tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5746173806126403959.post6957304537451937215..comments2023-11-07T06:20:12.181-08:00Comments on Tolkien: Medieval and Modern: Paths to a Tangible Legend"Tolkien: Medieval and Modern"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04348913969813157482noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5746173806126403959.post-24812343975961452072014-04-14T20:57:43.480-07:002014-04-14T20:57:43.480-07:00I think your argument for the sensory Secondary Re...I think your argument for the sensory Secondary Reality is compelling, especially when considering Tolkien’s habit of describing languages or histories as having a certain “flavor.” For reasons unknown to me, Tolkien favors taste as the sense of choice when describing a character’s preference such as in The Lost Road with Alboin. As you say the flavor of tangible, thus giving the impression of a consistent Secondary Reality, and therefore “realness.” And what is more, this aesthetic taste is an inheritable trait, a heightened sense passed among subsequent generations. Tolkien, as we discussed in class on Wednesday, is claiming that language carries with it aspects of the physical, i.e. the tangible reality. <br /><br />What remains, I believe, is the opportunity to push the sensory experience of Tolkien’s legendarium further, for he himself has described the works as having an atmosphere, a feeling of surrounding, a taste of a certain natural setting. These physicality’s allow the reader to experience the Secondary Reality through imagined sensory perception, and this, I believe, is one of the ways to insulate the internally consistent sub-creation. Words and language can only perceive so much until they inspire feeling, sight, taste, hearing, or touch. Yes, these things are all imagined, but sensory imaginations are, as you say, more tangible than simple images. Tolkien did not just use language as the backbone to a narrative, he created its physical, sensual form to fully convey the Secondary Reality. <br /><br />- Katie B.Katie B.https://www.blogger.com/profile/09389647412177144133noreply@blogger.com