William Bennett The Balrog Analysis

William Bennett and J.R. Tolkien represent evil in different ways. Bennett's example of evil is America's drug problem, which he addresses through its spiritual and physical aspects. Tolkien demonstrates evil through the "Balrog" (Tolkien 330). However, he only writes about its physical aspects. Bennett and Tolkien agree that evil is a physically harmful problem that requires a type of sacrifice.
For William Bennett, the problem of evil is drugs. Drugs can cause extreme harm both emotionally and physically on the user and those around the user. He uses the example of the rising number of child abuse and neglect cases as one result of the consequences of drugs (Bennett 6). Currently in America, the government has realized the problems that drugs are causing, however, it has given the wrong solution. The American government has only addressed the physical aspect, not the emotional, by establishing more accessibility to health care (Bennett 6). According to Bennett, the solution to this problem is a better education on the difference between right and wrong, as well as the true definitions of values and character. He believes that if …show more content…
For example, in The Lord of the Rings, the Balrog is finally defeated by Gandalf's self-sacrifice when he destroyed the bridge. However, as the Balrog is falling, it captures Gandalf in "its whip," bringing them both down into the pit (Tolkien 331). The evil Balrog is killed, but the consequence is losing Gandalf, a key member of the group. Similarly, in Bennett, the negative emotional and physical effects of drugs require a sacrifice of man. In order to enjoy the effects of the drugs, man needs to sacrifice time; relationships with family, friends and significant others; and performance in work and school. This is a self-sacrifice causing a significant decrease in man's overall