Leaf by Niggle Themes

“Leaf by Niggle” examines the different ways that people conceive of art, ultimately underscoring the intrinsic value of beauty. There is a dramatic contrast between the reception of Niggle’s painting in the old country and the way it is appreciated by those leaving the Workhouse. In Niggle’s life as a painter, he is the only one who cares about his creative work. When others notice the huge canvas, it is because they are looking…

Tolkien’s depiction of Niggle’s journey can be interpreted as an allegory for death and what happens after. The journey looms over Niggle’s life, and he is reluctant to prepare for it. Indeed, any preparations he does make are halfhearted and ineffective, and he ends up being forced to make the journey with only a tiny bag of painting supplies—no clothes, food, or anything particularly useful. He’s not able to finish his painting before the…

Throughout his mortal life, Niggle struggles to align his true desires with his actions. While he often completes tasks for his neighbors and general errands (as demanded by the laws of his country), he resents the obligation to do so and would always rather be working on his painting. He is not hard-hearted, and in fact he cares about the people around him, but only enough to feel that he should help them—not enough…

Throughout “Leaf by Niggle,” Tolkien emphasizes the natural world as both an object of beauty and a source of pleasure, though it’s often overlooked by those who value productivity. Niggle fixates on his painting, which depicts a huge tree with a background of a forest and mountains. The tree, though a painting, seems to grow organically, “sending out innumerable branches, and thrusting out the most fantastic roots.” Even though Niggle has built his painting…