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MirielCelebel
Rivendell
Jul 29 2014, 1:38am
Post #1 of 9
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Leaf by Niggle
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I have to read Leaf by Niggle for a class this fall so I read it for the first time in a long time and I must admit I looked at it in a whole different light. My ultimate conclusion after reading it was that I am Niggle. Actually, everyone has a little bit of Niggle in them, at least those of us who call ourselves artists. I have been working on a nonfiction book for a few years now and few fantasy fiction novels and I hoard them. I share tid bits here and there but generally, I am afraid of other people's judgments on these things which are so remarkably special to me. Niggle did not share his great painting with anyone and anyone who interrupted him painting was an annoyance. At the end of his tale, he not only sees his painting complete, but he experiences it fully and lives within it, a whole new created world. But what is the one thing that helps him finish his work? The inspiration from a neighbor for whom he had little regard or admiration! Someone he viewed as an "annoyance." Niggle realizes that the man, Parish, knows things he himself cannot understand but that would enhance his painting.
This place cannot be left just as my private park. I need some help and advice: I ought to have got it sooner.
Joining with Parish gave Niggle exactly what he needed to finish his painting. During the course of that experience he began to appreciate the things Parish loved, and Parish loved the aspects of nature that had inspired Niggle's painting.
This story is not just the ideal fairy story Tolkien was trying to create. It ends up being more than that. It teaches us that there are things we cannot learn on our own, nor should we. Life is a joint experience and it is to be shared, even if that means sharing it with those we'd rather not. My writing should be shared with everyone no matter what they may think. Each one of us has a Leaf in us.
"The Road goes ever on..."
Writing Bliss
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geordie
Tol Eressea
Jul 29 2014, 6:46pm
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-it's one of my favourites. I collect Tolkien, and after many years' search, I managed to get hold of a copy of The Dublin Review no. 432 (January 1945) in which the story was first published.
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MirielCelebel
Rivendell
Jul 29 2014, 9:37pm
Post #3 of 9
(859 views)
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I'm jealous but great job obtaining it! More people should read this story.
"The Road goes ever on..."
Writing Bliss
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Khim
Bree
Jul 29 2014, 10:00pm
Post #4 of 9
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We cannot help relating to art on a personal level, but for me the most poignant reading of this story is autobiographically, Tolkien himself lamenting his foibles, knowing he will leave Middle-earth unfinished. Now Khim will act like a tree....and leave :)
I am Khim akin to Mim.
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MirielCelebel
Rivendell
Jul 29 2014, 10:38pm
Post #5 of 9
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He left more than Middle-earth unfinished. His poems like Arthur, one of the best Arhuriab renditions I've ever read and it is tragically unfinished.
"The Road goes ever on..."
Writing Bliss
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IdrilLalaith
Rivendell
Jul 30 2014, 4:22am
Post #6 of 9
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One of the autobiographical elements
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I've always found most interesting is the relationship with Parish. It almost feels like Tolkien's is apologizing for not being a better neighbor to his fellow humans. Part of me really dislikes this element, since that's one of my failings, too. :)
It's interesting how open Tolkien was in "Leaf by Niggle." It's certainly uncharacteristic of him.
TolkienBlog.com
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dreamflower
Lorien
Aug 7 2014, 1:38pm
Post #7 of 9
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It almost feels like Tolkien's is apologizing for not being a better neighbor to his fellow humans.
It feels that way to me, too. Yet I think that's the way most good-hearted people feel. We can't do everything to help others in need, and sometimes we can't do anything even when we want to. And being human, we sometimes help others even though we feel resentful for it. JRRT captures that dilemma very well in Niggle, who selfishly wishes he could keep his time and resources to himself, and yet selflessly spends them on his annoying neighbor instead.
It's an uncomfortable failing to find in myself as well, but I comfort myself with this observation: People who truly don't care, don't care that they don't. They are too self-absorbed to even realize it. Thankfully I believe that those who fall into that category are in the minority.
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geordie
Tol Eressea
Aug 7 2014, 7:11pm
Post #8 of 9
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- that Tolkien is afraid that he wouldn't live long enough to complete his long story; pretty much the same as Niggle was afraid he wouldn't finish hs picture before having to leave on his wretched journey. In this analogy, Parish represents Tolkien's professional responsibilities. Certainly JRR wouldn't have been able to make LotR without his academic knowledge; much the same as Niggle noticed that some of the best parts of his picture were made in conjunction with Parish.
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