Boromir, a Tragic Hero(?)

With all the discussion circulating about heroism, I continually return in my thoughts to how that noble quality relates to The Lord of the Ring's enigmatic man, Boromir of Gondor.  Of all the nine members of the Fellowship, Boromir is the one whose role is the smallest though his reputation is among the most discussed.  Also interesting, Boromir, though he dies at the very beginning of The Two Towers, is a critical figure throughout the rest of the story.  This is in no small part due to Tolkien's elaboration of Boromir's family, namely his brother Faramir and father Denethor.  Both these characters in their own right bring much to the table of plot, but even then, their character development relies significantly on what is already known about Boromir.  So then, how should the reader interpret this character?

For one, Boromir's character arc enabled Tolkien to add a tragic element to his story, thus establishing the gravity and fragility of the Fellowship's aim, destroying the Ring.  When the class discussed the chapters covering Lothlorien, it was noted that Boromir's change seemed to be most manifest after leaving the Golden Wood.  I think this is essential to understanding Boromir.  Galadriel had tested each member of the Fellowship with what "a choice between a shadow full of fear that lay ahead, and something that [each] greatly desired."  We, as the reader, suspect what Boromir has been tested with based on his odd behavior after that moment. Still, Sam finally puts our suspicions into words when he tells Faramir that Boromir saw in Lothlorien that which he wanted so desperately, the Ring of Power.

Boromir was almost written to be an inadvertent foil to the mission of the Quest.  He routinely proposes that the Ring be taken to Gondor under the safekeeping of the steward and of the mighty walls of Minas Tirith.  While his suggestion that the Ring could be used against the forces of Mordor is blatantly ignorant of such an action's ramifications, his intentions don't seem to be solely the product of selfishness or an undying lust for personal power.  Boromir certainly demonstrates much pride, and in some respects that causes his downfall, yet Tolkien seems to continually remind the writer of Boromir's good qualities in lieu of his bad.  When asked by Faramir if he was a friend of Boromir's, Frodo responds by saying he was for his part, no less remembering what Boromir had tried to do at Amon Hen.  The hobbit is generally dismayed by the news of Boromir's passing, and that alone speaks volumes to the real nature of Boromir before he was overtaken by his temptatious desire.

Finally, I want to conclude by comparing the character of Boromir with that of Sir Gawain as I see some striking similarities between the two.  In his analysis (thoroughly compiled by Christopher Tolkien) of "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight," J.R.R. Tolkien expresses what he viewed as Sir Gawain's various qualities, whether admirable or not, "a subtle form of pride," "the warmth of his character," generosity, and impetuosity.  I see some of these same qualities displayed in Boromir.  He displayed a keen sense of pride in Gondor and, to a degree, his status in that kingdom. However, throughout the book he is also seen as being a warm, friendly man.  Even when he confronts Frodo at Amon Hen, he initially approaches the hobbit kindly, offering his counsel.  That was his real nature, but of course, we all know what his madness for the Ring would also produce mere moments later.  Still, the Boromir that sought to take the Ring from Frodo was not the true man of Gondor just as the same Bibo Baggins whose countenance so sharply shifted when he saw the Ring in Rivendell was not the true Bilbo Baggins.  The temptation of the Ring drew out the worst in both, illustrated excellently by the corruption of Gollum.

Boromir's failure should not define him.  Just as Sir Gawain made a mistake in withholding the girdle from the lord of the castle, so too did Boromir gravely err in trying to steal the Ring.  Boromir's actions are not admirable and should not be treated thus, but his mistake breaks "the mathematical perfection of an ideal creature, inhuman in flawlessness" by presenting him as a tragic archetype of the consequences of falling into temptation.  Still, Boromir after his great mistake demonstrates heroism by recognizing his errors, seeking forgiveness--tragically Frodo is not there to hear Boromir's sorrowful pleas, and ultimately sacrifices his life in defense of Merry and Pippin.  Through his struggles, Boromir, like Sir Gawain, "becomes a real man," imperfect, flawed and not always admirable but still with such qualities that cause us to mourn his departure.  As a result, Boromir exists as a form of tragic hero, one who deserves both sympathy and rebuke.

I'm curious, though.  How do you view Boromir?  Was Peter Jackson perhaps too forgiving in his portrayal of him in the movie adaptations?