: In the story of Beren and Luthien, as well as the story of
Aragorn and Arwen, however, you'll find one theme which is drawn
straight from Tolkien's life: the forbidden love of a young man
for an older woman.

: Edith Bratt was about three years older than Ronald (J.R.R. was
called Ronald in his youth) and when he met her he fell deeply in
love. But Father Francis, his guardian, didn't want Ronald to
have anything to do with her.

: Edith had inherited a little land around Birmingham which
provided for her income. But unlike Luthien and Arwen, she was
illegitimate, and perhaps this was part of why Father Francis
objected to her. He certainly felt strongly that the young man
should be focusing on his studies, so I guess it was the story of
Beren and Luthien somewhat reversed. I suspect the story of
Ronald and Edith would actually make an interesting movie.

: Anyway, it's been long understood that Beren and Luthien are
Tolkien and his wife, and the names "Beren" and "Luthien" are
even inscribed on their tombstone. The stories are metaphorical,
btw, and not allegorical.

I've heard this story/history before...it does give more meaning
to Beren and Luthien.
But my question, I think, was dealing with the story line on a
strictly literary basis; although, in the case of Beren and
Luthien, is it possible to do that? Perhaps the emphasis on the
characters is so personal, that when it is viewed in the literary
sense, it becomes difficult to trace.
(I've become obsessed with literary structure and theme since
senior year english class)
also, have a look at my "Arwen" post below, as that is a
continuation of the same class of question.
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