Kinder, Gentler Denethor, A
Challenge Details
There are many stories about Denethor that show him as dysfunctional, and such stories have been known to work very very well. Nevertheless, there remains the question: need he have such a terrible relationship with Faramir? Need he be so horribly dysfunctional as he is usually portrayed?
Let's try to get some answers.
If you think Denethor can be read consistently as having a good father-son relationship with Faramir, as being on the whole a much less grim and driven man, where the tension between him and Faramir primarily exists at the moment of madness, then write the story that will demonstrate this view of him is truly plausible.
But wait! You do not get to escape with just revaluing that one confrontational scene. You've got to write Denethor to fit in the entire context of everything we know about him, from Appendices as well as from RoTK proper, UT, and HoME if you think those drafts can be made to harmonize with the rest. It is, after all, widely accepted that the theory that covers the most facts while integrating them in the most coherent manner is the best one, even if not the only one.
So. Members of the Society for a Kinder, Gentler Denethor: step up! The Society of Pessimistic Denethor Interpreters have had their say in many a fanfic. It's your turn now. Essays are also acceptable entries, btw.
Let's try to get some answers.
If you think Denethor can be read consistently as having a good father-son relationship with Faramir, as being on the whole a much less grim and driven man, where the tension between him and Faramir primarily exists at the moment of madness, then write the story that will demonstrate this view of him is truly plausible.
But wait! You do not get to escape with just revaluing that one confrontational scene. You've got to write Denethor to fit in the entire context of everything we know about him, from Appendices as well as from RoTK proper, UT, and HoME if you think those drafts can be made to harmonize with the rest. It is, after all, widely accepted that the theory that covers the most facts while integrating them in the most coherent manner is the best one, even if not the only one.
So. Members of the Society for a Kinder, Gentler Denethor: step up! The Society of Pessimistic Denethor Interpreters have had their say in many a fanfic. It's your turn now. Essays are also acceptable entries, btw.
Entries with Stories
The following authors have entered a story in the Challenge.
- Jacks - In Dreams
- General Audience
- Last Updated: 29 Nov 04
- The youngest son of the Steward lays near death, taken by fever. He is five years of age.
- MerryK - Before the Pyre
- General Audience
- Last Updated: 23 Mar 07
- Denethor's thoughts as he watches Faramir in his fever. What leads him to make the decision to burn himself and his son?
Placeholders
The following authors have entered a placeholder in the Challenge.
- Denna
- Adoption Date: 19 Apr 04
