changes for the things she buys and she has not got a time to put it
in her purse when suddenly the robber comes in and points his gun at the
shopkeeper and her. It is right after the robber takes all the cash from the cashier
that he seizes the money in the old lady‟s hand. He is not going to waste the
opportunity to have more money. In this case, a good opportunity is also another
factor that forms the robber‟s motive to take the old lady‟s money besides his
greed.
Motive is an incentive to act or a reason for doing something or anything
that prompted a choice of action. Anything that arouses the individual and directs
his or her behavior towards some goal is called a Motive or “Motive is a factor
which influences to do anything because anything we do has a motive behind”.
Motive is different from motivation, motivation is the activation or
energization of goal-oriented behavior. Motivation may be rooted in the basic
need to minimize physical pain and maximize pleasure, or it may include specific
needs such as eating and resting, or a desired object, hobby, goal, state of being,
ideal, or it may be attributed to less-apparent reasons such as altruism, morality, or
avoiding mortality.
By applying the above theory in the analysis, I will be able to find the
characters‟ motive in making some actions. Through the characteristics of the
characters and the situation where they are in at the time they make the action,
will find out the things that can encourage the characters to do so and it will
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3. Psychological Theory on Conflict
To analyze the internal conflict, which involves psychological matters, the
help of the psychological theory of conflict is needed. “There are four kinds of
conflicts in the theory of motivation according to Miller” (Beck, 1978:258). They
are approach-approach, avoidance-avoidance, approach-avoidance, and multiple
approach-avoidance conflicts. (Beck, 1978:258)
The approach-approach conflict happens because one has to make a choice
out of two different positive or desirable alternatives (Beck, 1978:259). This
conflict can be illustrated like this; a little girl goes to a shop with her mother. She
sees a beautiful doll and a set of miniature cooking ware. She wants both of them.
However, her mother tells her that she can have only one of them. In this case, the
child has an “approach-approach conflict” because she has to choose only one out
of two desirable alternatives.
The avoidance-avoidance involves two different negative or aversive
choices, in which one of them should be chosen although it is not desirable (Beck,
1978:259). The conflict can be described as the following example; in the story of
Simalakama fruit, the boy has to choose whether to eat the fruit or not. The alternatives are if he eats it, his father will be passed away. On the other hand, if
he doesn‟t eat the fruit, his mother will be passed away. As a result he has an
“avoidance-avoidance conflict” because he has to choose one of those undesirable
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In approach-avoidance conflict there is only one goal but it has both
positive and negatives outcomes (p. 260). In this kind of conflict, an individual
faces a situation where the decision that he is going to make may have two
different results, the desirable and undesirable ones. For an example of this
conflict when an university student is working on his presentation paper. His goal
is to get a good mark and the only way to achieve it is by finishing his
presentation paper and presents it in front of the lecturer and the whole class. As
he about to finish the paper, he realizes that later on he has to face the whole class
when presents the material and he afraid of it. Here the students face the
approach-avoidance conflict. On one hand he wants to finish the presentation and
get the good mark. On the other hand, he feels reluctant to do it because he hates
and afraid to speak in front of many people. To achieve his goal, he must face
both the desirable and undesirable results.
The multiple approach-avoidance conflict has two goals, each of which
has approach-avoidance characteristics. The choice of one is usually followed by
losing the other, and this loss is a negative aspect of the chosen (Beck, 1978, p.
260). These psychological theories on internal conflict help me know what
triggers a character to actions and understand the character‟s motives. Discussing
the conflicts of the characters using the psychological theory of conflict shows the
difficulties of the characters in making their decisions. They have to struggle hard
16
C. Theoretical Framework
The theories written above are to answer the problems of this study. The
theory of conflict is the boundary to identify the conflicts that occurs in the story.
The theory of motives helps to identify the motives of each character while facing
the conflicts. Psychological theory on conflict applied to help while analyzing the
internal conflict within the character. This theory categorized the conflict which
the character faces and relates it with the motive inside the character‟s mind. From
the conflict which the characters face I dig out their motives and then relate how
17
CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY
A. Object of the Study
For the analysis, I use the text of The Lord of the Rings: the Fellowship of
the Ring as the primary source. This novel is the first of three volumes of the epic novel The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R Tolkien. It was originally published on July
29 1954 in United Kingdom. The novel contains all information needed for the
analysis such as the characters‟ thoughts, speeches, and action. From the novel, I
can find the characters‟ both external and internal conflicts. By analyzing those
conflicts I can dig their motives and finally reveal their actions.
This book is divided into two sections, book one entitled The First Journey/The Ring Sets Out, and book two entitled The Journey of the Nine Companions/The Ring Goes South. All those sections are written on 531 pages. The fellowship of the Ring is preceded by The Hobbit and followed by The Two Towers.
The problem in the story begins when Frodo inherits a very powerful
Ring. This Ring is wanted by Sauron, the most evil creature, to resume his power.
To prevent the destruction of their world; men and other inhabitants, such as the
mythical creatures of elves, dwarves, wizards, and hobbits are agree to go to the
Cracks of Doom, the only place where the Ring could be forged and destroyed.
18
Cracks of Doom must face several obstacles from outside, that is from those who
want to take the Ring, and inside, that is within the company itself.
In 2001, this novel has been brought to a motion picture. It was released
on December 19, 2001, directed by Peter Jackson. The final scene of this movie is
actually taken from the first chapter of the second volume, The Two Towers.
B. Approach of the Study
To analyze the data, I use psychological approach and the tool needed is
the theory of conflict. Psychological approach is critics view works through the
lens of psychology. It looks either at the psychological motives of the characters
or of the author. According to Wilfred L. Guerin in his A Handbook of Critical Approach to literature, the psychological approach was perhaps the most controversial, the most abused, and least appreciated. However the psychological
approach can be fascinating and rewarding since its proper application to interpret
the literary work can enhance the researcher‟s understanding and appreciation of
literature.
I apply the theory of conflict and theory of motives to analyze the
characters‟ conflict to find the motives behind their decision-makings. Besides
literary theories, I also apply psychological theory on conflict to analyze the
internal conflicts of the characters to understand better about the character‟s
19
C. Method of the Study
To collect the data, I did a library research. I gather information from the
internet since not all books that contain information related to this thesis are
available in Indonesia. There were several steps done in this study;
First, I read the text of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
as my primary resource. The novel contains all the information needed for the
analysis such as the characters‟ thoughts, speeches, and actions. From the novel, I
found the characters‟ both external and internal conflicts. By analyzing those
conflicts I uncovered their motives and finally revealed their actions.
Second, I read Perrine‟s Story and Structure, Holman and Harmon‟s A Handbook to Literature, Beck‟s Motivation: Theories and Principles, and
Martin’s Everyday Morality: An Introduction to Applied Ethics as secondary
resources. Third step was deciding the characters that will be analyzed in this
thesis and chose the conflict where the characters involved.
Fourth step in this thesis was listing the conflicts that the four characters
face in the story. The purpose of this step is to understand the conflict that the four
characters face.
Fifth step in this thesis was analyzing the conflicts and find the motives
that the characters have when facing the conflicts; this step was divided into two
sections in order to make the analysis easier to understand. The first sections
analyzed the conflicts where Gandalf and Saruman involved; the second section
analyzed the conflicts where Boromir and Frodo involved. In this step, Perrine‟s
20
contains the theories of conflicts and motives were used. Those theories helped in
finding the nature of the characters‟ actions.
Sixth and final step, I applied the psychological approach. The
psychological theory on conflict was applied to analyze the internal conflicts of
the characters to understand better about the characters‟ motives in doing
21
CHAPTER IV
ANALYSIS
A. The Conflicts which the Four Characters Face in the Story
Gandalf and Saruman are wizards with powerful skills. Both of them have
influential roles in the story of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.
Gandalf is the one who reveals that the ring is the One Ring. He is also
encourages Frodo to make a journey to Rivendell so that the adventurous in the
story could began. He is the wisest character in the story that makes him a leader
and mentor to Frodo and many others. Gandalf knows his limitations and refuses
the ring when Frodo offers to him. He uses his power only for the cause of good
against evil and never takes advantages of it. He also encourages the other
characters to be the best they can be.
Whereas, Saruman is the head of the council of the wizards, a community
of the wise. He is the one whom everybody trusted to handle matters concerning
the Dark Lord, Sauron. However, Saruman is the one who betrays Gandalf and all
the trust bestowed on him.
The decision of each character, Gandalf and Saruman, to yield or not to
yield the Ring‟s power after they are tempted by it can be seen in three different
occasions. Those occasions are when Gandalf refuses to take the Ring from
Frodo, when Gandalf tells the Council of Elrond about Saruman, and when
Gandalf agrees to destroy the ring. These occasions are the most obvious moments
22
there are conflicts experienced by Gandalf and Saruman. These conflicts are
analyzed in order to find out the motive behind the decision. The results of the
analyses, later on, are used to conclude the nature of characters‟ actions. Both
Frodo and Boromir are also tempted by the ring and they have the choices
whether yield or not to yield under the influences of the One Ring.
Frodo Baggins is intelligent and graceful hobbit. He inherits the evil Dark
Lord Sauron‟s Ring of Power. He is the Ring-Bearer. There are a few important
points about Frodo that must be settled, first, Frodo is not just a youngster. In the
beginning of the story, Frodo is about to celebrate his 33rd birthday, the typical
year for coming of age for Hobbits. Although he has many hobbits characteristics,
like a good sense of humor and a love of mushrooms; he also has more of a
thoughtful mind and adventuring spirits. Though Frodo is loving, generous and
kind, he has his faults. Initially, he is fearful and timid. Later, when the Ring
strengthens him, he also nearly seduced by it. Still, he has a strong sense of
justice.
Boromir is the son of the Steward of Gondor, the country‟s ruler since
everyone believes there are no descendants of the original kings. At the beginning
of the quest he doesn‟t believe that the Ring must be destroyed. He talks to the
council and the fellowship to use the power of the Ring to fight against Sauron. In
the middle of the quest, he tries to take the Ring from Frodo. Noble by nature,
Boromir is horrified by what he has to do, and gives his life trying to save Merry
and Pippin from the Orcs. Boromir shows his bravery in the end of the story and
23
There are several events that show Frodo‟s and Boromir‟s different actions toward
the One Ring. First, when Frodo agrees to set out from the Shire to Rivendell.
Second, when there is a meeting at the house of Elrond Halfelven. Third, when the
fellowship is at the crossroad between Mordor and Gondor. In those three
sequences, I analyze the characters‟ conflict, decision, and motive to yield or not
to yield to the Ring. Later, I conclude the characteristics of Frodo‟s and Boromir‟s
actions based on their motives and then find the nature of the character.
There are six conflicts that analyzed in this thesis, tese conflicts are the
conflicts which the four characters is involved.
1. Gandalf Refusing Frodo’s offer to take the One Ring
This is the conflict when Gandalf Refusing Frodo‟s offer to take the One
Ring, in this conflict Gandalf faces inner conflict whether he take or not the One
Ring. The result is he refuses the offer.
In this occasion, Gandalf shows that he does not want to yield to the charm
of the One Ring through his decision when he faces Frodo‟s offer. Aroused by the
mysterious history behind Bilbo‟s magical Ring, Gandalf makes some researches
to find the truth. The effort results in shocking discovery. The Ring turns out to be
the One Ring. Gandalf brings this news to Frodo and tells everything concerning
the history of the Ring especially the danger it carries. When Frodo knows about
the truth of the ring, he asks Gandalf to take it from him. He says to the wizard,
“You are wise and powerful, will you take the Ring?” (Tolkien, 2001: p. 60).
Towards this offer, Gandalf explicitly makes a simple reply, “No!” (p. 60). He
24
the One Ring. His motives for doing so can be noticed from the conflicts that he
has before makes the decision.
The simple offer that Frodo makes has caused an external conflict between
Gandalf and Frodo and internal conflicts within the wizards. The external conflict
that appears is a social conflict in the form of a clash of ideas. This clash happens
because of the different ideas between two. In Frodo‟s point of view, the wise and
powerful person is the most suitable one to handle the Ring. On the contrary,
Gandalf thinks the opposite. The wise and powerful person is not the one who can
take the Ring because it will only make the problem worse. This idea can be seen
from Gandalf‟s answer that he will “have power too great and terrible” (Tolkien,
2001: 59) from the Ring. He will have power beyond his control and it will be
more dangerous since through him “the Ring would gain a power still greater and
more deadly” (p.59). It means, because the Ring is able to consume the power of
its wearer, the Ring will add the extra power to itself from a powerful person and
thus makes it more destructive than before. In this way, instead of keeping the
ring safe for the sake of others, a powerful person will only create a more
powerful lethal weapon. It means a greater danger has to be handled later on. So,
Gandalf thinks that leaving the Ring in the hand of powerful person is not a good
idea.
In a way, Gandalf‟s idea gives a glimpse of his reason for refusing Frodo‟s
offer. He makes such a decision because he thinks of other people‟s safety. He
does not want to endanger others by making a decision to take the One Ring from
25
In this situation, Gandalf suffers from a conflict that is called multiple
approach-avoidance conflicts. As Gandalf repeats the words “Do not tempt me!”
(p.59) twice, it can be assumed that Gandalf‟s mind troubled by Frodo‟s words.
Furthermore, as Frodo‟s offer is a temptation, it strengthens the fact that Gandalf
has to struggle hard within himself.
For Gandalf, either accepting the offer to take the Ring or refusing it has
its own positive and negative results. Since there are two options coming from
each result, it means that Gandalf has multiple approach-avoidance conflicts.
Accepting the offer and taking the Ring means that he has the opportunity
to gain great power. This can bring him an advantage, which is a chance to realize
his dreams to commit lots of good deeds. However, taking the ring also has
negative result. The Ring will absorb Gandalf‟s power and it will be more
powerful
On the other hand, refusing the Ring also has its own positive and negative
effects. The positive one is Gandalf can save others from Sauron‟s destruction
while the negative one is that he will not have a chance to do lots of good deeds
since the Ring will consume him.
2. Saruman’s and Gandalf’s Conflict whether to Join or not to Join Sauron
This is the conflict of Gandalf and Saruman. There is a clash of ideas
between them whether join or not to Sauron‟s side. The conflict result into fight
between them.
Saruman offers Gandalf to join Sauron in order to get the benefits from the
26
not want to yield the Ring. On the other hand, Saruman shows that he does since
he becomes Sauron‟s ally
The conflicts between Gandalf and Saruman happen when Gandalf goes to
Isengard to meet Saruman to ask for a counsel over the Ring‟s problem. Saruman
gives Gandalf a choice:
“I have brought you hither…to give you a choice…A new power is rising.
Against it the old allies and policies will not avail us at all. There is no hope left in
the Elves or dying Numenor. This then one choice before you, before us. We may
join with that power.”(Tolkien, 1964: 252-253)
There is a clash of ideas between them that means Gandalf and Saruman
have different ways of thinking. Saruman persuades Gandalf to join Sauron, “it
would be wise, Gandalf. There is a hope that way. Its victory is at hand; there will
be rich reward for those aided it...” (p. 253). But Gandalf believes that joining
Sauron is an action taken only by ignorant people.”..I have heard speeches of this
kind before...to deceive the ignorant” (p. 253). Gandalf thinks that joining Sauron
is a foolish action since there is no prospect in the future when Sauron the wicked
rules.
It is detected from Saruman‟s offer to Gandalf to join Sauron that in a way
Saruman has internal conflict, which can be categorized as an approach-avoidance
conflict. For Saruman, becoming Sauron‟s ally means that he has a chance to have
power so that he has a chance to realize his dreams; but joining Sauron also means
27
Yet it does not take long for Saruman to decide. He answers Gandalf,
“…maybe evils done by the way but approving the high and ultimate purpose:
Knowledge, Rule, and Order; all the things that we have so far striven in vain to
accomplish…”(p. 253). From Saruman‟s choice of words „maybe‟ and „but‟, it
can be seen that Saruman makes some kind of excuse that to do something evil is
alright as long as it can lead to success
Unlike Saruman, Gandalf undergoes multiple approach-avoidance
conflicts. He is trapped between two options. Accepting Saruman‟s offer to join
Sauron may have two meanings, power and security. It means that Gandalf may
have the power as said by Saruman, “And why not, Gandalf? Why not? The ruling
Ring? If we could command that, then the power would pass to us...” (p. 253).
However, accepting the offer also has a negative or aversive result. It means that
he may lose his friends. The existence of this Ring in the Shire has already noticed
by Sauron and Saruman, “I believe that you know where this precious thing now
lies. Is it not so? Or why do the Nine ask for the Shire, and what is your business
there?” (p. 253). Accepting the offer means that Gandalf has to tell Saruman the
fact that the Ring is Frodo‟s hand. As a result, the agreement with Saruman will
endanger the lives of the inhabitants of the Shire including Frodo.
The second option is not easier. By refusing Saruman‟s offer, he may save
Frodo. However, refusal means that he puts himself in danger. Saruman explicitly
threat Gandalf with his words, “...I gave you the chance of aiding me willingly,
and so saving yourself much trouble and pain” (p. 253). His words give a hint
28
3. Gandalf’s Conflict to Have the Ring Destroyed
This is the inner conflict of Gandalf to have the one ring destroyed. In this
conflict he has to think wisely about the consequences if the council wants to
destroy the ring.
At the council of Elrond, Gandalf and the others discuss whether to
destroy the ring or not. Once again Gandalf shows his persistence that he does not
want to yield under the Ring‟s charm. This time he shows it by agreeing the plan
to destroy the ring. His motives to make such decision can be inferred through his
conflicts when he faces the critical situation in solving the Ring‟s problem.
Gandalf undergoes conflicts for there is no advantageous choice that he
can choose in dealing with the Ring‟s problem. There are four solution suggested.
First two solutions are to hide the Ring or to destroy it. (p.260). The third one is to
use the One Ring to fight and destroy Sauron. (p260). The fourth is to use the
other magical Rings to fight Sauron.
In this situation, Gandalf suffers from an avoidance-avoidance conflict. It
is not easy for Gandalf to decide. He has to make a choice out of the four
undesirable options. To hide the Ring is a vain effort since there is no place in
Middle-Earth or even overseas land which can resist the power of Sauron. The
second option is not less terrible that the first one as they have to go to the Cracks
of Doom, Sauron‟s territory. Going there with the purpose to destroy the Ring is
29
“There is only one way: to find the Cracks of Doom in the depths of Orodruin, the
Fire-Mountain, and cast the Ring in there, if you really wish to destroy it…” (pp.
59-60)
In this way the risk that lies before the task is tremendous. The third and
the fourth solution are not preferable either. Wearing the Ring to fight is
dangerous as fighting Sauron without the Ring or even more dangerous.
According to Elrond, “If any of the Wise should with this Ring overthrow the
Lord of Mordor, using his own arts, he would set himself on Sauron‟s throne, and
yet another Dark Lord would appear” (p. 261). Thus the effort is useless since the
present Dark Lord may be vanquished but the future Dark lord will appear.
Meanwhile, to use the other magical Rings to fight Sauron and the One Ring is
not possible. Elrond says, “...they were not made as weapons of war or conquest:
that is not their power” (p. 261). The other Rings will not be able to fight
Sauronand the One Ring. In this case, Sauron‟s control over Middle-earth
somehow seems inevitably certain.
Later on Gandalf also has an external conflict with Erestor, one of the
members of the Council of Elrond. While Gandalf wants to settle the problem
over the Ring by destroying it, Erestor disagrees. He thinks that destroying the
Ring is a foolish, impossible act. No one can bring the Ring to Mordor to destroy
it. It is reasonable since Sauron must guard his territory really carefully so that no
30
To this disagreement, Gandalf goes on saying that he decides to do it
because “it is not our part here to take thought only for a season, or for a few lives
of men, or for a passing age of the world. We should seek a final end of this
menace…” (p.260). it means it is better for them to completely solve the problem
to its root.
4. Frodo’s Conflict to Leave the Shire
This is the conflict when Frodo decides to leave the Shire. He has to
struggle inside his mind to make this decision. This inner conflict is the beginning
of his journey.
Like the previous both characters (Gandalf and Saruman), Frodo has to
make a decision whether he yields or not to the Ring‟s power. It is not easy for
Frodo leaving Shire. He has to undergo several conflicts before he can decide to
do it. It is through these conflicts that his motives in making the decision to go can
be noticed.
Frodo‟s conflicts begin when Gandalf is finally able to convince him that
his ring is actually the One Ring. It is a legendary Ring owned by a Dark Lord
named Sauron. It is believed to have lost after the war of Dagorlad where Sauronis
defeated by an alliance of the Men and the Elves. The problem now is that when
Sauron knows that his Ring has been found, he wants it back to revive his power.
The most crucial thing is that he has suspected the Shire to be the place where the
One Ring is and Baggins the person who keeps it. In this dangerous situation,
Frodo ponders about to leave the Shire and goes to Rivendell. He says, “I should
31
With this matter in his mind, Frodo shows that he does not have the notion to
yield under the Ring‟s power. His journey to Rivendell is to keep the Ring away
from Sauron and to distract Sauron‟s attention so that he cannot locate the Ring
position. By so doing he will do something good for the Shire.
5. Boromir’s Conflict to Agree with the Plan to destroy the Ring and
Frodo’s Conflict to be the Ring Bearer
In this conflict, there are two different conflicts occurs in one event.
Boromir conflict when he has to decide whether agree or not to the plan of
destroying the Ring and Frodo‟s inner conflict to be the Ring bearer. These
conflicts occur in the council of Elrond when they discuss about the plan of
destroying the Ring and who will take the Ring to be destroyed.
Both Boromir and Frodo have to make a decision whether to yield or not
to the Ring‟s power. Each of them shows their decision by making a choice
whether agree or disagree to the plan to destroy the Ring. Here, both Boromir and
Frodo finally agree to destroy the Ring. However, their motives to make such
decision might be different. In this case the conflicts they have before making the
decision can help to find out the motives.
The decision at the Council of Elrond to agree with Gandalf‟s idea to
destroy the Ring causes several conflicts among some people who attend the
gathering. One of them is Boromir. Between Boromir and the Council there is a
clash of ideas. While the council agrees with the ideas of destroying the Ring,
Boromir does not. He thinks that using the Ring is the better way to hinder
32
hiding and destroying? Why should we not think that the Great Ring has come
into our hands to serve us in the very hour of need?” (p. 260). He thinks that the
Ring might be useful for them against Sauron if only they are willing to use it. He
believes that it is for this reason that the Ring is brought to them in such an urgent
situation. But, in the end, Boromir changes his mind and agrees with the plan to
destroy the Ring. He explicitly shows his decision when he says, “So be it” (p.
261).
This decision that shows Boromir does not want to yield to the Ring‟s
power is not easy to make. Boromir must suffer from an avoidance-avoidance
internal conflict before he can make it. Neither to oppose against the Council‟s
plan to destroy the Ring nor to agree with the plan has positive outcomes for him.
Challenging the decision of the Council is only creating a new foe for his land
Gondor and losing a support, which is needed most. This becomes the first
outcome he wants to avoid. Gondor, Boromir‟s homeland, is in a dangerous
situation for being attacked by Sauron. This is why Boromir needs to find any
support from other Middle-earth inhabitants. (p. 239).
Furthermore, he also needs to ask Elrond about the meaning of a dream
about a voice saying things related to a broken sword, Imladris, Isildur‟s Bane,
and Halfling that he thinks has something to do with the future of Gondor, which
bothers both his brother and him. (p.240). The word broken sword refers Narsil,
the sword defeats Sauron. Ilsidur‟s Bane refers to the One Ring. Meanwhile the
word Halfling means little people. However the most important word is the word
33
important for Boromir because at the time Gondor is in war with Sauron and in a
way the words related to Gondor‟s fate in the future. For these reasons, Boromir
cannot counter the Council of Elrond. The representatives of the inhabitants of
Middle-earth are there so that he can have a chance to ask for their help and he
cannot mess with it. He also needs Elrond‟s favor. Thus he cannot oppose
Elrond‟s decision or he might upset the Elves‟ Lord and so fail to do his ask.
On the other hand, to agree with the plan to destroy One Ring also brings a
negative result for Boromir. He believes that the power of the Ring can help and
bring them victory in the battle with Sauron. He says, “Wielding it the Free Lords
of the Free may surely defeat the Enemy..Let the Ring be your weapon, if it has
such power as you say. Take it and go forth victory” (pp. 241-261). In this case,
destroying the ring is something that he also wants to avoid since the result is
negative, the wasting and losing of a great power source that might give Gondor
or even Middle-earth a chance to win the battle against Sauron. However,
Boromir cannot avoid all those undesirable results. He must make a decision that
at least involves one of the undesirable results.
After the Council makes a decision to destroy the One Ring, Frodo is
suddenly aware of the problem in front of him. The Council decides to destroy the
Ring but no one is willing to take the Ring to Mordor (p. 263). Facing this fact,
Frodo has multiple approach-avoidance internal conflicts due to two options. On
one hand, Frodo feels that he has to go to Mordor. On the other hand, he wishes to
rest at Rivendell. Frodo thinks that he has to go since he thinks that it is his
34
the Shire to Rivendell. Each of these two options has its own positive-negative
results. To go to Mordor has a positive result, which is a chance for Frodo to save
Middle-earth. However, it also has a negative result, since by doing so; he will
have no chance to rest at Rivendell. On the other hand, to rest at the Rivendell has
a positive result, which is a chance for him to enjoy a peaceful rest at a beautiful
site. Nevertheless, it has a negative result, which is the lost of a chance to save the
Middle-earth.
6. Boromir’s Conflict to go West and Take the Ring From Frodo and
Frodo’s Conflict to go East and Continue his Journey
This is the conflict when the fellowship arrived at the Parth Galden. In
this event, Frodo decides to continue the journey alone. He has an inner conflict
within before making this decision. While Boromir decides to take the Ring from
Frodo and use it to fight Sauron‟s army.
In this last sequence, Boromir and Frodo involve in a situation where they
are to choose whether to yield or not to the Ring‟s power. However, this time they
show different action. Frodo tends to refuse to yield to the Ring while Boromir
shows the other way around. The motives of Boromir and Frodo to make different
decisions can be seen through the conflicts that they have in the process of
decision-making.
Reaching the Parth Galden, the company comes to a crossroad. Each
member of the company must make a decision whether to go wet to Gondor to
35
As the result of the options, there are conflicts happening among and within the
company members.
The external conflicts are marked by the clash of ideas between Boromir
and Frodo. Boromir tells Celeborn, the Lord of Lothórien, that will take the
wetern road that leads to Gondor, “...it will be the eastern shore...I shall go to
Minas Tirith, alone if need be, for it is my duty” (pp358-360). Furthermore, he
also thinks that the Ring Bearer should come to Godor as well (p.390).
Meanwhile, Frodo wants to take the eastern path to go straight to Mordor. He
thinks that going to Gondor is only delay for his own task. “...it would seem like
wisdom but for the warning of my heart...Against delay” (p. 388)
The clash of ideas between Boromir and Frodo is also shown in their ways
of thinking about destroying the One Ring. Here Boromir once again shows his
disagreement to destroy the Ring. After the company has reached the forest of
Lothórien, he explicitly tells Frodo that it is not a good idea to destroy the Ring
since it can bring victory for those who fight against Sauron. (p. 360).
On the other hand, in responding to Boromir‟s opinion Frodo reaffirm his
own determination that the Ring must be destroyed since it brings only misfortune
to many people... He says, “No hope while the Ring last” (p. 388). As a result of
these different ideas, Boromir has multiple approach-avoidance internal conflicts.
He has two options that lead to two different goals. Firs, to go west and take by
force the Ring of power. Second, to go west but does not take the Ring for the
36
The option to go west and to have the Ring with him for the power as the
goal has two results, positive and negative. Obtaining the Ring‟s power is the
positive result for Boromir and becomes the desirable side of the option. Taking
the Ring in order to have its power means that he has to take it from Frodo‟s hand.
It might involve some kind of struggle between him and the Ring Bearer. This
action can be considered as treachery since as the one of the member of the
Fellowship, it is Boromir duty to protect Frodo and the Ring. Therefore, the
negative result is betrayal or treachery, which is the avoided side of the option.
Moreover forcing Frodo go to west, will make Boromir face the other member of
the Company. Boromir wants to avoid this too, for he is no match to fight against
a ranger, an elf, a dwarf, and four hobbits at the same time.
The option to go west and to let Frodo keep the Ring and accomplish his
task has also positive and negative results. The positive one is that by letting
Frodo have the Ring and do his job, Boromir does not have to betray him nor take
it by force. In this way, he does exactly what Elrond wants the members of the
Fellowship of the Ring to do, to keep the Ring and its Bearer safe from any harm.
On the other hand, the negative result is that he cannot have the Ring‟s power to
save Gondor.
Finally Boromir decides to go to Gondor and take the One Ring by force
from Frodo‟s hand. From Boromir‟s conflict and decision, it can be seen first; he
is a person that is to proud of himself and his people. He shows it when he tells
Frodo that he is the right person to wear the Ring of power and that he and his
