{The Lord of the Rings [continued]}[20th June 1988]

[Redbook5:187-188][19880620:1040d]{The Lord of the Rings [continued]}[20^th June 1988]

19880620.1040

[continued]

Like the [O], the Ring* appears unexpectedly in a narrative and a country of the mind both of which were, quite clearly, set up unwittingly over many years specifically for it; and like the [O], it only gradually reveals its true nature. The framework – narrative and setting – are in both cases set up according to their author's experience and interests – in Tolkien's case, as an academic specialising in early European languages; in mine, well, just an ordinary, strange [sic] sort of life;** but in both cases driven to this odd sub-creation by an unaccountable inner compulsion.

In both frameworks, at the appropriate time, insets itself the Double Circle: the Mandala, the Ring of Doom, the [O], the Winged disc, the Holy Grail vessel, the Well at the World's End....*** and in both cases it is the only thing – the only thing – that gives the story any cohesion or purpose at all. It is possible that in the guise of Frodo, Tolkien – who had picked it up as Bilbo – fought it, resenting its influence over him, as a rational academic {well}**** might: some of Frodo's# descriptions of how the Ring grows on him have the intensity of experience.

How much of this was allowed to become conscious is hard to say: the story can be seen as an attempt to compartmentalise the process, concealing its true personal significance. At the same time, the theory that at some point the Ring must be destroyed#* to bring about a new state is perfectly consistent with Circles Analysis itself.

*[See last previous entry]

**{(not uninfluenced by Tolkien?)}

***(& the Serpent... & the Railway!)

****<891010>

#& Bilbo's? <891102>

#*Each time you reach Degree C~,presumably; & eventually, there will be no new ring....

Or in another way of looking at it, the inner circle (of integration) wraps itself up into Unity.... <891010>

[continues]

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