Figurative Language In J. R. Tolkien's All That Is Gold

may look at “All That is Gold” and think that there is no way J. R. R. Tolkien could fit so many powerful words and so much meaning into eight lines. These people would be wrong. With the poem directly relating to his Lord of the Rings series, it features a powerful speaker with magnificent tone. He includes great figurative language that helps to make the poem come alive. With a great rhyme scheme, Tolkien does not fail to include more forms of repetition. His masterpiece of a poem clearly conveys a story as well as a theme that can be applied to real life.
J. R. R. Tolkien’s “All That is Gold” is about the fictitious character Aragorn II Elessar and his journey as a king. Aragorn is loved by his people and is part of a bloodline that has

been intact for centuries. The poem explains the challenges and wonder Aragorn faces in his life. The story of his rise back to the throne is told from the powerful wizard Gandalf. Clearly, he feels that hope is always present and power will be bestowed on those who earn it. A great example is “The crownless again shall be king.” This shows the hope and certainty that Gandalf speaks with. A metaphorical subject can also be interpreted. Those struggling or who feel they lack potential are also spoken to. “Not all those who wander are lost,” is a metaphor that can serve real world applications showing that non fictitious people are a viable subject of this poem.
The amount of figurative language helps the reader to make accurate comparisons to the actions described.

In the famous line of “All that is gold does not glitter is a metaphor describing Aragorn. The reason he was loved so much is because of how humble he was. He tried to avoid the glamourous wear that would be fit for a king. Instead, he went with wearing regular clothes which made him easier for the citizens to talk to. The “glittering” would be the fancy outfits and outlandish living habits. Aragon’s “gold” that isn’t glittering is his personality. Aragon doesn’t need the “glittering” gold because he has one that doesn’t glitter that is of equal value. Along the lines of metaphors, “Deep roots are not reached by the frost.” is another great use of figurative language. The line literally means roots will live on if they are deep enough to stay away from the deadly frost. This “frost” in Aragorn’s time is the enemies that tried to dismantle his family tree. Because his bloodline stayed intact for numerous centuries, this feat was impossible. Aragorn was able to trace it back through many kings it was so extensive. The bloodline’s “deep roots” prevented any harm to be done. Lastly, “A light from the shadows shall spring;” helps compare the heroic acts of Aragon and how he arose through the evil to claim back his throne. The word choice of “spring” by Tolkien makes the image of a quick, passionate return come to mind. This poem uses many metaphors to describe a story that would be complex

otherwise.
With “All That is Gold” only having four lines per stanza, there is great rhyme and alternate forms of repetition. A set ABAB rhyme scheme is followed, and with that, syllable choice is relatively close. Each line features 8-10 syllables. The mentioned rhyme scheme is followed in each stanza. For example, “glitter” (line 1), “wither” (line 3) and “lost” (line 2), “frost” (line 4). This rhyme helps the poem to feel more powerful, and it give meaning to the words Gandalf speaks. Tolkien does a magnificent job with his rhyme scheme and even managed to add more to it. Alliteration is featured between three word with the “b” sound in line 7. “Renewed shall be blade that is broken,” puts emphasis on the fact that a new good will become of what has been damaged physically or emotionally. In the final stanza, the word “shall” is repeated in each line. The use of this conveys that Gandalf is certain for the future and he is not questioning what it holds. The poem uses and excellent rhyme scheme and other emphasized letters to effectively add meaning and power to the poem.
The theme of “All That is Gold” is that there is always hope and positivity in any situation. The story metaphorically told about Aragorn II Elessar is about his fall and rise. He leaves the throne to venture and learn more skills he needs to be a successful king. This is him “wandering”, but not being “lost”. Eventually, after the War of the Ring, people thought his bloodline was dead. Aragorn courageously arose from the shadows after hiding and took back his throne. The broken sword Narsil had its shards reforged and bestowed upon Aragorn. Aragorn took the throne that was unclaimed, and he was crowned by Gandalf. This story gives those who read it hope. The poem can be applied to real world scenarios and holds purpose in society today. It encourages those who may not look the best or be the most favorite that they have underlying strengths. Everyone has purpose and if one can’t find it, they may wander. They would be wandering with a purpose. When their purpose is found, they will reemerge and “spring from the shadows” and be rewarded with the benefits. This poem has a powerful theme that can be applied to society today.
This poem is impactful and will live on as an important benchmark for what poetry should portray. J. R. R. Tolkien’s “All That is Gold” perfectly tells a powerful story that packs so much in to eight lines. A perfect example of what a rhyming poem should embody, he uses great repetition to make the reader feel impacted by his work. “All That is Gold” accurately tells the tale of Aragorn while featuring on point poetic elements and an overlying theme to tie it all together.