Carta 38a

Michael Tolkien, serving as a soldier in World War II, at this time was stationed with his regiment near Thame, 13 miles east of Oxford. Michael, who was in love with a young woman named in the letter as "A.", had apparently written to apologize to his parents for informing A. of his whereabouts before informing them. Tolkien assured Michael that he was not angry, hurt, or disapproving of Michael's relationship with A., advising only (from "the wisdom of age") that Michael's feelings may change, and he should not prematurely make any "permanent pledges." Michael's mother Edith, however, had apparently been unhappy about the news, which Tolkien advised Michael to handle with "care and tact." He wrote that women are generally less introspective than men, and mothers have feelings of jealousy towards women in their sons' lives which they may not be aware of. In Edith's case, there was additional stress on her feelings from "not practising her religion," menopause, and neuritis.

Acknowledging Michael's gratitude to him as a father, Tolkien wrote that the only repayment that was possible was for Michael to keep his faith and give Tolkien his confidence as a friend, and from his own point of view:

Tolkien acknowledged the seriousness of the war, comparing it to his experience in World War I, which kept him away from his family for long periods, but made him successful later on at "dealing with all sorts from students to surly clerks." Michael, Christopher, and John all had a "decent share of courage and guts" which they owed to their mother, while Tolkien merely had a kind heart and his faith.

1. Esta ficha se ha importado inicialmente de TolkienGateway.net el día 27/05/2026.