: : 4) He can (apparently -- some people question this) enlarge
: : himself to giant size.

: Do people question this because they think it is a literary device rather than a physical change of form?

: I think this depends whether Tolkien actually states that that Gandalf seemed to grow to a giant size or whether he states that he physically grew. I can't remember.

That wouldn't matter, my dear Entish Istar. even if the professor wrote that "gandalf grew and filled the small room with his shadow" [made up quote], it would still be possible (indeed probable, IMO) that this is a metaphorical description. Meaning that from whoever's perspective, Gandalf seemed to - and therefore for all intents and purposes did - grow. Tolkien's writing is much more about feelings and impressions than actual physical, minutely detailed description.

Dave C-Q