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Funny observations from my students

Menelwyn Rohan Jan 29 2013, 4:13am Views: 678 Funny observations from my students As those of you who have been around may remember, I teach a three-week long course on LOTR (book and movies) during our high school's Interim Term in January. My students sometimes come up with some funny things or odd ideas. Here are a few samples! There are of course some misspellings, starting with simple things like Rivendale and Aragon, but moving on to Aeowin (which girl is that again?), Sauroman (which bad guy is that?), and my favorite, Isidoor. Some movie comments "Frodo slept so long it's morning?" (on his vision of Galadriel after being stabbed by Shelob) "So the Witch-king is like a balloon?" (on the implosion of his helmet) And on the book "This has to do with Aragorn's claim as King of Mordor." What's the status of Mordor after the War of the Ring anyway? "Tom is in hiding at the Council of Elrond." Bombadil really gets around, doesn't he? "Sam is very different from the warrior heroes like Aragorn and Boromir. One of his most heroic deeds is fighting Shelob." "Boromir was spartan because he never married." "Lord of the Rings is a massive compilation of stories from everyday lives." That student must have a much more interesting life than I do! "The family of Boromir, Denethor, and Faramir is a very typical one, dealing with the sorts of problems that many families face."

Kassandros Rohan Jan 29 2013, 4:26am Views: 436 My favorite. "The family of Boromir, Denethor, and Faramir is a very typical one, dealing with the sorts of problems that many families face." You almost made me spit out my water! all we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us...

zarabia Tol Eressea Jan 29 2013, 5:39am Views: 417 So funny...'cause I would never make these mistakes :P I hate to admit it, but I always forget if it's Rivendale or Rivendell And I almost always have to stop and think SarUman not SaUron and vice verse As for Denethor, Boromir, and Faramir dealing with typical family problems - I get what he/she means. No, most families don't hold stewardships or have access to palantirs , but the family dynamic is relatable. I think many children feel that their sibling is the favorite and want desperately to be appreciated. These were fun! Thanks for sharing. "The question isn't where, Constable, but when." - Inspector Spacetime

Starling Half-elven Jan 29 2013, 7:01am Views: 425 Boromir was spartan because he never married.

sador Half-elven Jan 29 2013, 7:22am Views: 415 If you think of it, one is actually correct. In Reply To This has to do with Aragorn's claim as King of Mordor. If Aragorn gave the Men serving Sauron the lands around Lake Nurnen, they must have somehow been his to give, right? In Reply To Sam is very different from the warrior heroes like Aragorn and Boromir. One of his most heroic deeds is fighting Shelob. I like that! But it is typical student stuff - piling up two statements which are each correct, in a way which undermines them. You know, two Sam-hero connections. Thanks for sharing! It's wonderful whenever you pop in.

Loresilme Valinor Jan 29 2013, 2:01pm Views: 378 lol - Sauroman I recall the first time I saw the films I had trouble keeping those S-named bad guys straight too . These were cute, thanks for the laugh!

Angharad73 Rohan Jan 29 2013, 2:11pm Views: 381 If this reflects... ...on this student's homelife... Oh Dear!

Magpie Immortal Jan 29 2013, 2:43pm Views: 384 I don't know if that family dynamic is so far off from many families I think it's the thing that makes that trio the most fascinating aspect of LOTR for me - in terms of discussion, especially. Two sons who work closely with their father (read: at the same family business) - two personalities, one of which is more agreeable with the father, the other less understandable by the father - favoritism and expectations - sons who want to please their father - sons who recognize that their father favors one over the other, in some ways very strongly. I think this dynamic played out in my family with mother and two daughters. I think it plays out in a lot. LOTR soundtrack website ~ magpie avatar gallery TORn History Mathom-house ~ Torn Image Posting Guide

Magpie Immortal Jan 29 2013, 2:50pm Views: 378 is there a difference (in meaning) between a dale and a dell? My first job (1970) was as a cashier at Kresge's Dime Store. One department in the store was called the 'dell' and it had shelf stable food items (people loved the canned Danish ham). I could never figure out what it had to do with a dell.. you know, like 'the farmer in the dell'. Finally, I realized that 'dell' was shorthand for 'deli'. Anyhow, in my head I connect Rivendell with Farmer in the Dell and remember it that way. LOTR soundtrack website ~ magpie avatar gallery TORn History Mathom-house ~ Torn Image Posting Guide

Angharad73 Rohan Jan 29 2013, 3:27pm Views: 362 I guess... ...I'm taking the statement far more literally. As in 'sending your son to his death and then trying to burn him while he's still alive' kind of family dynamics. I'm weird, I know.

Asger Rivendell Jan 29 2013, 4:29pm Views: 358 One way to remember is: Saruman - Searuman, Old English for Wise Man; Sauron - Thauron, Sindarin for The Cruel. But else it was unfair of the old professor to use two names that alike for the chief antagonists "Don't take life seriously, it ain't nohow permanent!" Pogo www.willy-centret.dk

Kassandros Rohan Jan 29 2013, 4:40pm Views: 363 That's what I thought was funny, yeah. I understand what the student is saying, but it still made me laugh. all we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us...

grammaboodawg Immortal Jan 29 2013, 6:48pm Views: 356 The status of Mordor? *snigger* How 'bout GONE! These are great! I'll bet a bunch of your students will venture into LotR again when it's not schoolwork. ;) You've planted a seed that will grow for so many. Well Done! First draft of TH:AUJ Geeky Observation List - updated list coming soon I'm SO HAPPY these new films take me back to that magical world!! TIME Google Calendar TORn's Geeky Observations Lists (updated soon)

Súlimë Rivendell Feb 1 2013, 8:30am Views: 373 Me too!