Catholic Thought discussion

This story was recommended by Manny. I am looking forward to reading it. The story is part of the compilation Tales from the Perilous Realm, or can be purchased on its own.

Unfortunately I couldn't find a free copy unless you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited. You may find a copy in your library or use one of your library's ebook platforms (the website should tell you what they offer). I could find copies at:

Overdrive/Libby
Hoopla
Cloud Library (works with your State Library)

Kerstin, here is a free online version of the story:
http://www.ae-lib.org.ua/texts-c/tolk...

Thank you :-)

I loved this story. The biggest takeaway for me is that all innate gifts can bring us closer to God if used wisely. Conversely, too much inward tunnel-vision leads to negativity and a distancing from God.

Neither Niggle nor Parish was at his best when consumed with personal wants - Niggle with his painting, Parish with his physical needs and his perfect garden. Niggle begrudged the minutes spent helping Parish and hosting visitors at tea. Parish and his wife grumbled about Niggle and his neglected garden despite how Niggle helped them so often. Only when Niggle and Parish learned to appreciate each other's strengths and talents did beauty and harmony ensue. Each was able to balance use of their God-given talents with the requirements of day-to-day life and neighborliness.

I'm uncertain what to think about the time spent in "treatment." Could that possibly have been metaphorical for Purgatory?

I loved the story too, and felt Niggle's frustration at all the times life gets in the way of art. But Niggle is more of Everyman, I think, than every artist, many of whom would tell Parish where to go and would keep on painting. The story does work as an allegory of life's journey towards its end, and I thought of the treatment center as purgatory as well, with the attendants as angels. But where are they in the end? Heaven? And what do the names Niggle and Parish suggest?

My assumption was that Niggle headed off to Heaven in the end, with Parish waiting to make the journey with his wife. I hadn't considered the attendants as angels! I'm glad you mentioned that. I also hadn't thought about the names. Niggle as a name is so different, to me, that I figure it must carry a deeper meaning. But I've no clue what. The name Parish is common when considered alongside Niggle. I haven't read Tolkien beyond Hobbit/Rings/Silmarillion many years ago. (And I had trouble getting through Silmarillion.) So not sure if he'd use Parish for its obvious connection to a gathering of believers.

Gerri, I looked up the definition of niggle, and it fits our guy: it refers to trivial and persistent worrying, or arguing over petty things. Can be a noun or verb! And parish would suggest a gathering, from which I would infer he represents the common attitude of his community. The state of Louisiana has parishes instead of counties. I feel sure Tolkein, like Dickens, used names purposefully for their associations.

Great insights, Madeleine. They make the story even more meaningful. The use of Parish could encompass both the attitude of the community, as you say, and the attitude specifically of a church community. The humans in both sometimes go astray and show ingratitude and selfishness that infects the larger group. I suspect if I were to read this story again awhile from now, more meanings would emerge. What a treat!

Yes. This is a wonderful little Christmas read. Now I want to read more Tolkein! And go back to Lord of the Rings with a new perspective!

I enjoyed this one as well. in some ways it reminded me of Mary and Martha, though in this story neither Niggle nor Parish has the better part, but they both must learn to see value in the other's work. I liked how Niggle's painting forms the basis for the transition place between purgatory and heaven. the tree is the original tree, in all of its glory, and he imagined Eden in his unfinished painting. and Parish's cottage building and gardening skills make the place even better. these two are better when each is using his gifts--they make the whole better

Ashleigh, I would not have thought of Mary and Martha but that's another good takeaway. I love your insight about the tree. But what are we to make of what's left of it? Loss of tree=loss of Paradise? Leaf by Niggle=promise of the Kingdom?

Madeline, I see moving beyond the tree as going to heaven, returning to that relationship between man and God before the fall, before Eden, and before the tree. Perhaps the tree Niggle envisions and imagines and yearns to see completed is that part of us that yearns for God and heaven, and he can't get the tree completely perfect in life as we can't have perfection here either. he sees it in his mind's eye, can imagine it, but is unable to complete it of his own power.The leaf by Niggle hanging in the museum is that little thing that sparks a yearning for the divine in those who have time for stillness and seeing.

Ashleigh, yes. Niggle's tree might well be the Tree of Knowledge from our lost Eden--the home we yearn for, the destination of the journey he keeps putting off.

When I started reading the story I kept thinking what a strange story, what possibly could have motivated Tolkien to write it? Just like Gerri, I was taken aback by the "treatment." It got very dark and dismal. It only resolves later. I am still not sure how I feel about it.

OK, finally read the story. I wasn't as big a lover of this story as everyone else. The story seemed overly didactic. The characters, which were two dimensional, kind of reminded me of those in a Samuel Beckett play where each had some sort of allegorical significance but where you couldn't exactly pin down what the significance was. It seemed as if the story drifted from one event to another, and I couldn't tell if Niggle dreamed his journey or it really happened.

Certainly the themes are important: attempts at artistry, individuality, and resistance to conform. But I couldn't engage with it, nor really have felt invested in the characters, even Niggle. It said something of importance, so I gave it three stars.

Joseph Pearce discusses the short story in his latest podcast:
https://www.faithandculture.com/home/...

Kerstin wrote: "Joseph Pearce discusses the short story in his latest podcast:
https://www.faithandculture.com/home/..."

That was enjoyable Kerstin. Thanks!