Larael wrote:
I like your thought about Boromir representing "the human part in us all". Do you think Tolkien purposefully associated Boromir with the sin of lust? He did lust after the Ring, but is that Tolkien really wanted us to think of him? Personally, I don't think so, but if you dig down deep that's what you get. Boromir was lustful and prideful, but he also had a better side that really only came to light in his final moments.
I agree with Boromir representing "The human side of us all." As I see it, Boromir was a captain of Gondor, a proud man, who had a love of his heritage. Now, Gondor was being weakened by the day by the attacks from Mordor, the effort of holdings its lands from Sauron. Boromir had fought those fights , been in those wars. He saw HIS people being killed, and the lands of his people being taken.All he wanted, as he said was the strength to defend his people, in its own way a good cause. But that he was willing to use Saurons tool in the vain hope he could restore Gondor with it? Thats where pride runs in. Now, this shows that he was a weak man, he was not able to resist the call of the ring, and tried to take it, This is a clear sign of weakness, seemingly clear cut. However, had not Isildur, a man of Numenor, been tempted and taken by the allure of the Ring?
His death, in its own way, was a sign of strength and weakness. That he fought on to show his valour, and to buy time for Frodo to escape, and protecting his companions to the last, shows a man with a pure heart and clear conscience. But to me the old adage would have been good " Those who fight and run away, live to fight another day." If he hadnt died, by his sword how many more lives could have been saved if he hadnt fallen?
Its a hard call to say if he was brave or weak, as his wanting to die to make up is brave, but his succumbing to the influence of the ring, weak. I think his intentions were in their way pure, as all he wanted was to defend his people, and his death was brave and in a way noble. but thats my opinion.
And if none of this makes sense, I apologise, and PM me if you want me to clear it up.
The Lamenter