Letters

The Lure of Tolkien's Rings

Good tale telling will prevail, whether set in Middle-earth, Neverland, Oz, a galaxy far, far away, Tara or the house next door. JAMES W. REYNOLDS Boise, Idaho

Fantasy fans love the lord of the Rings trilogy not because the stories are simplistic [MOVIES, Dec. 2]. They, as much as any other work of fiction, tap into the same universal myths as all other literature; they're just decorated in a way that is particularly appealing to us. J.R.R. Tolkien's mythical books are about the universal difficulties of humanity, both the struggles and the pitfalls. We read these tales because they tell a good story, not because we're worried about America as a superpower. EMILY WHITWOOD Wichita Falls, Texas

I disagree with the idea that fantasy is popular because it is an escape from the real world, that all fantasy is simple, black-and-white and unrealistic. The deeper meaning of The Lord of the Rings trilogy is that there is potential for evil in us all and there is also potential for good. Although the hobbit hero Frodo may have failed to resist the temptation of the magic Ring, it is the slithery Gollum--thought to be nothing more than a nuisance--who ultimately destroys the Ring. Tolkien presents these profound ideas in the guise of an old-fashioned sword-and-sorcery epic. But the characters are as real and human as we are. BLAIR HURLEY Newton, Mass.

The enduring appeal of the fantasy genre is, as you reported, multifaceted. The most compelling and perhaps least recognized reason is that it gives the reader a truly flexible medium in which to explore larger-than-life issues. The best fantasy is about much more than good vs. evil, the expression of magic or nostalgia for a simpler time. The greatness of The Lord of the Rings is in its exploration of the consequences of a great task that falls to an unwilling and unlikely recipient and the expression of inner strength and personal transformation that result. Tolkien succeeds by telling a tale that is as much about the inner person as the outer quest. Director Peter Jackson succeeds with his film adaptations by recognizing the importance of this theme and integrating it admirably into his movies The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers. JOHN TILELLI Apopka, Fla.

Your story said that "on the political-correctness meter, The Lord of the Rings is radioactive," and asked, "Where are the women?" There may not be many women in Tolkien's fantasy world, but the few he depicts are strong and courageous--equal to or better than the men they interact with. The trilogy is a great form of escapism for women and men, and I would hate that people thought that it is misogynistic in any way. CHRIS BLAND Dallas

Getting Rid of Saddam

Iraqi citizens may be resigned to another military action against their country by the U.S. [WORLD, Dec. 2]. It's troubling to me, however, that Americans can mourn so deeply for those lost on Sept. 11 but have no idea what it would be like if someone launched a full-scale invasion against the U.S. Tens of thousands of innocent lives would be lost. Yet that is what is being proposed for Iraq. The gravity of this situation should not be overlooked. KEVIN HAWKINS Cupertino, Calif.

My grandfather served as a medic in World War II, a war that really was necessary to preserve freedom. Every man he trained with was killed. Now he refuses to watch a movie or read a book that has anything to do with war. The President is willing to let thousands of Americans die in his quest for global supremacy. I would gladly go into battle against Iraq or any other nation that is a threat, as long as George W. Bush led the charge like the warrior he fancies himself to be. PETER MCINERNEY Chicago

In this critical period between war and peace, U.S. politicians have almost unanimously espoused war, without giving a thought to peace. No one seems concerned that this war will unfold in Iraq's cities, airports and streets, and that its primary targets will be civilians. Yet the road to peace has been clearly outlined. All it would take is goodwill, impartiality and good-faith negotiations. TED KRAMER Fort Collins, Colo.

How does the following scenario sound? The U.S. and its allies roll over Iraq in two to four months, with considerable civilian casualties. Saddam Hussein disappears, and Iraq disintegrates into chaos. The U.S. and its allies are stuck in Iraq for the foreseeable future, trying to hold things together. Meanwhile, the terrorist threat to the U.S. and its allies has become extreme. Not a pretty picture. CHARLES J. BRANDT Belen, N.M.

A Suffering Hero

RE "How Sick Was J.F.K.?" [NATION, Dec. 2]: I admired President John F. Kennedy as a superior being with shaded nuances in his private life. I thought of him as exuding vigor and charisma. Now, having learned that he suffered so much pain, I think he attained a higher level of humanity--the sad hero of America. CARMELO GARIANO Thousand Oaks, Calif.

Looney Litigation

It is ridiculous for overweight teenagers to sue McDonald's [SOCIETY, Dec. 2]. The kids say McDonald's didn't adequately warn them that its meals contained lots of fat, salt and sugar. But the teens' obesity and health problems are their parents' fault as well as their own. Their parents should not have let them eat at McDonald's nearly every day for years on end. Children must be taught that some foods are bad for you. Any lawsuit shouldn't be against McDonald's; it should be against the negligent parents. CHARLES KYUNGHWAN KIM Hacienda Heights, Calif.

You Get What You Pay For

Envy is all over garrison keillor's article complaining about express lanes for first-class passengers at airport security checkpoints [ESSAY, Dec. 2]. It irks him that you can get better service by paying more. But if everybody gets above-average treatment, we simply redefine the level of service. Forced equalization reduces incentives to excel. As for security searches, if Keillor wants to encourage passengers to submit meekly to them, he ought to make a convincing argument instead of waving the overused Sept. 11 flag. It's like dabbing your eyes when there are no tears. THERESA LONG Williamsburg, Va.