Germ vs. Niggle

Attribute	Germ	Niggle
Definition	A microorganism, especially one that causes disease	A slight feeling of annoyance or discomfort
Origin	Old English, from Latin germen 'sprout, seed'	Origin uncertain, possibly related to the word 'nag'
Medical significance	Can cause illness or infection	Usually not related to medical conditions
Emotional impact	Often associated with fear or concern	Usually minor and temporary

Introduction

Germ and Niggle are two characters from J.R.R. Tolkien's short stories, "Leaf by Niggle" and "The Notion Club Papers." While they come from different works, they share some similarities in their attributes and characteristics. In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences between Germ and Niggle to understand their roles in their respective stories.

Background

Germ is a character from "The Notion Club Papers," a story set in the 1980s about a group of academics who experience shared dreams of a lost civilization. Germ is a member of the Notion Club, a group of scholars who gather to discuss their dreams and visions. He is a quiet and introspective character who often observes the discussions without actively participating. Niggle, on the other hand, is the protagonist of "Leaf by Niggle," a story about an artist who struggles to complete his masterpiece before he dies. Niggle is a dreamer and a perfectionist who is consumed by his work.

Personality

Both Germ and Niggle share a sense of introspection and a deep connection to their work. Germ is often described as a reserved and thoughtful character who prefers to listen rather than speak. He is known for his keen observations and insights into the dreams of the Notion Club members. Niggle, on the other hand, is a perfectionist who is obsessed with his art. He spends hours perfecting every detail of his painting, often neglecting other aspects of his life. Despite their differences, both characters are driven by a passion for their work and a desire to create something meaningful.

Relationships

In "The Notion Club Papers," Germ's relationships with the other members of the Notion Club are characterized by mutual respect and intellectual curiosity. He is often seen as a voice of reason in the group, offering thoughtful insights and observations. Niggle, on the other hand, struggles to connect with others due to his single-minded focus on his art. He is often misunderstood and isolated from those around him, including his neighbors and colleagues. Despite their social differences, both Germ and Niggle value their relationships and seek connection with others in their own ways.

Themes

One of the central themes in both "The Notion Club Papers" and "Leaf by Niggle" is the idea of creativity and the struggle to create something meaningful. Germ and Niggle both grapple with the challenges of artistic expression and the pursuit of perfection in their work. Germ's dreams and visions inspire him to explore new ideas and concepts, while Niggle's painting reflects his innermost thoughts and emotions. Both characters face obstacles and setbacks in their creative endeavors, but ultimately find fulfillment in the act of creation itself.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Germ and Niggle are two characters from J.R.R. Tolkien's works who share similarities in their attributes and characteristics. While Germ is a quiet and introspective character from "The Notion Club Papers," Niggle is a perfectionist artist from "Leaf by Niggle." Both characters are driven by a passion for their work and a desire to create something meaningful, despite facing challenges and obstacles along the way. By exploring the similarities and differences between Germ and Niggle, we gain a deeper understanding of their roles in their respective stories and the themes of creativity and connection that they embody.