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In the article “Revenge and Moral Judgement in Tolkien”, Brian Rosebury explores the complexities of revenge within the rigid moral framework of Middle-earth. Tolkien's Christian faith promotes forgiveness and discourages vengeance; however, in his professional career he studied the tales of the pre-Christian North, where vindictive behaviour is encouraged. Due to his background, he does not condone nor completely dismiss revenge as a proper course of action. Instead, he presents acts of revenge that range from condemnable to subtlety acceptable. To add another layer of complexity, Tolkien invents sensible, sympathetic characters that are motivated by spite and want retribution. Although Tolkien's ultimate opinion on the morality of revenge is unclear, his stance regarding the criteria of virtue is explicit. Rosebury reflects on Tolkien as a rational writer who concerned himself with what he thought was the right and wrong state of mind. The bad emotions, such as pride, fear, humiliation, anger, and cruelty, lead to despair. In contrast, good sentiments benefit Tolkien's characters, often in unpredictable ways. Pity, in particular, is an important emotion because it eradicates self-interest. Incidentally, if a dangerous course of action is started with a good intention, then psychological health will be greatly conserved. In addition, most of Tolkien's characters lead a consistent moral life, or they progress towards greater maturity or towards degeneration and unhappiness. They may encounter a temptation of goodness or evil, but it passes quickly and they return to their linear form of development.

This topic of this source parallels the topic of my thesis statement, and I predict that I will refer to it frequently throughou...

... middle of paper ...

...cceeds because they possess three theological virtues: unwavering faith in their leader and purpose, hope that their cause will be endorsed somewhere beyond the world, and love for each other and those who support them.

This source will support my contention that Gollum's fierce vengefulness towards Bilbo Baggins is an example of Tolkien disapproval of revenge. Using Ralph Wood's criteria for good and evil, it is clear the Gollum is evil; he separated himself from community, he lost his freedom to the Ring, and his very appearance is broken down and shadowy. Moreover, he killed his own cousin in fit of lust for power in the form of a ring. Since Gollum is a static character who is depraved to his very core, his every action is infused with wickedness. Therefore, the mere association of Gollum and vengeance indicates a warning against revenge to the reader.

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