motives behind characters’ decision making in …library.usd.ac.id/data pdf/f. sastra/sastra...

MOTIVES BEHIND CHARACTERS’ DECISION MAKING IN

CHOOSING GOOD AND EVIL DEED IN J.R.R TOLKIEN’S

THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE

RING

AN UNDERGRADUATE THESIS

Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

for the Degree of Sarjana Sastra

in English Letters

By

Anggi Georgie Christiansent

Student Number: 054214111

ENGLISH LETTERS STUDY PROGRAME

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LETTERS

FACULTY OF LETTERS

SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY

YOGYAKARTA

2012

PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJIPLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI

i

MOTIVES BEHIND CHARACTERS’ DECISION MAKING IN

CHOOSING GOOD AND EVIL DEEDS IN J.R.R TOLKIEN’S

THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING

AN UNDERGRADUATE THESIS

Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

for the Degree of Sarjana Sastra

in English Letters

By


Student Number: 054214111

ENGLISH LETTERS STUDY PROGRAME

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LETTERS

FACULTY OF LETTERS

SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY

YOGYAKARTA

2012


v

Man is fully responsible for his nature

and his choices

(Sartre)

No great thing is created

suddenly

(Epictetus)

The man with the

greatest soul will always

face the greatest war

with the low minded

persons

(Anonymous)


vi

TO MY BELOVED

FAMILY


vii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank for Jesus Christ whose name I mention in my heart every

time I need to remember the existence of a bigger power above myself. Thank for

always being in my mind.

Very much thank I have to say to my advisor, Drs. Hirmawan Wijanarka,

M.Hum. and my co-advisor, Dewi Widyastuti, S. Pd., M. Hum. who does not only

care about my thesis but motivates me a lot as well.

The greatest thanks are for my family, to my father, Ir. Jansen Lihart, I thank

you for your advice so that I can be who I am now. To my mother, Ir. Selvia Mettaria

Silaban, for always supporting me with love and care. I admit that sometimes I do not

hear her, but my heart always belongs to her. Also, to my little brother, Basar Brasilio

Zwagery, for always being a good enemy at home. I know that he loves me as his big

brother. I thank for every supports that all of you give to me. It will be the precious

treasure for the rest of my life.

Big thanks are also presented to Jonathan, Irene Sartika Dewi, S.S. as the one

who always bothers with every question that she has in her mind, and as somebody to

share with in every situation. To my friends in Media Sastra, thanks for being my

friends since 2007. It has been fabulous time spent with you all. I would also thank

the members of Jl. Dian Nusantara 1/76 for their support in my deadline.



viii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE ……………………………………………………………… i

APPROVAL PAGE ……………………………………………………….. ii

LEMBAR PERSETUJUAN PUBLIKASI ………………………………. iii

ACCEPTANCE PAGE …………………………………………................ iv

MOTTO PAGE ……………………………………………………………. v

DEDICATION PAGE ………………………………………………….... . vi

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ……………………………………………… vii

TABLE OF CONTENTS …………………………………………….…… viii

ABSTRACT ……………………………………………………………….. x

ABSTRAK ………………………………………………………………… xi

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION ………………………………………… 1

A. Background of the Study ………………………………………. 1

B. Problems Formulation ………………………………………….. 4

C. Objectives of the Study ………………………………………… 5

D. Definition of Terms ………………………………….................. 5

CHAPTER II : THEORETICAL REVIEW …………………………...... 6

A. Review of Related Studies ……………………………………… 6

1. “Symbolism of the Ring: The Embodiment of Evil” ………. 6

2. “The Treachery of Saruman: A Symbol of Human

Selfishness” ……………………………………………….. 7

3. Fabrizio’s conflicts and their influences to his final decision in

Stendhal’s The Charterhouse of Parma ………………… 8

4. The Relationship between the Member of the Fellowship

of the Ring in J.R.R Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings … 8

5. The Value of Heroism as seen in the Main Character of Frodo

in J.R.R Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship

of the Ring ………………………………………………… 9

6. The Significance of the Dominant Symbol to the

Revelation of the Message in J.R.R Tolkien’s the Lord

Of The Rings ……………………………………………….. 10

B. Review of Related Theories ……………………………………. 11

1. Theory of Conflict ………………………………………….. 11

2. Theory of Motives ………………………………………….. 12

3. Psychological Theory on Conflict …………………….…… 14

C. Theoretical Framework ……………………………………..….. 16


ix

CHAPTER III: METHODOLOGY ……………………………………… 17

A. Object of the Study ………………………………………….…. 17

B. Approach of the Study ………………………….…………..….. 18

C. Method of the Study ……………………………………….…… 19

CHAPTER IV: ANALYSIS………………………………………………. 21

A. The Conflicts which the Four Characters Face in the Story……. 21

1. Gandalf Refusing Frodo’s offer to take the One Ring……… 23

2. Saruman’s and Gandalf’s Conflict whether to Join or not

to Join Sauron ………………………………………………. 25

3. Gandalf’s Conflict to Have the Ring Destroyed …………… 28

4. Frodo’s Conflict to Leave the Shire …………………………. 30

5. Boromir’s Conflict to Agree with the Plan to destroy the

Ring and Frodo’s Conflict to be the Ring Bearer ……………. 31

6. Boromir’s Conflict to go West and Take the Ring From

Frodo and Frodo’s Conflict to go East and Continue his

Journey ……………………………………………………… 34

B. The Motives of the Four Characters in Making decisions (Saruman,

Gandalf, Boromir, and Frodo) when facing the Conflicts in the

Story …………………………………………………………… 38

1. Gandalf’s Motives in Refusing Frodo’s Offer to

Take the Ring ………………………………………….…… 38

2. Saruman’s and Gandalf’s Motive whether Join or

not Join Sauron …………………………………….……… 39

3. Gandalf’s Motive to Have the Ring Destroyed …………….. 41

4. Frodo’s Motive to Leave the Shire …………………………. 42

5. Boromir’s Motives to Agree with the Plan to destroy

the Ring and Frodo’s Motives to be the Ring Bearer………. 44

6. Boromir’s Motives to go West and Take the

Ring From Frodo and Frodo’s Motive to go East and

Continue his Journey………………………………………… 46

C. How Their Motives Influence Their Actions into a Good deed or

Evil Deed……………………………………………………………… 47

CHAPTER V : CONCLUSION ………………………………………….... 52

BIBLIOGRAPHY ………………………………………………………….. 54

APPENDICES ……………………………………………………………… 56

APPENDIX 1: Synopsis of the Story……………………………… 56

APPENDIX 2: Biography of the Author ……………………….…. 58


x

ABSTRACT

ANGGI GEORGIE CHRISTIANSENT. MOTIVES BEHIND CHARACTERS’

DECISION MAKING IN CHOOSING GOOD AND EVIL DEED IN J.R.R

TOLKIEN’S THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE

RING. Yogyakarta: Department of English Letters, Faculty of Letters. Sanata

Dharma University, 2012.

One of the kinds of literary work may take form in a fantasy story. J.R.R.

Tolkien wrote his masterpiece fantasy stories in a trilogy of The Lord of the Rings.

This is the story about the conflicts between good and evil. In everyday life,

making a decision is a common thing, such as getting up in the morning, having

breakfast, and going to work. However, someone does not deal with trivial things

all the time. Sometimes, a person has to deal with a more serious thing that

concerns with other’s necessity. In this case, he has to make a right decision since

many human lives depend on his decision. Therefore, knowing one’s motives is

important to understand the decision one’s makes.

This undergraduate thesis is intended to examine the characters’ motives

in making decision in the novel The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the

Ring. By considering the motives of the four characters, how the motives

influence their actions into a good deed or evil deed will be figured out. Two

problems are formulated as follows; first is what are the motives of the four

characters in making decisions (Saruman, Gandalf, Boromir, and Frodo) when

facing the conflicts in the story, and the second is how do their motives influence

their actions into a good deed or evil deed.

I analyze the conflicts due to this problem to find out their motives behind

their decisions. Then I find out how these motives show their good and evil

decisions. The methodology applied in this thesis is library research. Using the

psychological approach, this thesis is written to analyze the motives of the

characters when facing the conflict. There are four theories applied in this thesis;

the theory of motives, theory of conflict, psychological theory on conflict and the

last is ethical theory of good and evil to classify the action.

There are six main conflicts that each character faces within the stories,

from the conflicts that occur in the story we can find out that Gandalf has love,

loyalty, wisdom, and hope as his motive. Meanwhile Saruman’s motives are

greediness, cunningness, and wickedness. Frodo has responsibility to save the

habitants as his motives while Boromir has glory and obedience. From the

analysis based on the ethical theories of good and evil, I find out that Saruman’s

and Boromir’s actions can be categorized as evil. Meanwhile, Gandalf’s and

Frodo’s actions are categorized as good.


xi

ABSTRAK

ANGGI GEORGIE CHRISTIANSENT. MOTIVES BEHIND CHARACTERS’

DECISION MAKING IN CHOOSING GOOD AND EVIL DEED IN J.R.R

TOLKIEN’S THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE

RING. Yogyakarta: Jurusan Sastra Inggris, Fakultas Sastra. Universitas Sanata

Dharma, 2012.

Salah satu bentuk dari karya sastra adalah cerita fantasi. J.R.R Tolkien

menulis karya besar cerita fantasinya dalam trilogi The Lord of the Rings. Novel

ini berisi cerita tentang konflik antara baik dan jahat. Dalam kehidupan sehari

hari, membuat suatu keputusan adalah hal yang umum. Bagaimanapun juga,

seseorang tidak selamanya berurusan dengan hal yang sepele. Kadang seseorang

harus berurusan dengan hal yang lebih serius yang berkaitan dengan kepentingan

orang lain. Dalam kasus ini, orang tersebut harus membuat keputusan yang tepat

dikarenakan banyak nyawa manusia bergantung pada keputusan tersebut. Untuk

hal itu, mengetahui motif seseorang merupakan hal penting untuk mengerti

keputusan yang diambil oleh orang tersebut.

Skripsi ini dimaksudkan untuk memeriksa motif-motif dalam pengambilan

keputusan yang dilakukan oleh para karakter dalam novel the Lord of the Rings:

The Fellowship of the Ring. Dengan mempertimbangkan motif-motif dari empat

karakter, akan kelihatan bagaimana motif-motif tersebut mempengaruhi tindakan-

tindakan mereka dalam berbuat baik atau jahat. Ada dua permasalahan yang

dimunculkan dalm analisa ini; yang pertama adalah apa motif dari keempat

karakter dalam pengambilan keputusan ketika menghadapi konflik yang terjadi,

sedangkan yang kedua adalah bagaimana motif-motif tersebut mempengaruhi

tindakan mereka dalam berbuat baik atau jahat?

Dalam hal ini, saya menganalisis konflik yang terjadi untuk mengetahui

motif dibalik keputusan keempat karakter. Lalu menyelidiki bagaimana motif

tersebut menunjukkan sifat baik dan jahat mereka. Metodologi yang saya pakai

dalam penulisan skripsi ini adalah kajian pustaka. Dengan menggunakan

pendekatan psikologi. Ada empat teori yang diaplikasikan dalam skripsi ini, teori

motif, teori konflik, teori psikologi dalam konflik dan yang terakhir adalah teori

etika jahat dan baik yang akan digunakan untuk mengklasifikasi tindakan yang

terjadi.

Ada enam konflik utama yang dihadapi oleh masing-masing karakter

dalam novel ini, dari konflik yang terjadi kita dapat mengetahui bahwa motif yang

dimiliki Gandalf adalah cinta, kesetiaan, kebijaksanaan, dan harapan. Sementara

Saruman adalah keserakahan, kelicikan, dan kejahatan. Motif yang dimiliki Frodo

adalah tanggung jawab untuk menyelamatkan sesama dan motif dari Boromir

adalah kejayaan dan kepatuhan. Dari analisa berdasrkan teori etika, saya

mengklasifikasikan tindakan oleh Saruman dan Boromir adalah jahat. Sedangkan

Gandalf dan Frodo adalah baik.


1

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

A. Background of the Study

A piece of literary work, in this case a prose fiction, tells us about a “story

based on imaginary things that are created by the author” (Roberts and Jacobs,

1986: 123). In the other words, it tells about an imaginative story. Using the

imagination, an author is free to create or to say anything that is unreal or

impossible in the real world.

A fantasy story is “a work that takes places in a nonexistent and unreal

world, such as a fairyland, or concerns with incredible and unreal characters”

(Holman and Harmon, 1986: 198). It takes the reader to the dreamland, a land in

the imagination where lots of fantastic creatures dwell.

It is obvious that the words dwarf and elf offer fantasy pictures to the

readers. „During the twentieth century, this kind of literary work was dominant in

United Kingdom after the first world war and the second world war and are often

thought as characteristically English‟ (Hunt, 2001: 270) and one of the famous

English writer at this period is John Reuel Tolkien. Related to this fact, I choose

him as the author that I want to study.

Bleiler in his book Supernatural Fiction Writers categorizes Tolkien, who

is considered as a famous 70‟s writer, as a supernatural fiction writer (Bleiler,

1985: 675-681) due to his fondness on fantasy matter. Tolkien, using his fantasy

to create supernatural things as Gods, myths, creatures, and a complete whole new


2

mythical world called middle-earth in his story. Tolkien even created languages

for the characters he made. However, some responses from the readers toward his

works were not all positive. „Tolkien‟s fiction dismayed most of the fellow

scholar at Oxford‟. (Magill, 1983: 2653). Furthermore, some of the negatives

critics even „insisted that the work had no right to an audience because it was a

“failure”, and therefore must soon prove unpopular as they wished to be‟ (Bleiler,

1985: 676). Nevertheless, facts prove the otherwise. Tolkien‟s works „delighted

most of his general readers…due to his hard work and skill in linguistic talent,

which underlay both his professional achievements and his mythical universe‟

(Magill, 1983: 2653).

Tolkien began to write about fantasy, which turned out to be great works,

just after he was sent home with trench fever from the First World War battlefield

in France. In 1917, during his recuperation in the military hospital, he began to

write a story that later became The Silmarrion (1977).

Tolkien‟s trilogy of The Lord of the Rings is the most famous work that he

has done and the most delighting one compared to his other works. The trilogy

consists of first, The Fellowship of the Ring, the one that will be analyzed in this

thesis and also the part that tells about the beginning of the quest, where all

adventures start and the characters‟ motives to make journey explained. The

second is The Two Towers; and, the final is The Return of the King. The trilogy is

a massive epic fantasy of more than half a million words.

The chronology of the story is so complicated because although the

adventure happens in particular times, the story itself has a connection with the


3

history of the Middle-Earth (Hardy, 1977: 6). Furthermore, in talking about

cosmogony, Tolkien inserted the story of the creation of the Middle-Earth to help

the readers understand his idea of the world.

Meanwhile, the complicated geography and nomenclature can be seen

through the vast number of places and the complexity of the system of names of

the characters. Another complicated thing is the languages that are used by the

people in the story, such as language of the elves and the dwarves. These

languages, which are merely Tolkien‟s creation, are different from human

language.

Although surrounded by mythical world, Tolkien‟s character adopts

human attitudes. However, the human attitudes that they show are not precisely

accordance to human physical appearance but more likely with the mental

attitudes. Tolkien‟s characters are capable to experience love, joy, pity, sad, angry,

hate, and jealous.

In The Fellowship of the Ring, at least two things that show matters of

good and evil, that is the theme and the other one is conflict. Evans in his Writers

for the 70‟s: J. R. R Tolkien says that The Lord of the Rings “has allegorical

characteristics and it simply tells about the triumph of good and evil” (Evans,

1974: 42). From the quotation, it can be inferred that there must be conflicts

between good and evil in the story. In the theme about one‟s ambition to gain

power and about fighting the villain and saving the world, the conflict between

them can be seen even clearer (Evans, 1974). Some characters in the story The

Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring have ambition to gain power


4

through the Ring so that they are willing to make evil actions. On the contrary,

some other characters choose to fight those who want to misuse the ring‟s power

in order to save the Middle-Earth, and this can be considered as a good action. As

a result there are conflicts between the two sides.

The decisions of the characters in The Fellowship of the Ring to do actions

have something to do with their motive. A motive is the reason why somebody

makes a certain action. A character who decides to take the Ring or to destroy it

must have motive(s) behind.

In everyday life, making an action is a common thing, such as getting up

in the morning, having breakfast, and going to work. However, someone does not

deal with trivial things all the time. sometimes, a person has to deal with a more

serious thing that concerns with other‟s necessity, like whether he has to use an

atomic bomb in the battle to win the war or not. In this case, he has to make a

right decision since many human lives depend on his decision. Therefore,

knowing one‟s motives is important to understand the decision one‟s makes.

B. Problems Formulation

The problems of this undergraduate thesis are formulated as follow:

1. What are the conflicts that the four characters (Saruman, Gandalf, Boromir,

and Frodo) faced in the story?

2. What are the motives of the four characters (Saruman, Gandalf, Boromir, and

Frodo) in making decisions when facing the conflicts in the story?

3. How do their motives influence their actions into a good deed or evil deed?


5

C. Objectives of the Study

The first objective of this study is to find out the motives of the four

characters (Saruman, Gandalf, Boromir, and Frodo) in making their decisions

while facing the conflicts in the story. By considering the motives of the four

characters, the second objective is how the motives influence their actions will be

figured out.

D. Definition of Terms

According to Holman and Harmon in A Handbook to Literature, a motive

is the product of the “combination of the character‟s moral value with the

circumstances in which the character is placed” (1986: 314). Charles G. Morris in

his book Psychology: an Introduction said that motive is a specific need, desire,

or want such s hunger, thirst or achievement, that energizes and directs goal-

oriented behavior (Morris, 1990: 408). I can define in conclusion that motive is

desire or need in somebody‟s mind that can stimulate the person to have a certain

action. Motive is something that „causes motion‟ or something that „causes

somebody to act‟


6

CHAPTER II

THEORETICAL REVIEW

A. Review of Related Studies

There are six related studies that I read before writing this thesis, five of

them discuss the same novel which is The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of

the Ring and the other discuss the same topic about character decision making.

The studies related to Motives Behind Character Decision Making to their Action

in Choosing Good and Evil Deed in J.R.R Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings: The

Fellowship of the Ring are:

1. “Symbolism of the Ring: The Embodiment of Evil”

In this essay by Stephan Gundy, the explanation of the evil nature of the

Ring is explained separately from the Ring itself. In the physical world, the Ring

becomes the reality of evil. It is said that in every way, it is the nature of evil

which must be either accepted or rejected outright. Its mere presence is a

personification of the opportunity for people to have and execute free will and

make morally correct or incorrect decisions. The One Ring in J.R.R Tolkien‟s The

Lord of the Rings is a symbol of power, the evil power.

” The exercise of Evil, and in essence the power of the Ring, is the exact

opposite of freedom. As for the nature of evil, it has been shown that no

good can possibly come from evil means, but evil results can be averted if

one can acquire the evil object while resisting the evil nature of it. Also,

the Ring is both real and symbolic”. Gundy,Stephan. “Symbolism of the

Ring: The embodiment of Evil”, 1994. (www.writtenessays.net)


7

The physical nature of the Ring is behavioral and can be physically

observed. Meanwhile, the essence or power of the Ring is a concept which

opposes morality. In this thesis, it is explain the differentiation of the symbolism

and the presence of the Ring itself. In the conclusion, it is explained that even the

Ring destroyed physically, the evil essence will remain present in some form until

the end of time.

The thesis by Stephan Gundy is related to the writer‟s thesis since Gundy

analyzes about the ring in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. The

object of the study that Gundy use is the same object that the writer uses in this

thesis even the main topic is different. The Ring is the main issue in whole story;

furthermore, the ring is related to all of the conflict in the story. Thus, by

understanding the main role of the ring itself, the writer can find out the motives

and the psychological effect of the four characters toward the conflict.

2. “The Treachery of Saruman: A Symbol of Human Selfishness”

The main topic of this essay of Vladiskovic‟s is centered on Saruman the

White, the head of the order of Istari. Saruman is the character in Tolkien‟s The

Lord of the Rings. In the beginning, Saruman works with the other wizard to

defeat Sauron. Later, he betrays the Istari and allies with Sauron. This kind of

characteristics make Saruman human-like, he has the real depth of human being.

This essay analyzes Saruman‟s treachery and the reasons why he doing such kind

of action.

“The wizard is determined to have power for himself and to rule over

others, and, after his downfall, seeks for revenge. Ambition, pride, but also

determination and strength of will are the characteristics that make

Saruman the most human of Tolkien‟s characters. Since his ambition and


8

pride are exasperated and extremely marked, the wizard becomes in a way

a symbol of human selfishness.”. Vladiskovic, Chiara. “The treachery of

Saruman: A symbol of Human Selfishness”, 2012. (www.vladiskovic.it)

This essay related with this thesis of the writer‟s because it discuss about

Saruman who also being discussed in this thesis. It discussed about the

characteristic of Saruman and help the writer know more about this character.

3. Fabrizio’s Conflicts and Their Influences to His Final Decision in

Stendhal’s The Charterhouse of Parma

Vanessa‟s thesis analyzes a character named Fabrizio in Stendhal‟s The

Charterhouse of Parma. It analyzes a character who faces a whole series of

conflicts when he attempts to find pleasure from worldly happiness.

“The main character, in this novel, will experience such external and

internal conflicts when he tries to find his happiness. The external

conflicts will show how the character faces problems when he pursuits

happiness from adventure and love affairs. The internal conflicts will

show how hard the character has to struggle against himself when he has

to make such decision.” (P. iii)

Christina Vanessa‟s thesis on the character final decision in Stendhal‟s The

Charterhouse of Parma is related to this thesis because it discusses about the

same topic even the primary source (the novel) is different. The writer uses the

thesis above to see how the chronology of the thesis runs.

4. The Relationship between the Member of the Fellowship of the Ring in

J.R.R Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings

There is a fellowship whose task is to bring the One Ring into the Crack of

Doom. This fellowship is consists of nine peoples from different races and

characteristics. This undergraduate thesis by Widyastuti Budiningsih analyzes the

relationship between the characters among the fellowship


http://www.vladiskovic.it/

9

“…the members of the fellowship of the Rings have their own

characteristics. Frodo is a brave but also weak Hobbit, Sam is loyal and

wise while Merry is strong and brave, and Pippin is curious and

adventurous. Gimli is a bad-tempered Dwarf but in the same time he is

honest and modest. Legolas the elf is the pillar of his friends, Gandalf is

wise, Aragorn is a -man of honor, and Boromir is a proud man. The

relationships between each members of the fellowship of the Ring arise by

their differences…” (p. vii)

The undergraduate thesis by Widyastuti is related with this thesis because

it analyzes the relationship of the character with the other character in the story. It

helps the writer to understand more about the character‟s characteristic and the

relation between them so it will help to understand more when they facing the

conflict in the story.

5. The Value of Heroism as Seen in the Main Character of Frodo in J.R.R

Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Frodo as the main character in the Lord of the Rings has a main duty to

bring the One Ring into the Cracks of Doom. As the main protagonist in the story,

Frodo is characterized as a hero who later saved the Middle-earth. This thesis by

Wisnu Pujo Bayu Adi analyzes the value of heroism as seen in Frodo.

“The study explains the reason why Frodo Baggins has been chosen as the

ring Bearer and his qualities of heroism. Frodo Baggins is the only person

who can be trusted to inherit the Ring from his uncle. He also loves to

make adventurous journeys. He has been proven successfully brought the

Ring from the Shire to Rivendell, the study reveals Frodo Baggin‟s value

of heroism.” (p. x)

As Wisnu‟s thesis analyzes about the main character and his value of

heroism, it makes the thesis related with this thesis. Wisnu analyzes the value of

heroism that reflected by Frodo‟s action toward the conflicts that he has in the


10

story. In my thesis, I later analyze Frodo‟s motive before he doing some actions

toward the conflicts that occur in the story.

6. The Significance of the Dominant Symbol to the Revelation of the

Message in J.R.R Tolkien’s the Lord of The Rings

The One Ring becomes the most dominant symbol in the story. The One

Ring itself becomes the main issue in the story; it becomes the center of most

conflicts in the story. Himayanti‟s undergraduate thesis analyzes the One Ring as

the dominant symbol related to the revelation of the message that Tolkien want to

say through the story.

“The One Ring symbolizes the dark side of human being. A message in a

story is intended as a suggestion related to the problems in life that can be

taken by the readers through the story…The temptations trigger the dark

side of every human being in life, human beings always faces many kind

of temptations whether it is in a good or evil incarnation.” (p. ix)

This thesis by Himayanti helps later in my thesis in understanding the

nature of the One Ring. Thus, I can relate the problem with the conflicts related to

the One Ring in my analysis. Knowing the nature of the One Ring helps me to

understand more about the probably motives of the characters toward the conflicts

about the One Ring.

All of the studies reviewed above are different from my thesis because in

this thesis I analyze about the motive that the characters‟ have when they facing

the conflicts in the story and how their motive influence the character to do the

action relating to the conflicts.


11

B. Review of related Theories

1. Theory of Conflict

According to Perrine, a conflict is “a clash of actions, ideas, desires, or

wills” (1996: 59). In other words, a conflict “involves two opposing forces”

(Shipley, 1962: 75). In the story The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the

Ring, the clash of ideas can be seen from the differences ideas of Gandalf and

Boromir. Gandalf thinks that the best way for the company to pass Misty

Mountain is through the mine of Moria. On the other hand, Boromir thinks that it

is better for them to take the way through the gap of Rohan (Tolkien, 2001: 287-

288). This difference causes a clash of ideas that lead to a conflict between them.

Perrine classifies conflicts into three types. The first is a social conflict, a

clash between a character against some person or group (Perrine, 1996: 59).

Second is a physical conflict, a conflict between a character with some external

force-physical nature, society or fate (Perrine, 1996: 59). Both of them are

external conflict, the conflicts between a man and things outside himself such as

one or more individuals, and/or the environment. The third is psychological

conflict, in which a struggle between a man with some elements in his own nature

(Perrine, 1996: 59). This kind of conflict involves several thoughts that exist in

one individual and the psychological aspects of a human being. A good example

of this case is Frodo‟s internal conflict when he faces the fact that his Ring brings

danger to others. Frodo is confused whether to leave the Shire or not. On one hand

he wants to go to save the Shire. On the other hand, he wants to stay since

everything that he loves is in that beautiful place. In this situation, there is a


12

psychological conflict within Frodo‟s mind before he makes a decision to do a

certain action.

Moreover a conflict can lead to another conflict. For example, a social or

physical conflict appears between a person and other person or force. Thus,

clashes between ideas, desires, and wills which grow out of the interplay of those

three forces may also appear among and inside the characters. (Shaw, 1972: 91).

This means that as a result of an external conflict, a psychological conflict may

appear. The clash of the three forces has caused a struggle inside the characters.

On the other way, a psychological conflict may also resulted in an external

conflict. By analyzing the character‟s conflict, we can see what motives behind

the action that the characters take.

2. Theory of Motives

A motive is something that stimulates a person to do something.

According to Holman and Harmon in A Handbook to Literature, a motive is the

product of the “combination of the character‟s moral value with the circumstances

in which the character is placed” (1986: 314). It means that a character with a

certain kind of moral value will have a certain kind of motive. The character‟s

motive is also influenced by the circumstances around him at the time he produces

a motive before making a particular action. For example: A robber takes some

money from an old lady after he empties the cashier machine in a little shop. The

possible motive behind his action is greediness. He lacks the moral value that

might stop him from taking the money from the old lady. Meanwhile, the

greediness is not the only one factor that forms his motive. The circumstances also


13

encourage him to do so. It is possible that at that time the old lady has just

received some changes for the things she buys and she has not got a time to put it

in her purse when suddenly the robber comes in and points his gun at the

shopkeeper and her. It is right after the robber takes all the cash from the cashier

that he seizes the money in the old lady‟s hand. He is not going to waste the

opportunity to have more money. In this case, a good opportunity is also another

factor that forms the robber‟s motive to take the old lady‟s money besides his

greed.

Motive is an incentive to act or a reason for doing something or anything

that prompted a choice of action. Anything that arouses the individual and directs

his or her behavior towards some goal is called a Motive or “Motive is a factor

which influences to do anything because anything we do has a motive behind”.

Motive is different from motivation, motivation is the activation or

energization of goal-oriented behavior. Motivation may be rooted in the basic

need to minimize physical pain and maximize pleasure, or it may include specific

needs such as eating and resting, or a desired object, hobby, goal, state of being,

ideal, or it may be attributed to less-apparent reasons such as altruism, morality, or

avoiding mortality.

By applying the above theory in the analysis, I will be able to find the

characters‟ motive in making some actions. Through the characteristics of the

characters and the situation where they are in at the time they make the action,

will find out the things that can encourage the characters to do so and it will

conclude about their motives.


14

3. Psychological Theory on Conflict

To analyze the internal conflict, which involves psychological matters, the

help of the psychological theory of conflict is needed. “There are four kinds of

conflicts in the theory of motivation according to Miller” (Beck, 1978:258). They

are approach-approach, avoidance-avoidance, approach-avoidance, and multiple

approach-avoidance conflicts. (Beck, 1978:258)

The approach-approach conflict happens because one has to make a choice

out of two different positive or desirable alternatives (Beck, 1978:259). This

conflict can be illustrated like this; a little girl goes to a shop with her mother. She

sees a beautiful doll and a set of miniature cooking ware. She wants both of them.

However, her mother tells her that she can have only one of them. In this case, the

child has an “approach-approach conflict” because she has to choose only one out

of two desirable alternatives.

The avoidance-avoidance involves two different negative or aversive

choices, in which one of them should be chosen although it is not desirable (Beck,

1978:259). The conflict can be described as the following example; in the story of

Simalakama fruit, the boy has to choose whether to eat the fruit or not. The

alternatives are if he eats it, his father will be passed away. On the other hand, if

he doesn‟t eat the fruit, his mother will be passed away. As a result he has an

“avoidance-avoidance conflict” because he has to choose one of those undesirable

options.


15

In approach-avoidance conflict there is only one goal but it has both

positive and negatives outcomes (p. 260). In this kind of conflict, an individual

faces a situation where the decision that he is going to make may have two

different results, the desirable and undesirable ones. For an example of this

conflict when an university student is working on his presentation paper. His goal

is to get a good mark and the only way to achieve it is by finishing his

presentation paper and presents it in front of the lecturer and the whole class. As

he about to finish the paper, he realizes that later on he has to face the whole class

when presents the material and he afraid of it. Here the students face the

approach-avoidance conflict. On one hand he wants to finish the presentation and

get the good mark. On the other hand, he feels reluctant to do it because he hates

and afraid to speak in front of many people. To achieve his goal, he must face

both the desirable and undesirable results.

The multiple approach-avoidance conflict has two goals, each of which

has approach-avoidance characteristics. The choice of one is usually followed by

losing the other, and this loss is a negative aspect of the chosen (Beck, 1978, p.

260). These psychological theories on internal conflict help me know what

triggers a character to actions and understand the character‟s motives. Discussing

the conflicts of the characters using the psychological theory of conflict shows the

difficulties of the characters in making their decisions. They have to struggle hard

before they choose the option to do something.


16

C. Theoretical Framework

The theories written above are to answer the problems of this study. The

theory of conflict is the boundary to identify the conflicts that occurs in the story.

The theory of motives helps to identify the motives of each character while facing

the conflicts. Psychological theory on conflict applied to help while analyzing the

internal conflict within the character. This theory categorized the conflict which

the character faces and relates it with the motive inside the character‟s mind. From

the conflict which the characters face I dig out their motives and then relate how

these motives influence the characters to do the action


17

CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

A. Object of the Study

For the analysis, I use the text of The Lord of the Rings: the Fellowship of

the Ring as the primary source. This novel is the first of three volumes of the epic

novel The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R Tolkien. It was originally published on July

29 1954 in United Kingdom. The novel contains all information needed for the

analysis such as the characters‟ thoughts, speeches, and action. From the novel, I

can find the characters‟ both external and internal conflicts. By analyzing those

conflicts I can dig their motives and finally reveal their actions.

This book is divided into two sections, book one entitled The First

Journey/The Ring Sets Out, and book two entitled The Journey of the Nine

Companions/The Ring Goes South. All those sections are written on 531 pages.

The fellowship of the Ring is preceded by The Hobbit and followed by The Two

Towers.

The problem in the story begins when Frodo inherits a very powerful

Ring. This Ring is wanted by Sauron, the most evil creature, to resume his power.

To prevent the destruction of their world; men and other inhabitants, such as the

mythical creatures of elves, dwarves, wizards, and hobbits are agree to go to the

Cracks of Doom, the only place where the Ring could be forged and destroyed.

However, it is not an easy task since to finish the plan, the fellowship sent to the


18

Cracks of Doom must face several obstacles from outside, that is from those who

want to take the Ring, and inside, that is within the company itself.

In 2001, this novel has been brought to a motion picture. It was released

on December 19, 2001, directed by Peter Jackson. The final scene of this movie is

actually taken from the first chapter of the second volume, The Two Towers.

B. Approach of the Study

To analyze the data, I use psychological approach and the tool needed is

the theory of conflict. Psychological approach is critics view works through the

lens of psychology. It looks either at the psychological motives of the characters

or of the author. According to Wilfred L. Guerin in his A Handbook of Critical

Approach to literature, the psychological approach was perhaps the most

controversial, the most abused, and least appreciated. However the psychological

approach can be fascinating and rewarding since its proper application to interpret

the literary work can enhance the researcher‟s understanding and appreciation of

literature.

I apply the theory of conflict and theory of motives to analyze the

characters‟ conflict to find the motives behind their decision-makings. Besides

literary theories, I also apply psychological theory on conflict to analyze the

internal conflicts of the characters to understand better about the character‟s

motives in doing something.


19

C. Method of the Study

To collect the data, I did a library research. I gather information from the

internet since not all books that contain information related to this thesis are

available in Indonesia. There were several steps done in this study;

First, I read the text of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

as my primary resource. The novel contains all the information needed for the

analysis such as the characters‟ thoughts, speeches, and actions. From the novel, I

found the characters‟ both external and internal conflicts. By analyzing those

conflicts I uncovered their motives and finally revealed their actions.

Second, I read Perrine‟s Story and Structure, Holman and Harmon‟s A

Handbook to Literature, Beck‟s Motivation: Theories and Principles, and

Martin’s Everyday Morality: An Introduction to Applied Ethics as secondary

resources. Third step was deciding the characters that will be analyzed in this

thesis and chose the conflict where the characters involved.

Fourth step in this thesis was listing the conflicts that the four characters

face in the story. The purpose of this step is to understand the conflict that the four

characters face.

Fifth step in this thesis was analyzing the conflicts and find the motives

that the characters have when facing the conflicts; this step was divided into two

sections in order to make the analysis easier to understand. The first sections

analyzed the conflicts where Gandalf and Saruman involved; the second section

analyzed the conflicts where Boromir and Frodo involved. In this step, Perrine‟s

Story and structure and Holman and Harmon‟s A Handbook to Literature which


20

contains the theories of conflicts and motives were used. Those theories helped in

finding the nature of the characters‟ actions.

Sixth and final step, I applied the psychological approach. The

psychological theory on conflict was applied to analyze the internal conflicts of

the characters to understand better about the characters‟ motives in doing

something and how those motives influence the four characters to do the actions


21

CHAPTER IV

ANALYSIS

A. The Conflicts which the Four Characters Face in the Story

Gandalf and Saruman are wizards with powerful skills. Both of them have

influential roles in the story of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.

Gandalf is the one who reveals that the ring is the One Ring. He is also

encourages Frodo to make a journey to Rivendell so that the adventurous in the

story could began. He is the wisest character in the story that makes him a leader

and mentor to Frodo and many others. Gandalf knows his limitations and refuses

the ring when Frodo offers to him. He uses his power only for the cause of good

against evil and never takes advantages of it. He also encourages the other

characters to be the best they can be.

Whereas, Saruman is the head of the council of the wizards, a community

of the wise. He is the one whom everybody trusted to handle matters concerning

the Dark Lord, Sauron. However, Saruman is the one who betrays Gandalf and all

the trust bestowed on him.

The decision of each character, Gandalf and Saruman, to yield or not to

yield the Ring‟s power after they are tempted by it can be seen in three different

occasions. Those occasions are when Gandalf refuses to take the Ring from

Frodo, when Gandalf tells the Council of Elrond about Saruman, and when

Gandalf agrees to destroy the ring. These occasions are the most obvious moments

which show the characters‟ good or evil actions. Before making the decisions,


22

there are conflicts experienced by Gandalf and Saruman. These conflicts are

analyzed in order to find out the motive behind the decision. The results of the

analyses, later on, are used to conclude the nature of characters‟ actions. Both

Frodo and Boromir are also tempted by the ring and they have the choices

whether yield or not to yield under the influences of the One Ring.

Frodo Baggins is intelligent and graceful hobbit. He inherits the evil Dark

Lord Sauron‟s Ring of Power. He is the Ring-Bearer. There are a few important

points about Frodo that must be settled, first, Frodo is not just a youngster. In the

beginning of the story, Frodo is about to celebrate his 33rd

birthday, the typical

year for coming of age for Hobbits. Although he has many hobbits characteristics,

like a good sense of humor and a love of mushrooms; he also has more of a

thoughtful mind and adventuring spirits. Though Frodo is loving, generous and

kind, he has his faults. Initially, he is fearful and timid. Later, when the Ring

strengthens him, he also nearly seduced by it. Still, he has a strong sense of

justice.

Boromir is the son of the Steward of Gondor, the country‟s ruler since

everyone believes there are no descendants of the original kings. At the beginning

of the quest he doesn‟t believe that the Ring must be destroyed. He talks to the

council and the fellowship to use the power of the Ring to fight against Sauron. In

the middle of the quest, he tries to take the Ring from Frodo. Noble by nature,

Boromir is horrified by what he has to do, and gives his life trying to save Merry

and Pippin from the Orcs. Boromir shows his bravery in the end of the story and

makes him one of the protagonists in the story.


23

There are several events that show Frodo‟s and Boromir‟s different actions toward

the One Ring. First, when Frodo agrees to set out from the Shire to Rivendell.

Second, when there is a meeting at the house of Elrond Halfelven. Third, when the

fellowship is at the crossroad between Mordor and Gondor. In those three

sequences, I analyze the characters‟ conflict, decision, and motive to yield or not

to yield to the Ring. Later, I conclude the characteristics of Frodo‟s and Boromir‟s

actions based on their motives and then find the nature of the character.

There are six conflicts that analyzed in this thesis, tese conflicts are the

conflicts which the four characters is involved.

1. Gandalf Refusing Frodo’s offer to take the One Ring

This is the conflict when Gandalf Refusing Frodo‟s offer to take the One

Ring, in this conflict Gandalf faces inner conflict whether he take or not the One

Ring. The result is he refuses the offer.

In this occasion, Gandalf shows that he does not want to yield to the charm

of the One Ring through his decision when he faces Frodo‟s offer. Aroused by the

mysterious history behind Bilbo‟s magical Ring, Gandalf makes some researches

to find the truth. The effort results in shocking discovery. The Ring turns out to be

the One Ring. Gandalf brings this news to Frodo and tells everything concerning

the history of the Ring especially the danger it carries. When Frodo knows about

the truth of the ring, he asks Gandalf to take it from him. He says to the wizard,

“You are wise and powerful, will you take the Ring?” (Tolkien, 2001: p. 60).

Towards this offer, Gandalf explicitly makes a simple reply, “No!” (p. 60). He

refuses to use the opportunity given to him by Frodo to have the Great power of


24

the One Ring. His motives for doing so can be noticed from the conflicts that he

has before makes the decision.

The simple offer that Frodo makes has caused an external conflict between

Gandalf and Frodo and internal conflicts within the wizards. The external conflict

that appears is a social conflict in the form of a clash of ideas. This clash happens

because of the different ideas between two. In Frodo‟s point of view, the wise and

powerful person is the most suitable one to handle the Ring. On the contrary,

Gandalf thinks the opposite. The wise and powerful person is not the one who can

take the Ring because it will only make the problem worse. This idea can be seen

from Gandalf‟s answer that he will “have power too great and terrible” (Tolkien,

2001: 59) from the Ring. He will have power beyond his control and it will be

more dangerous since through him “the Ring would gain a power still greater and

more deadly” (p.59). It means, because the Ring is able to consume the power of

its wearer, the Ring will add the extra power to itself from a powerful person and

thus makes it more destructive than before. In this way, instead of keeping the

ring safe for the sake of others, a powerful person will only create a more

powerful lethal weapon. It means a greater danger has to be handled later on. So,

Gandalf thinks that leaving the Ring in the hand of powerful person is not a good

idea.

In a way, Gandalf‟s idea gives a glimpse of his reason for refusing Frodo‟s

offer. He makes such a decision because he thinks of other people‟s safety. He

does not want to endanger others by making a decision to take the One Ring from

Frodo and so creating a more dangerous weapon.


25

In this situation, Gandalf suffers from a conflict that is called multiple

approach-avoidance conflicts. As Gandalf repeats the words “Do not tempt me!”

(p.59) twice, it can be assumed that Gandalf‟s mind troubled by Frodo‟s words.

Furthermore, as Frodo‟s offer is a temptation, it strengthens the fact that Gandalf

has to struggle hard within himself.

For Gandalf, either accepting the offer to take the Ring or refusing it has

its own positive and negative results. Since there are two options coming from

each result, it means that Gandalf has multiple approach-avoidance conflicts.

Accepting the offer and taking the Ring means that he has the opportunity

to gain great power. This can bring him an advantage, which is a chance to realize

his dreams to commit lots of good deeds. However, taking the ring also has

negative result. The Ring will absorb Gandalf‟s power and it will be more

powerful

On the other hand, refusing the Ring also has its own positive and negative

effects. The positive one is Gandalf can save others from Sauron‟s destruction

while the negative one is that he will not have a chance to do lots of good deeds

since the Ring will consume him.

2. Saruman’s and Gandalf’s Conflict whether to Join or not to Join Sauron

This is the conflict of Gandalf and Saruman. There is a clash of ideas

between them whether join or not to Sauron‟s side. The conflict result into fight

between them.

Saruman offers Gandalf to join Sauron in order to get the benefits from the

power of the Ring, which actually belongs to Sauron. Gandalf shows that he does


26

not want to yield the Ring. On the other hand, Saruman shows that he does since

he becomes Sauron‟s ally

The conflicts between Gandalf and Saruman happen when Gandalf goes to

Isengard to meet Saruman to ask for a counsel over the Ring‟s problem. Saruman

gives Gandalf a choice:

“I have brought you hither…to give you a choice…A new power is rising.

Against it the old allies and policies will not avail us at all. There is no hope left in

the Elves or dying Numenor. This then one choice before you, before us. We may

join with that power.”(Tolkien, 1964: 252-253)

There is a clash of ideas between them that means Gandalf and Saruman

have different ways of thinking. Saruman persuades Gandalf to join Sauron, “it

would be wise, Gandalf. There is a hope that way. Its victory is at hand; there will

be rich reward for those aided it...” (p. 253). But Gandalf believes that joining

Sauron is an action taken only by ignorant people.”..I have heard speeches of this

kind before...to deceive the ignorant” (p. 253). Gandalf thinks that joining Sauron

is a foolish action since there is no prospect in the future when Sauron the wicked

rules.

It is detected from Saruman‟s offer to Gandalf to join Sauron that in a way

Saruman has internal conflict, which can be categorized as an approach-avoidance

conflict. For Saruman, becoming Sauron‟s ally means that he has a chance to have

power so that he has a chance to realize his dreams; but joining Sauron also means

that he agrees to do evil things.


27

Yet it does not take long for Saruman to decide. He answers Gandalf,

“…maybe evils done by the way but approving the high and ultimate purpose:

Knowledge, Rule, and Order; all the things that we have so far striven in vain to

accomplish…”(p. 253). From Saruman‟s choice of words „maybe‟ and „but‟, it

can be seen that Saruman makes some kind of excuse that to do something evil is

alright as long as it can lead to success

Unlike Saruman, Gandalf undergoes multiple approach-avoidance

conflicts. He is trapped between two options. Accepting Saruman‟s offer to join

Sauron may have two meanings, power and security. It means that Gandalf may

have the power as said by Saruman, “And why not, Gandalf? Why not? The ruling

Ring? If we could command that, then the power would pass to us...” (p. 253).

However, accepting the offer also has a negative or aversive result. It means that

he may lose his friends. The existence of this Ring in the Shire has already noticed

by Sauron and Saruman, “I believe that you know where this precious thing now

lies. Is it not so? Or why do the Nine ask for the Shire, and what is your business

there?” (p. 253). Accepting the offer means that Gandalf has to tell Saruman the

fact that the Ring is Frodo‟s hand. As a result, the agreement with Saruman will

endanger the lives of the inhabitants of the Shire including Frodo.

The second option is not easier. By refusing Saruman‟s offer, he may save

Frodo. However, refusal means that he puts himself in danger. Saruman explicitly

threat Gandalf with his words, “...I gave you the chance of aiding me willingly,

and so saving yourself much trouble and pain” (p. 253). His words give a hint

about Saruman‟s intention to harm Gandalf in case he refuses the offer.


28

3. Gandalf’s Conflict to Have the Ring Destroyed

This is the inner conflict of Gandalf to have the one ring destroyed. In this

conflict he has to think wisely about the consequences if the council wants to

destroy the ring.

At the council of Elrond, Gandalf and the others discuss whether to

destroy the ring or not. Once again Gandalf shows his persistence that he does not

want to yield under the Ring‟s charm. This time he shows it by agreeing the plan

to destroy the ring. His motives to make such decision can be inferred through his

conflicts when he faces the critical situation in solving the Ring‟s problem.

Gandalf undergoes conflicts for there is no advantageous choice that he

can choose in dealing with the Ring‟s problem. There are four solution suggested.

First two solutions are to hide the Ring or to destroy it. (p.260). The third one is to

use the One Ring to fight and destroy Sauron. (p260). The fourth is to use the

other magical Rings to fight Sauron.

In this situation, Gandalf suffers from an avoidance-avoidance conflict. It

is not easy for Gandalf to decide. He has to make a choice out of the four

undesirable options. To hide the Ring is a vain effort since there is no place in

Middle-Earth or even overseas land which can resist the power of Sauron. The

second option is not less terrible that the first one as they have to go to the Cracks

of Doom, Sauron‟s territory. Going there with the purpose to destroy the Ring is

the same as bringing it right into the hands of the enemy. Gandalf tells Frodo that,


29

“There is only one way: to find the Cracks of Doom in the depths of Orodruin, the

Fire-Mountain, and cast the Ring in there, if you really wish to destroy it…” (pp.

59-60)

In this way the risk that lies before the task is tremendous. The third and

the fourth solution are not preferable either. Wearing the Ring to fight is

dangerous as fighting Sauron without the Ring or even more dangerous.

According to Elrond, “If any of the Wise should with this Ring overthrow the

Lord of Mordor, using his own arts, he would set himself on Sauron‟s throne, and

yet another Dark Lord would appear” (p. 261). Thus the effort is useless since the

present Dark Lord may be vanquished but the future Dark lord will appear.

Meanwhile, to use the other magical Rings to fight Sauron and the One Ring is

not possible. Elrond says, “...they were not made as weapons of war or conquest:

that is not their power” (p. 261). The other Rings will not be able to fight

Sauronand the One Ring. In this case, Sauron‟s control over Middle-earth

somehow seems inevitably certain.

Later on Gandalf also has an external conflict with Erestor, one of the

members of the Council of Elrond. While Gandalf wants to settle the problem

over the Ring by destroying it, Erestor disagrees. He thinks that destroying the

Ring is a foolish, impossible act. No one can bring the Ring to Mordor to destroy

it. It is reasonable since Sauron must guard his territory really carefully so that no

one can trespass without being noticed by his men.


30

To this disagreement, Gandalf goes on saying that he decides to do it

because “it is not our part here to take thought only for a season, or for a few lives

of men, or for a passing age of the world. We should seek a final end of this

menace…” (p.260). it means it is better for them to completely solve the problem

to its root.

4. Frodo’s Conflict to Leave the Shire

This is the conflict when Frodo decides to leave the Shire. He has to

struggle inside his mind to make this decision. This inner conflict is the beginning

of his journey.

Like the previous both characters (Gandalf and Saruman), Frodo has to

make a decision whether he yields or not to the Ring‟s power. It is not easy for

Frodo leaving Shire. He has to undergo several conflicts before he can decide to

do it. It is through these conflicts that his motives in making the decision to go can

be noticed.

Frodo‟s conflicts begin when Gandalf is finally able to convince him that

his ring is actually the One Ring. It is a legendary Ring owned by a Dark Lord

named Sauron. It is believed to have lost after the war of Dagorlad where Sauronis

defeated by an alliance of the Men and the Elves. The problem now is that when

Sauron knows that his Ring has been found, he wants it back to revive his power.

The most crucial thing is that he has suspected the Shire to be the place where the

One Ring is and Baggins the person who keeps it. In this dangerous situation,

Frodo ponders about to leave the Shire and goes to Rivendell. He says, “I should

like to save the Shire...and I suppose I must go alone, if I am to do that...” (p. 61).


31

With this matter in his mind, Frodo shows that he does not have the notion to

yield under the Ring‟s power. His journey to Rivendell is to keep the Ring away

from Sauron and to distract Sauron‟s attention so that he cannot locate the Ring

position. By so doing he will do something good for the Shire.

5. Boromir’s Conflict to Agree with the Plan to destroy the Ring and

Frodo’s Conflict to be the Ring Bearer

In this conflict, there are two different conflicts occurs in one event.

Boromir conflict when he has to decide whether agree or not to the plan of

destroying the Ring and Frodo‟s inner conflict to be the Ring bearer. These

conflicts occur in the council of Elrond when they discuss about the plan of

destroying the Ring and who will take the Ring to be destroyed.

Both Boromir and Frodo have to make a decision whether to yield or not

to the Ring‟s power. Each of them shows their decision by making a choice

whether agree or disagree to the plan to destroy the Ring. Here, both Boromir and

Frodo finally agree to destroy the Ring. However, their motives to make such

decision might be different. In this case the conflicts they have before making the

decision can help to find out the motives.

The decision at the Council of Elrond to agree with Gandalf‟s idea to

destroy the Ring causes several conflicts among some people who attend the

gathering. One of them is Boromir. Between Boromir and the Council there is a

clash of ideas. While the council agrees with the ideas of destroying the Ring,

Boromir does not. He thinks that using the Ring is the better way to hinder

Sauronfrom recovering his power. Boromir asks, “Why do you speak ever of


32

hiding and destroying? Why should we not think that the Great Ring has come

into our hands to serve us in the very hour of need?” (p. 260). He thinks that the

Ring might be useful for them against Sauron if only they are willing to use it. He

believes that it is for this reason that the Ring is brought to them in such an urgent

situation. But, in the end, Boromir changes his mind and agrees with the plan to

destroy the Ring. He explicitly shows his decision when he says, “So be it” (p.

261).

This decision that shows Boromir does not want to yield to the Ring‟s

power is not easy to make. Boromir must suffer from an avoidance-avoidance

internal conflict before he can make it. Neither to oppose against the Council‟s

plan to destroy the Ring nor to agree with the plan has positive outcomes for him.

Challenging the decision of the Council is only creating a new foe for his land

Gondor and losing a support, which is needed most. This becomes the first

outcome he wants to avoid. Gondor, Boromir‟s homeland, is in a dangerous

situation for being attacked by Sauron. This is why Boromir needs to find any

support from other Middle-earth inhabitants. (p. 239).

Furthermore, he also needs to ask Elrond about the meaning of a dream

about a voice saying things related to a broken sword, Imladris, Isildur‟s Bane,

and Halfling that he thinks has something to do with the future of Gondor, which

bothers both his brother and him. (p.240). The word broken sword refers Narsil,

the sword defeats Sauron. Ilsidur‟s Bane refers to the One Ring. Meanwhile the

word Halfling means little people. However the most important word is the word

Imladris, which means Rivendell in ancient language. Those words become


33

important for Boromir because at the time Gondor is in war with Sauron and in a

way the words related to Gondor‟s fate in the future. For these reasons, Boromir

cannot counter the Council of Elrond. The representatives of the inhabitants of

Middle-earth are there so that he can have a chance to ask for their help and he

cannot mess with it. He also needs Elrond‟s favor. Thus he cannot oppose

Elrond‟s decision or he might upset the Elves‟ Lord and so fail to do his ask.

On the other hand, to agree with the plan to destroy One Ring also brings a

negative result for Boromir. He believes that the power of the Ring can help and

bring them victory in the battle with Sauron. He says, “Wielding it the Free Lords

of the Free may surely defeat the Enemy..Let the Ring be your weapon, if it has

such power as you say. Take it and go forth victory” (pp. 241-261). In this case,

destroying the ring is something that he also wants to avoid since the result is

negative, the wasting and losing of a great power source that might give Gondor

or even Middle-earth a chance to win the battle against Sauron. However,

Boromir cannot avoid all those undesirable results. He must make a decision that

at least involves one of the undesirable results.

After the Council makes a decision to destroy the One Ring, Frodo is

suddenly aware of the problem in front of him. The Council decides to destroy the

Ring but no one is willing to take the Ring to Mordor (p. 263). Facing this fact,

Frodo has multiple approach-avoidance internal conflicts due to two options. On

one hand, Frodo feels that he has to go to Mordor. On the other hand, he wishes to

rest at Rivendell. Frodo thinks that he has to go since he thinks that it is his

responsibility to do so but he also needs a rest after the dangerous journey from


34

the Shire to Rivendell. Each of these two options has its own positive-negative

results. To go to Mordor has a positive result, which is a chance for Frodo to save

Middle-earth. However, it also has a negative result, since by doing so; he will

have no chance to rest at Rivendell. On the other hand, to rest at the Rivendell has

a positive result, which is a chance for him to enjoy a peaceful rest at a beautiful

site. Nevertheless, it has a negative result, which is the lost of a chance to save the

Middle-earth.

6. Boromir’s Conflict to go West and Take the Ring From Frodo and

Frodo’s Conflict to go East and Continue his Journey

This is the conflict when the fellowship arrived at the Parth Galden. In

this event, Frodo decides to continue the journey alone. He has an inner conflict

within before making this decision. While Boromir decides to take the Ring from

Frodo and use it to fight Sauron‟s army.

In this last sequence, Boromir and Frodo involve in a situation where they

are to choose whether to yield or not to the Ring‟s power. However, this time they

show different action. Frodo tends to refuse to yield to the Ring while Boromir

shows the other way around. The motives of Boromir and Frodo to make different

decisions can be seen through the conflicts that they have in the process of

decision-making.

Reaching the Parth Galden, the company comes to a crossroad. Each

member of the company must make a decision whether to go wet to Gondor to

help the people there in the war against Sauron or to go east straight to Mordor.


35

As the result of the options, there are conflicts happening among and within the

company members.

The external conflicts are marked by the clash of ideas between Boromir

and Frodo. Boromir tells Celeborn, the Lord of Lothórien, that will take the

wetern road that leads to Gondor, “...it will be the eastern shore...I shall go to

Minas Tirith, alone if need be, for it is my duty” (pp358-360). Furthermore, he

also thinks that the Ring Bearer should come to Godor as well (p.390).

Meanwhile, Frodo wants to take the eastern path to go straight to Mordor. He

thinks that going to Gondor is only delay for his own task. “...it would seem like

wisdom but for the warning of my heart...Against delay” (p. 388)

The clash of ideas between Boromir and Frodo is also shown in their ways

of thinking about destroying the One Ring. Here Boromir once again shows his

disagreement to destroy the Ring. After the company has reached the forest of

Lothórien, he explicitly tells Frodo that it is not a good idea to destroy the Ring

since it can bring victory for those who fight against Sauron. (p. 360).

On the other hand, in responding to Boromir‟s opinion Frodo reaffirm his

own determination that the Ring must be destroyed since it brings only misfortune

to many people... He says, “No hope while the Ring last” (p. 388). As a result of

these different ideas, Boromir has multiple approach-avoidance internal conflicts.

He has two options that lead to two different goals. Firs, to go west and take by

force the Ring of power. Second, to go west but does not take the Ring for the

sake of friendship. Each of this option has its own positive and negative results.


36

The option to go west and to have the Ring with him for the power as the

goal has two results, positive and negative. Obtaining the Ring‟s power is the

positive result for Boromir and becomes the desirable side of the option. Taking

the Ring in order to have its power means that he has to take it from Frodo‟s hand.

It might involve some kind of struggle between him and the Ring Bearer. This

action can be considered as treachery since as the one of the member of the

Fellowship, it is Boromir duty to protect Frodo and the Ring. Therefore, the

negative result is betrayal or treachery, which is the avoided side of the option.

Moreover forcing Frodo go to west, will make Boromir face the other member of

the Company. Boromir wants to avoid this too, for he is no match to fight against

a ranger, an elf, a dwarf, and four hobbits at the same time.

The option to go west and to let Frodo keep the Ring and accomplish his

task has also positive and negative results. The positive one is that by letting

Frodo have the Ring and do his job, Boromir does not have to betray him nor take

it by force. In this way, he does exactly what Elrond wants the members of the

Fellowship of the Ring to do, to keep the Ring and its Bearer safe from any harm.

On the other hand, the negative result is that he cannot have the Ring‟s power to

save Gondor.

Finally Boromir decides to go to Gondor and take the One Ring by force

from Frodo‟s hand. From Boromir‟s conflict and decision, it can be seen first; he

is a person that is to proud of himself and his people. He shows it when he tells

Frodo that he is the right person to wear the Ring of power and that he and his

men will be able to defeat Sauron with the Ring in his side. Although he knows


37

that the Ring‟s power is too great for even a wizard like Gandalf or an Elf like

Elrond to control; and knows that Sauron has made an alliance with Saruman so

that he becomes more powerful, Boromir is overly confident that he and his men

have the ability to control the Ring and to overcome Sauron‟s army.

Unlike Boromir, Frodo‟s internal conflict is about continuing his journey

or not. For Frodo, the crossroad means the last chance for him whether to go

forward to Mordor or to retreat. He knows that he actually has to go to Mordorand

accomplish his task but he is afraid to do it, “...I know what I should do, but I am

afraid of doing it...afraid...simply afraid...” (pp. 388-389)

In this approach-avoidance conflict due to the option to go to Mordor there

are both positive and negative outcomes. The positive outcome is the chance to

fulfill his duty, which is to destroy the Ring and maybe the enemy as well.

Meanwhile the negative outcome is the bigger danger he faces and the larger

possibility that the mission might fail. The danger comes from the One Ring. As it

getting nearer to the creator, its power over its bearer grows stronger. Frodo

knows this since he feels its influence grow from the vision he has at Parth Galen

when he puts the Ring on his finger:

“…and suddenly he felt the Eye...a fierce eager will was there. It leaped towards

him; almost like a finger he felt it, searching for him... He heard himself crying

out: never, Never! Or was it: Verily I come, come to you? He could not tell.. The

two powers strove in him. For a moment, perfectly balanced between the piercing

points, he writhed, tormented.” (pp. 391-392)


38

The confusion that Frodo feels about which he actually utters, when he

feels Sauron‟s presence as the “Eye”, whether they are “Never,Never” or “verily I

come, I come to you” shows two things. First the Ring has already consumed

Frodo‟s mind and is trying to lead him to its master. Second, The Ring has not yet

had a full control over Frodo since he is still able to fight it. However, Frodo does

not know until how long he can resist the Ring‟s power, and when he can no

longer fight the Ring, He might blow up the mission by returning the Ring to

Sauron instead of destroying it. As a result, he can never save Middle-earth even

he wants to. This is the negative result that might appear from the option to go to

Mordor, which makes Frodo afraid to do it.

B. The Motives of the Four Characters in Making Decisions (Saruman,

Gandalf, Boromir, and Frodo) when Facing the Conflicts in the Story

After analyzing the conflicts and its psychological aspects occur inside the

characters, I can dig out and analyze what are the motives that the four characters

have when facing the conflicts. Since a motive is the product of the “combination

of the character‟s moral value with the circumstances in which the character is

placed”, certain character will have certain motive behind their action toward a

conflict.

1. Gandalf’s Motive in Refusing Frodo’s Offer to Take the Ring

It is not easy for Gandalf to make a decision. Gandalf has to make a kind

of sacrifice that proves he really cares about others. He has to put aside his dreams

and the chance to have a great power that enables him to make lots of good deeds


39

for their sake. From the internal conflicts, it is obviously seen that Gandalf‟s

motive to refuse Frodo‟s offer is his care for others‟ safety.

After analyzing Gandalf‟s conflicts and decisions, it can be seen that

Gandalf is a character who is full of love. Frodo‟s offer puts Gandalf between the

choices of having a great power for himself or having others‟ safety. He thinks of

every possible result that may happen before he makes a decision. He is willing to

sacrifice his own necessity for the sake of others. Besides, he is also a persistent

figure. Eventhough he is tempted to get his own desire, he does not change his

mind. His motive of love makes him unable to make a decision that will harm

others.

2. Saruman’s and Gandalf’s Motive whether Join or not Join Sauron

In these multiple approach-avoidance conflicts, Gandalf has to choose one

option out of two where each of them has its own desirable and undesirable

results. By deciding to choose one of the options, Gandalf may get the desirable

result of the option but as a consequence he will lose the desirable result of the

other option. The same thing also happens with the undesirable results. Gandalf

does not want to yield to Sauron or to his own will to get the power. He chooses

to save his friends rather than to get more power or to save himself. Therefore,

Gandalf chooses to refuses the offer. He says, “...well, the choices are, it seems, to

submit to Sauron, or to yourself, I will take neither” (p. 253)

The decision results in another external conflict between Gandalf and

Saruman. As a reaction towards Gandalf‟s refusal, Saruman gives him a third

choice.


40

“The third choice is to stay here, until the end...Until you reveal to me

where the One may be found. I may find means to persuade you. Or until it is

found in your despite, and the Ruler has time to turn to lighter matters: to device,

say a fitting reward for the hindrance and insolence of Gandalf the Grey.” (p.

253). Although there is a hint that Saruman will use any means to force Gandalf to

become Sauron‟s ally; Gandalf still refuses. Later Saruman arrests Gandalf and

imprisons him at the pinnacle of Orthanc. This is the final conflict between them,

still Gandalf does not change his decision.

From the characters‟ conflicts and decisions, Saruman shows greediness,

cunningness, and wickedness when he joins Sauron and arrests Gandalf. He is not

satisfied by becoming only the head of the council of wizards. He wants to have

more power to control not only the wizards but also others and he thinks the only

way to have such power is by taking side with someone with greater power and he

also expects that in the future he can use the Ring of power for himself. This

indicates that Saruman is greedy and cunning. Moreover, Saruman‟s betrayal of

his friends Gandalf shows he is wicked as well

Meanwhile, Gandalf shows love, loyalty, and wisdom. Gandalf

persistently refuse to join Sauron. He knows that joining Sauron means to give

information about the ring and to put Frodo and others in danger. He does not

want it to happen. Furthermore, he has promised Bilbo to take care of Frodo and

he has offered Frodo his help to solve the Ring‟s problem. He has made his

decision to keep promises. These show his love and loyalty to his friends.

Furthermore, Gandalf is persistent in his decision eventough he knows that his


41

own safety is at stake. He makes his decision based on his knowledge about the

enemy‟s tricks. This shows that he is wise as well.

Based on the conflicts, conclusion of Saruman‟s and Gandalf‟s motives in

making their decisions can come. From Saruman‟s cunningness and wickedness, I

can see that he is greedy for more power to control others and also to control the

One Ring. He proves that he wants to be the one that can put anything under his

control. His own glory is his motive for his decision. On the other hand, Gandalf

has love and loyalty as his motives. Gandalf does not want to make a decision that

might harm his beloved friend in the Shire.

As a conclusion, Saruman and Gandalf show different reactions toward the

One Ring. Saruman thinks that joining Sauron is the chance for him to get the

power of the Ring. Therefore, in making decision, Saruman proves that he yields

to the Ring‟s power. On the other hand, Gandalf thinks that joining Sauron is

more dangerous than not. Therefore, Gandalf decides not to yield to the Ring‟s

power by refusing to join Sauron. Again Gandalf shows he has love and loyalty to

his friends as his motives.

3. Gandalf’s Motive to Have the Ring Destroyed.

Gandalf must have thought very hard about the possible results of the

options. To hide the Ring means only delay the disaster. Sooner or later, Sauron

will find it. To use the Ring is also impossible since it will finally create a new

Dark Lord. Meanwhile to use the Three Rings is useless since their power is less

than the power of the One Ring. Therefore, for Gandalf the option to destroy the

Ring gives the most desirable result than the other three options. It will destroy


42

the dark power it carries and also Sauron. In this way, Middle-earth will not have

to worry again about Sauron and his power in the future. Besides, destroying the

Ring is not a folly action after all. Gandalf says, “…let folly be our cloak, a veil

before the eyes of the Enemy” (p. 262). Gandalf believes Sauron will not guess

they agree to destroy the Ring because it is dangerous to bring the Ring to Cracks

Doom. So it is a clever act that might deceive Sauron

From Gandalf‟s conflict and decision, it can be seen that he is pragmatic.

He wants to find out a solution for the problem once and all. He does not want to

take the other options that only delay the coming disaster and so he decides to

destroy the Ring. It can be seen that Gandalf is a brave person. He knows that his

decision results in a dangerous action, still he goes on. He does not change his

mind. Furthermore, he is a person who is full of hope. He hopes that anyone sent

to destroy the Ring can carry on the task well to Mordor and can deceive Sauron

so the Dark Lord may not notice that someone is trying to trespass his territories

to cast his Ring away into the Crack of Doom.

Considering Gandalf‟s conflicts when he makes the decision to destroy it,

it will be found that this time, his motive is hope. Sauron‟s power is growing. So,

the only hope left is on the option to destroy the Ring.

4. Frodo’s Motive to Leave the Shire

The decision to leave the Shire is not easy thing to do. Before he comes

out with such decision, he undergoes a kind of internal conflict first. After

knowing the truth about his magic Ring, Frodo realizes the danger he faces and

that be endanger others as he says, “.it seems that I am a danger to all that live


43

near me. I cannot keep the ring and stay here. I ought to leave Bag End, leave the

shire, leave everything and go away!” (pp. 60-61). Sauron, wanting his Ring back,

certainly will send his men to go to the Shire to search for the Ring. They may

harm not only Frodo but also other inhabitants. However, Frodo has a problem

here. On one hand, he wants to leave the Shire regarding that it can have a good

result, which is the safety of his friends. By leaving the Shire, the men looking for

Frodo will follow him and leave the place in peace. This is the best way out since

staying and fighting Sauron‟s men will only cause lots of damage to the village

and harm to the inhabitants. On the other hand, he feels reluctant to do so

considering that it gives him unpleasant results. Frodo has to leave everything he

loves and that means the shire, the woods, the fields, the little rivers, and his

friends (p. 32). Leaving the shire also means an “...exile, a flight from danger into

danger...” (p. 61). Frodo uses the word “exile” because he thinks that he may

never see the Shire again for Sauron‟s men tracking him down, which might mean

he has to leave the shire forever. Nevertheless, he decides to leave the Shire.

Further Frodo also has an external conflict. Sauron sends the Nazgûl, the

black riders, to go to the Shire and search for someone with the name of Baggins.

By the time the Nazgûl reach the Shire, Frodo fortunately has left the place.

However, there are times when those men of Sauron almost catch him before he

finally gets to Rivendell. The most criticalmoments are when the Nazgûl attack

Frodo‟s camp at the Weathertop and when they chase Frodo down at the Ford of

Bruinen. One of the Nazgûl has wounded Frodo during their ambush at the

Weathertop and when the wounded Frodo is trying to reach Rivendell, the Nazgûl


44

are able to catch up Frodo‟s horse and corner him with only the Bruinen River lies

between them. It is only with the help of the Aragorn and Gandalf that Frodo is

able to escape these clashes of action without further casualties on him.

Based on Frodo‟s conflict and decision, it can be seen that he is brave. He

does not try to hide behind his friends but chooses faces the danger by himself if

he can. He is brave to stand in front of Sauron‟s men and fight them. The second,

he is responsible. He does not try to escape from his responsibility to save the

Shire. Third Frodo is full of love. He is willing to leave everything he loves, to

face the danger and to live in an exile to save the Shire that he loves so much.

Frodo‟s motives to leave his homeland are his responsibility to save the

Shire and its people. In making the decision, Frodo‟s goal is only one, the safety

of those he loves. The One Ring has been given to him by Bilbo. It means that it

belongs to him and if it brings danger for the Shire, he is the only one that should

settle the problem. This is why he has a plan to go to Rivendell alone. From

Frodo‟s decision, he is not tempted to have the Ring‟s power although he has the

power to do so. It proves that he does not want to yield to the Ring.

5. Boromir’s Motives to Agree with the Plan to destroy the Ring and

Frodo’s Motives to be the Ring Bearer

From the way Boromir undergoes his conflicts and makes a decision, it

can be seen that he is a narrow minded person. First, he thinks that the Ring will

give them power to lead them to victory against Sauron. It means he only thinks

of the short term result that can be given by the Ring, not the long term one.

Besides, he also shows that he is a man who is full of pride and confidence. He


45

simply underestimates the Ring‟s power by assuming that it can be controlled so

easily by anyone like himself. It also can be seen that he is full of pride and

confidence by his courage to speak of his opinion. He is not afraid to say that he is

disagrees with the Council‟s decision. Next, Boromir also that he is a well

mannered person when he finally changes his opinion and agrees to the Council‟s

plan.

Relating Boromir‟s conflicts, it can be concluded that his motive for

agreeing the Council‟s plan is obedience. The majority of the Council agree to

destroy the Ring. As a result he must agree with it too. Furthermore, he is in an

unadvantageous position to stand against the Council. Both his homeland and he

himself need a favor from the Council and Elrond. So, it is better for him to obey

their decision if he does not want them to turn their back against Gondor and him.

Seeing Frodo‟s conflicts and decision, it can be concluded that first, Frodo

is a very responsible man. Frodo puts aside his own desire to stay at Rivendell to

fulfill his obligation. He realizes that the task to carry the Ring to Mordor is his

duty and that is what he is going to do. Besides, he is also brave. Frodo knows

about the danger on the way to Mordor but it is not going to stop him.

Frodo‟s motive to be the Ring Bearer is his responsibility. From the

beginning of the meeting, he already feels that to save Middle-earth is his task. As

a result, he thinks that he needs to carry on his duty until it is accomplished. He

cannot stop by taking the Ring to Rivendell and saving the Shire inhabitants only.

The right thing to do now is to bring the Ring to Cracks of Doom in Mordor to

have it destroyed and save the whole Middle-earth. When Bilbo asks who should


46

be assigned to go to Mordor, “...A great dread fell on him, as if he was waiting the

pronouncement of some doom that he had long for seen...” (p.263). From the

quotation, Frodo knows he is the one who should go. Thus he offers himself in

front of the Council of Elrond to be the Ring Bearer. Facing the situation where he

has to choose between responsibility and desire, Frodo chooses responsibility.

There are several things that can be concluded from Boromir‟s and

Frodo‟s conflicts and decision. From his conflicts and decision, Boromir is

narrow-minded, proud, but also confident, and well mannered. Meanwhile,

Boromir‟s motive to agree with the Council of Elrond to have the ring destroyed

is obedience. On the other hand, Frodo is responsible and brave. Frodo‟s motive

to be the Ring Bearer is Responsibility.

6. Boromir’s Motives to go West and Take the Ring From Frodo and

Frodo’s Motive to go East and Continue his Journey

From the decision, Boromir decides to yield to the Ring‟s power in order

to be a hero for Gondor. His homeland Gondor is in need and nearly defeated at

any time by the enemy. Seeing the opportunity to bring victory and be a hero, he

cannot let it pass away. As a result he is willing to do anything, even treachery, to

get glory. Therefore Boromir has glory as his motive.

In the end, Frodo decides to continue his journey to Mordor, “I will do

now what I must do...I will go...” (p. 392). Based on the conflict that Frodo has

and the decision that he makes, it can be concluded that Frodo is responsible. He

knows his duty is to carry the Ring to Mordor and to guarantee that the mission of


47

destroying the Ring ends successfully. Referring to Frodo‟s decision, his motive

to continue the journey is responsibility.

To sum up, in this crucial moment, both Boromir and Frodo suffer from

great conflicts whether to yield or not to the power of the Ring. Boromir decides

to yield and not destroy the Ring because he wants to use it as a weapon against

Sauron. Therefore Boromir tries to take the Ring from Frodo so he can become a

hero for his people. Here, his surrender to the temptation shows that his motive is

glory. On the other hand, Frodo‟s decision to destroy the Ring shows that he feels

responsible for the safety of Middle-earth. It means he is motivated by his

responsibility for his task.

C. How Their Motives Influence Their Actions

The process of decision making is related with the motive that the

characters‟ have when facing the conflicts. When facing the conflicts, the

characters facing two or more options that they have to choose in order to solve

the conflicts that they face. Motive that they have when facing the conflicts will

eliminate the option that does not match with the motive itself and make the

characters do the action that appropriate according to the motive that they have.

While analyzing Gandalf‟s motives in several occasions. It can be found

that he has made several actions. In his motives of love and loyalty, Gandalf

shows temperance and proper ambition. As one of the Wise, Gandalf must share

the same ambitions for knowledge, power, and command as other people of his

kind. However, Gandalf realizes that his ambition must not harm others. Thus he

knows the limitation for his desire. The limitation enables Gandalf to restrain his


48

will, which shows he has a good temper. Meanwhile, Gandalf‟s motive of hope

reveals that he has courage, proper pride and, and hope. Gandalf is courageous

since he bravely takes the risk to face the danger of his decision and he goes on

without changing his mind. Gandalf has proper pride since unlike Saruman, he

does not have glory as his motive.

The process can be drawn by the diagram below,

When Facing Frodo‟s offer to take the Ring, Gandalf has love as his

motive. He has two options towards the conflict, accepting the Ring or refusing it.

Accepting the Ring means there is a probability for him to harm the others that he

loves because the Ring will consume his power and become more powerful.

Motive

(love)

Take the Ring

(The ring will consume

his power, Using the

power temporarily to

fight Sauron)

Refuse the Ring

(The Ring will not have

greater power, he will not

harm the other

inhabitants that he love)

Not

match

match


49

Driven by the motive he decides to refuse the Ring because he does not

want to endanger the life of the other people who he loves. The love is the base of

the action that he does towards the conflict. He is willing to sacrifice his own

necessity for the sake of the others. Besides, he is also a persistent figure.

Eventhough he is tempted to get his own desire, he does not change his mind. His

motive of love makes him unable to make a decision that will harm others.

Finally the way Gandalf makes his decisions shows his pragmatic way of

thinking. Gandalf measures all the possible solution and chooses the one who

gives more benefits. This process shows that Gandalf acts in a careful way and

does not rush in deciding something.

On the other hand, Saruman‟s motive of glory shows that he has too much

ambition which leads him to have a vaulting emotion. Saruman thinks that he has

the quality to be a great leader. He becomes too ambitious and will do whatever it

takes to realizes his dreams. He does not hesitate to harm others whom he

considers stand on his way. He even betrays Gandalf, his own best friend. He is

not satisfied by becoming only the head of the council of wizards. He wants to

have more power to control not only the wizards but also others and he thinks the

only way to have such power is by taking side with someone with greater power

and he also expects that in the future he can use the Ring of power for himself.

His motives of glory influence him when deciding to join Sauron. He

wants to have a great power, and for Saruman, to have a great power means that

he has to join Sauron and find the Ring. By joining Sauron, he has guaranty

himself not to be harmed by the greatest dark power of Sauron, and later he can


50

use the Ring and use the power of the Ring for his own advantages. Saruman

eliminates the option not to join Sauron since he thinks that it will bring

disadvantages to himself since he will not have the power to become greater

wizard.

When Frodo decides to go to Rivendell he shows courage and love.

Furthermore, Frodo also shows responsibility and modesty when he agrees to be

the Ring Bearer and takes the Ring to Mordor. In fact that he feels not suitable for

this job but he wants to be responsible for the duty that he has taken. As Frodo is

persistent, it proves that he is hopeful and tough. He does give up. Despite all the

problems and dangers ahead, Frodo has fixed his will to go to Mordor and he

continues to accomplish his duty no matter what will happen in the end.

Frodo‟s motive of responsibility and love was his base on doing all the

action, it influence him to leave the Shire, be the Ring bearer and continue his

journey until he reach Mordor. His love makes him leave the Shire instead of keep

stay, by doing so; he can saves the other inahbitants of the Shire that he loves

much. Leaving the Shire makes Sauron and his army stay away from the Shire.

Responsibility stimulates him to be the Ring bearer and continue his journey to

the east. For Frodo, he has all the responsibility to bring the Ring to Mordor,

because he is who the one has started the problem by wearing the Ring. Thus he

thinks that it is his responsibility to continue his journey and make all the

problems finish by destroying the Ring.

Boromir shows temperance and modesty when he agrees to the Council of

Elrond‟s plan to destroy the Ring. He has temperance since he is able to restrain


51

himself and does not force his will to others. Moreover he also shows that he has

modesty. He knows how to pay respect to the elders who attend the meeting. He

does not try to oppose their words but he is also not afraid to say his opinion.

Based on this, it can be said that he has a proper pride.

However, Boromir also has a motive to be a hero. By betraying Frodo he

shows ignorance, vanity, and vaulting ambition. He does not care about what will

happen to Middle-earth if the Ring is not destroyed. He is blinded by too much

pride and too much ambition. He thinks that he could control the Ring and lead

his people to victory against Mordor.


52

CHAPTER V

CONCLUSION

After analyzing those two characters‟ conflicts, decisions, motives, and

actions, it can be concluded that in the beginning all the four characters are good

people. However, as condition changes, one of them also change in their action.

Facing the troublesome situations, they have to choose one option out of two,

whether to yield or to resist from the Ring‟s power.

There are six main conflicts which the characters face in the story. First,

Gandalf‟s conflict when Frodo offers him to take the Ring. Second is Gandalf‟s

and Saruman conflict in make decision whether each of them join or not join

Sauron. Third is Gandalf‟s conflict when he decides to have the One Ring

destroyed. Fourth is, Frodo‟s conflict whether he leaves the Shire or not due to his

problem to be the ring bearer. Fifth is Boromir conflict when he decide to agree

with the plan to destroy the One Ring. And the last conflict is when Boromir and

Frodo have the conflict in ParthGalden.

After analyzing the six main conflicts, the motives of each character‟s can

be revealed. The result is Gandalf has love, loyalty, wisdom, and hope as his

motive. Meanwhile Saruman‟s motives are greediness, cunningness, and

wickedness. Frodo has responsibility to save the habitants as his motives while

Boromir has glory and obedience.

Before Sauron tries to find his ring; Saruman was the head of the wizards.

It means that Saruman was good so that the other wizards were willing to have


53

him as their leader. But then he becomes too ambitious, he wants to be more than

just what he is. Influenced by the Ring, he decides to join Sauron to get glory. He

wants to be the leader of all Middle –earth. Thus he yields to the Ring‟s power

Gandalf does not yield to the Ring‟s power because Gandalf refuse

Frodo‟s offer to take the Ring and Saruman‟s ambition to join Sauron. He has a

proper ambition so that his actions keep showing love, loyalty, and hope towards

his friends. Furthermore, Gandalf‟s love and loyalty reveal that he has courage

and proper pride.

In the beginning Boromir is also a good person. At first, together with all

members of Elrond‟s Council, he agrees to destroy the Ring. But then he decides

to take the Ring from Frodo which show that he yields to the Ring‟s power.

Boromir wants to be a hero for his people and is motivated by glory because he

believes that he can control the Ring and use it against Sauron. Therefore Boromir

has vanity and vaulting ambition.

On the other hand, Frodo decides to leave his homeland to be the Ring

Bearer and continue his journey to Mordor to destroy the Ring. Motivated by love

and responsibility, Frodo sticks to his decision to resist the Ring‟s power

The motives that the characters have when facing the conflicts is the base

of all their actions. It eliminates the option which not matches with the motive

itself.


54

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Aji, Wisnu P.B. “The Value of Heroism as seen in the Main Character of Frodo in

J.R.R. Tolkien‟s The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.”

Undergraduate thesis. Yogyakarta: Sanata Dharma University, 2006.

Beck, R. C. Motivation: Theories and Principles. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, Inc,

1978.

Bleiler, E. F. (Ed.). Supernatural Fiction Writers: Fantasy and Horror. (Vol.2).

New York : Charles Scribner‟s son, 1985.

Budiningsih, Widyastuti. “The Relationship between the Members of the

Fellowship of the Ring in J.r.r. Tolkien‟s The Lord of the Rings.”


Evans, R. Writers for the 70’s: J. R. R. Tolkien. New York: Warner Books, Inc,

1974

Guerin,W.L. A Handbook of Critical Approaches to Literature. (Second ed.). New

York: Harper and Row Publisher, 1979.

Gundy, Stephan. “Symbolism of the Ring: The Embodiment of

Evil”.<http://wrritenessays.net/symbolism-of-the-ring-the-embodiment-of-

evil/> (19 April 2012)

Hardy, G. B. The Lord of The Rings and the Hobbit: Notes. Lincoln: Cliffs Notes

incorporated, 1977.

Himayanti, Wulan A. “The Significance of the Dominant Symbol to the

Revelation of the Message in J.R.R Tolkien‟s The Lord of the Rings.”


Holman, C. H. & Harmon, W. A handbook to literature. (Fifth ed.). New York:

Macmillan Publishing Company, 1986.

Hunt, P. Children’s Literature. Oxford: Blackwell Publisher, Inc, 2001

Magill, F. N. (Ed.). Critical survey of long fiction: English language series. New

Jersey: Englewood Cliffs, 1983

Martin, M. W. Everyday morality: An introduction to applied ethics. Belmont:

Wardsworth Publishing Company, 1995

Morris, Charles G. Psychology: An Introduction. (Seventh ed.). Prentice Hall,

Englewood Cliffs, 1990.


http://wrritenessays.net/symbolism-of-the-ring-the-embodiment-of-evil/

http://wrritenessays.net/symbolism-of-the-ring-the-embodiment-of-evil/

55

Perrine, L. Story and structure. (second Ed.) new York: Harcourt, Brace & World,

Inc, 1996

Roberts, E. V., & Jacobs, H. E. Literature: An introduction to reading and

writing. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, 1986

Shaw, H. Dictionary of literary terms. New York: McGraw-Hill, Inc, 1972

Shipley, J.T. Dictionary of: World literature. New Jersey: Littlefield, Adams &

Co, 1962

Tolkien, J. R. R. The lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. London:

Harper Collins, 1964.

Vanessa, Christina. “Fabrizio‟s conflicts and their influences to his final decision

in Stendhal‟s The Charterhouse of Parma”

Undergraduate thesis, Surabaya: Petra University, 1996

Vldiskovic, Chiara. “The Treachery of Saruman: A Symbol of Human

Selfishness”.< http://vladiskovic.it/chiara/ee.html> (19 April 2012)

Wood, R. Tolkien’s lord of the Rings: A Christian classic revisited. (31

paragraphs). Leadership University, 2001


http://vladiskovic.it/chiara/ee.html%3e%20(19

56

APPENDICES

Appendix 1: Synopsis of the Story The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of

the Ring

Bilbo Baggins plans to leave Shire and wants to leave his belongings

including his magical Ring to Cousin, Frodo Baggins. Gandalf the Wizard,

Bilbo‟s old friend, tells Frodo that the Ring is actually the legendary Ring that

possesses evil power and that right now its former master, Sauron is looking for it.

It is possible that soon Sauron will send his men to search for the Ring in the

Shire. Hearing this news, Frodo asks Gandalf to take the Ring because he thinks

that he will never be able to handle the thing and the problem that comes because

of it. But Gandalf refuses the offer.

The Frodo as the Ring bearer decides to leave the Shire in order to prevent

danger from falling to others who live near him. Gandalf asks the Hobbit to go to

Rivendell, the places of Elves, while he himself tries to consult Saruman, the head

of the council of the wizards, about the problem.

Sauron sends Nazgûl, the black riders, to find the Ring. They track down

Frodo and his friends, Sam, Merry, and Pippin, along their way to Rivendell. The

hobbits manage to escape the ambush at Crickhollow and Bree but Frodo is

wounded in the attack at Weathertop. In a critical condition, Frodo is brought to

Rivendell to be cured by the Elves, who are skilled in healing.

Then Elrond, the head of the Elves at Rivendell, holds a meeting. Attend

the gathering are the representatives of Middle-earth inhabitants, the Elves, the

Dwarves, the Men, and the Hobbits. They discuss the problem about Saruman the


57

White, who has joined the dark lord Sauron because he is interested in the Ring‟s

power. Facing the danger from both Sauron and Saruman, Elrond and the others

try to find a way to prevent Sauron from having the Ring and getting greater

power so that he will never be defeated. They agree to have the Ring destroyed by

throwing it into the Cracks of Doom in Mordor. Frodo is willing to bring the ring

to Mordor.

On the way to the Cracks of Doom in Mordor, Frodo is accompanied by

Gandalf the Wizard, Legolas the Elf, Gimli the Dwarf, Aragorn and Boromir the

Men, and Sam, Merry and Pippin the Hobbits. Gandalf cannot continue his

journey since he falls into depth of Moria mine after fighting a Balrog, an ancient

creature living in that place. The rest of the company continues their journey,

passing the forrest of Lothlórien until they reach Parth Galen. In this place the

fellowship breaks. Boromir wants to go west to his country, Gondor, while Frodo

east to Mordor. Because of this, Boromir tries to take the Ring from Frodo‟s hand

so that the Hobbit runs to escape and leave the company.


58

Appendix 2: Biography of the Author

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien was born on January 3, 1892, in Bloemfontein,

South Africa. His father died when he was very young and her mother died when

he was twelve. Soon after he became an orphan, he lived with a Roman Catholic

priest.

When he was grown up he went to Oxford University. However, his study

period had to stop for a while because World War I. as a result, it was not until

1919 that he could receive his MA degree.

From the beginning he had showed a great interest in language. It was for

this reason that later on he was chosen to work on the well-known Oxford English

Dictionary. Besides that, he also had career in teaching and writing. He became a

professor of Anglo-Saxon at Pembroke College at Oxford for about twenty years.

He also received an Honorary Fellowship from Exeter College.

Tolkien began to publish his work when he was in his middle age. It was

when he was forty-five years old that he published The Hobbit. There were

positive responses toward the novel. Compliment from many people also came

when he published his massive work The Lord of the Rings. The latter was

considered to be his masterpiece among the other works of the great author.

Professor Tolkien died in 1973. He left a large amount of manuscript that

contained some materials of his works before The Hobbit. It also contained some

concept on the work that later became The Lord of the Rings. Moreover, it was

based on the notes that his work Silmarillion was published.


motives behind characters’ decision making in …library.usd.ac.id/data pdf/f. sastra/sastra...

Documents