Laura Graham BCOM 4350.

008 Sluder Viewpoint and Conversation #2 He that breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom. - J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings In J.R.R. Tolkiens famous trilogy, The Lord of the Rings, wizards were great beings sent by the Valar to help the people of Middle-earth battle the evil lord Sauron (Tolkien, 1954-1974). They were said to be of high moral character, and were forbidden to use their great powers to dominate others or to match the powers of the dark lord Sauron (Tolkien, 1954-1974). Two of the greatest wizards of their order were Saruman and Gandalf, and while both started their story possessing all of the virtues and character bestowed upon great wizards, one of them lost their way (Tolkien, 1954-1974). Saruman was once known as the greatest and most respected wizard in Middleearth. Being known as such, he was rewarded with the title of head of the White Council and was known as Saruman the Wise (Tolkien, 1954-1974). Many of his decisions went unquestioned, but as his power grew, his mind began to darken. He began to disregard his promise not to dominate, and lusted after Saurons power (Tolkien, 1954-1974). It was this desire that caused Saruman to lose his honor and integrity by lying and concealing his plans to build an army (Tolkien, 1954-1974). Using his good reputation as a cover for his bad deeds, Saruman took up arms against the very people he swore to protect (Tolkien, 1954-1974). He joined leagues with Sauron while secretly plotting to take the dark lords power for himself (Tolkien, 1954-1974). For Tolkien, it is this lust for power that leads to Sarumans fall. After losing his battle, and refusing to negotiate a truce with the league of men and Gandalf, Saruman looses his position in the White Council and his staff is broken (Tolkien, 1954-1974). In the end, his pride, greed, and refusal to share power cost Saruman everything he held dear, including his life. In summation, character is something that can be lost along the way, if power and wealth become more important than honesty and fortitude. In Tolkiens story, not all wizards were so corruptible and without character. Gandalf, for instance, remained strong in the face of evil and never lost his way. Where Saruman was prideful, greedy, and indignant, Gandalf was honest and virtuous. He was brought to Middle-earth, as Saruman was, to help the people prosper and destroy the dark lord Sauron (Tolkien, 1954-1974). Unlike Saruman, Gandalf kept his promise even when it was not easy for him. He served the realm of Middle-earth as a guide, teacher, and protector, and he never reached for power that was not his own. He aided Frodo in his quest to destroy the ring of power, and he sought to restore peace in Middle-earth where peace was lost (Tolkien, 1954-1974). Gandalfs character was found in his strength to resist temptation, and his ability to keep fighting against evil even when all hope seemed lost. For people in positions of power, character is often defined as much by what one does not do as what one does. By choosing not to participate in the scheming and power

Laura Graham BCOM 4350.008 Sluder plays of Saruman, Gandalf is able to maintain his character. In contrast, Saruman experiences a fall from grace and loses his virtuous reputation in the eyes of the other players, as well as the reader. It is not despair, for despair is only for those who see beyond all doubt. We do notfor even the very wise cannot see all ends. - J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings

Reference List
Tolkien, J. (1954-1974). The Lord of the Rings. New York, NY: Ballantine Books.