Thank you for your thoughtful input
@Kiredor.
It seems to me at this point, the 'choice' before me really is:
1. Do I develop a more "research related" type book if you will, based on the theme of the Elements themselves, and how he delivered them to us - attractive to a certain (type of) audience
or;
2. A possibly more "readable" one to a larger audience, based on the characters, and the scenes and
events they're involved in - a bit of a lighter approach, yet still detailed enough, but reaching those whose interest may be more attracted by a "character study" approach than a 'moral/religious element' one.
In case 1, the Table of Contents provides the "list of elements" of course.
.... Appendix A will list all the
characters used alphabetically, citing where they are found within each element. Appendix B will cover each Work, listing the characters extracted from within that work, and where each is located.
In case 2, the Table of Contents provides the "Characters".
.... Appendix A will list all the
elements alphabetically, citing the characters employed to demonstrate the elements, and where they are located within each character. Appendix B will cite the Works, and the elements extracted from each with their location.
The root question:
Am I going to write a "study and research tool" as cleverly and readably as possible? (Elements)
Or am I going to write an "Introduction to
Tolkien's Intents and Methods," for a (probably) broader readership, to help folks see better how Tolkien used his language to do what he did, opening them up to 'looking deeper' into his works..
My concern: given the market is fairly 'glutted' with authors all trying to present Tolkien's 'moral/religious approach to his work' (though in a very different way, applying their own perspectives, assumptions and speculations, rather than letting Tolkien's perspective and actual work do the demonstrating), will the very subject / purpose itself attract a reduced audience.
My tendency most recently is to feel the "Character" approach presents a 'double draw'.
And, as I continue to think about it, I wonder of the "Character" approach, and handling the application to the Elements in a more 'introductory' manner with a bit less extensive amount of 'proof texts' if you will... the Character approach may end up being a "Volume 1" - with a "Volume 2" (or just a 2nd book) going more extensively into an analysis and application of Tolkien's words, phrases, methods, and manner of delivery and demonstration.
'Tis a "sticky wicket."
Here's another thought: My remaining lifespan may be short. If the 'Character' approach sets a beginning, and some aspiring author out there wants to move the work along more deeply, I could pass my thoughts along for their use in completing a more extensive treatment. (Of course, they'll be equipped to handle it all on their own, as well - and I'm just as likely to have some author write a book 'refuting my premise' rather than continue along the same line.)
Sigh..
What a world, what a world.
(There - you've all received far more of my thinking than you needed, or wanted. But I am still MORE THAN OPEN to others sharing their thoughts about my thoughts about my thinking about the things needing to be thunk about here.)
Addition: (and I do hope what I wrote above is at least somewhat understandable. I'm not taking time to edit it I fear... moving on for now. Any questions, feel free to ask.)