A question of fic

[dreamflower]

A short while ago, danachan and I were talking over the phone, and she was mentioning the occasional "dark" bunnies she gets, and its relationship to h/c or not...

We talked a little bit about what she wanted to see in such fic, instead of comfort, and what she mentioned was seeing "hobbit fortitude" in action. Not so much to see the hurt one *comforted* as to see him (or her) *overcome*. "H/O" I said jokingly, but yes, there should be a place for fic in which the character is tested by being hurt, perhaps physically or perhaps not, and has to overcome that by him or her self.

We see that in the books, how each one of the four faces a moment in which he is in despair, and has no one else to rely on for hope, and yet must act anyway.

When Frodo makes his decision to go on alone, he has no way of knowing Sam will follow--he makes that choice by himself, certain that he's going alone into his doom--and if Sam had only been a few minutes longer, it is most certainly what he would have done.

And after the encounter with Shelob, Sam, too is convinced he must go on alone, and makes his peace with that choice. Only the discovery that his master is alive after all changes his choice.

When Merry is on the Pelennor, he is certain he's about to die, yet he strikes anyway, a blow for his fallen king and for the brave Lady who brought him to the battle. He has no other hobbits at his side to offer comfort, but he strikes anyway.

At the Black Gate, Pippin also overcomes his fears, and makes his peace, and finds his hope in going into battle.

So, sometimes in fic, it's not about the character being comforted but about the character finding comfort of a sort inside, in spite of despair, in going on when life seems impossible.

Perhaps some fics that seem dark are not so dark as they first appear.

Food for thought.

Comments

[shirebound]

the character finding comfort of a sort inside, in spite of despair, in going on when life seems impossible

That really is at the heart of LOTR, and each hobbit has a moment of 'knowing' that he probably can't succeed/survive... but then proceeds with 'the job at hand' anyway.

which is why they deserve so much cuddling and comfort :)

[dreamflower]

They *do* deserve it, don't they?

Still, it's occasionally interesting to explore that other theme--and good to remember that hobbits *can* endure without the coddling. It's something to bear in mind.

Even if they should not *have* to. *grin*

[mews1945.livejournal.com]

You're right, and that is the way real life is much of the time. Sometimes I enjoy reading that sort of tale. It makes me love and admire the character who suffers and endures and overcomes his suffering. But I need to read about the caring and love and friendship and the comforting that is also a part of life. When my own heart is aching and I'm hurting because of the things going on in real life, it can really make a difference to me to read about Frodo being held and comforted, or Pippin needing a hug from someone and getting it, and it helps me to write those things too. I guess that's why I write a lot of h/c, and slash too, because the ones I write are all about love.

[dreamflower]

I think the reason I like h/c is because it's an important facet of exploring my own favorite theme of deep love and friendship. The comfort, as I see it, is not only about the one *being* comforted, but also about the one *giving* the comfort.

I just thought it interesting to think of the other sort of thing for a change.

[rhapsody11.livejournal.com]

So, sometimes in fic, it's not about the character being comforted but about the character finding comfort of a sort inside, in spite of despair, in going on when life seems impossible.

True. I sometimes get the comment to please write Maglor in happier times, but his fate is the most tragic of all. It all depends on what he wants at certain moments. Currently I am writing him in a chapter where he is overthinking where he lost control over his life and has come to the realisation that he is still the master of his own fate. So the thinking process might be dark, the inner strength always prevails.

[dreamflower]

So the thinking process might be dark, the inner strength always prevails.

Very true. And some characters simply don't lend themselves to easy answers--Turin, for example, or Hurin.

And those of us who love hobbits the most need sometimes to be reminded that however adorable they are, what they most of all are, is indomitable. And it's *that* indomitable will that prevailed in the end.

[garnet-took.livejournal.com]

You are so right. I sometimes feel weird because I like those dark stories where they have to overcome whether there is comfort waiting for them at the end of it all. Maybe I'm not so out there after all.

Thanks again.

[dreamflower]

No. I can't say that sort of story is to my normal taste, and unless it's done well, it can miss the point entirely. But it is a valid way of approaching a story, and when it is done well I can feel I have gained something from reading it, rather than being let down by a "bad ending".

We have a lot of pre-conceptions, and sometimes those need a little shaking up.

[wordsworthy.livejournal.com]

My absolute favorite stories in this respect are by Jodancingtree. Have you read Another Way of Leaving (http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=1285) and its sequel, Following the Other Wizard: Journey into Healing (http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=1286). In the first, Frodo is NOT invited to sail west with the Elves and becomes suicidal in his despair. The first story is about what happens when he decides to kill himself. In the sequel, Frodo journeys with Radagast the Brown, wandering all the way back to Mordor, and as he helps Radagast heal the scarred land, he finally heals himself. Radagast is instrumental, but the healing must come from Frodo within. I was deeply moved by both these stories because like Frodo in these stories, I have struggled over the years with depression.

Highly recommended.

[dreamflower]

Yes indeed! I have read *both* those stories, and you are right--they are absolutely brilliant in that respect.

Yet as the latter is a long story, there is a certain amount of h/c as well. And Frodo is sometimes the caregiver, rather than the care-reciever, which is also something I love to see. It really is a story with a lot of impact, and very many kinds of healing as well. I won't say more--others may not have read it yet.

[slightlytookish]

I believe in variety, so different depictions are always good! I've read dark fic, not often though, because I never find myself enjoying it. I can enjoy the writing of course, but I simply can't go wild at the idea of my hobbits hurting with no comfort offered. It's just not my cup of tea!

[fafojoy.livejournal.com]

I'm going to tread carefully here amongst the hobbit folk, but I'll amen what you said above about hobbit fortitude... that is what I love best about them. That and ""And laugh they did, and eat, and drink, often and heartily..."

I might like to write about the elves, but I am a hobbit. :D

[gamgeefest.livejournal.com]

That is why I enjoy angst so much, I think. It's not so much about seeing the characters in dire straights as it is seeing them overcome their fears and adversities.

[periantari.livejournal.com]

So, sometimes in fic, it's not about the character being comforted but about the character finding comfort of a sort inside, in spite of despair, in going on when life seems impossible.
I think those are my fave type of fics-- we see so much resilience and determination in our hobbits, it's nice to read more introspective pieces on this and also to have another hobbit or character also talk about what has happened with them in a sense of comfort or just being there for him. It's the resilience that so draws me to LotR, that draws me to the hobbits because they've all gone through so much and have been so darn brave amidst the darkness and despair.

::love my hobbits even more::

[surgicalsteel.livejournal.com]

So, sometimes in fic, it's not about the character being comforted but about the character finding comfort of a sort inside, in spite of despair, in going on when life seems impossible.

And that's the exact reason why I haven't abandoned my more unhappy/more true to canon timeline in fic - sometimes it's not about finding comfort, it's about continuing to plug away even when all seems lost and what you'd like to do is lie down and give up.

And in one of your responses: The comfort, as I see it, is not only about the one *being* comforted, but also about the one *giving* the comfort.

And sometimes the giving of comfort can be even more healing for the comforter than it is for the comfortee. But that's another discussion. ;D

[claudia603.livejournal.com]

Very good point. One of the reasons I adore reading and writing darker fic at times for myself is because it's a way of exploring worst case scenarios through the eyes of my favorite characters and seeing them get through it with fortitude. I do love happy endings and having everything work out in the end...but the struggle is very gratifying for me!