"We were born in a dark age out of due time (for us). But there is this comfort: otherwise we should not know, or so much love, what we do love. I imagine the fish out of water is the only fish to have an inkling of water."
--J.R.R. Tolkien (to his son Christopher, in a letter dated 29 November 1943)
From the first time I read this, I was fascinated with it. Not only does Tolkien brilliantly voice what had for a long time been my sentiments (largely unconscious) about where I fit in this world, but the image of the fish out of water is wonderful too; it perfectly illustrates the predicament, if you choose to accept it. I accept it, and like to use the idea to justify many of my frustrations with the world I live in. I must stress that I do not find the idea a mere escapist excuse. Tolkien, in the context of his letter, refers largely to his dislike of the politics of the age and to being a Christian, destined for the life with God that will follow death. While I see this, and dare to belive it too, I must also apply this little quotation to other aspects of my life, particularly in terms of my affinity to the medieval period, in particular 11th to 13th century England and Scandinavia. I often feel I was born in the wrong time and that I am a stranger to certain aspects of my own life. I think though, that the one good thing about living when and where I do, is the (obvious, I know) fact that I can appreciate and study in detail and love the Middle Ages. Such conscious reflection on the period allows me not only to love it, but to see myself in the various people, historical and ficticious, who lived or were invented in the Middle Ages. That is really what I love most about studying the medieval period--in it, and especially in its art and literature, I am able to recognise both myself and humanity in general.
--J.R.R. Tolkien (to his son Christopher, in a letter dated 29 November 1943)
From the first time I read this, I was fascinated with it. Not only does Tolkien brilliantly voice what had for a long time been my sentiments (largely unconscious) about where I fit in this world, but the image of the fish out of water is wonderful too; it perfectly illustrates the predicament, if you choose to accept it. I accept it, and like to use the idea to justify many of my frustrations with the world I live in. I must stress that I do not find the idea a mere escapist excuse. Tolkien, in the context of his letter, refers largely to his dislike of the politics of the age and to being a Christian, destined for the life with God that will follow death. While I see this, and dare to belive it too, I must also apply this little quotation to other aspects of my life, particularly in terms of my affinity to the medieval period, in particular 11th to 13th century England and Scandinavia. I often feel I was born in the wrong time and that I am a stranger to certain aspects of my own life. I think though, that the one good thing about living when and where I do, is the (obvious, I know) fact that I can appreciate and study in detail and love the Middle Ages. Such conscious reflection on the period allows me not only to love it, but to see myself in the various people, historical and ficticious, who lived or were invented in the Middle Ages. That is really what I love most about studying the medieval period--in it, and especially in its art and literature, I am able to recognise both myself and humanity in general.
1 comments:
Earendel, I've come across this quote a few times recently and was hoping to use it as an intro to an art-history/theology talk at my church, during Advent 2008, focusing on symbolism of dark and light in Annunciation and Nativity scenes. But it's only in reading Tolkien's quote on your blog, with the emphasis you put on the word "know," and then your own discussion of it, that I feel I understand it on a deeper level than I did. Thanks very much!
Melinda
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