Those who say that "Aragorn" could not have objected to the journey as a whole are mistaken. His words clearly say:
"I think no good of our course from beginning to end, as you know
well, Gandalf," answered Aragorn.
Which of course means the whole course, of course. But I think that we need not read too much into this. The purpose of the passage is to set up tension and foreshadowing, that however dangerous the crossing of Caradhras is, the alternative might be much worse. In fact, as first written, Tolkien kept switching who said which part, because he was probably not clear in his own mind who was wiser and more cautious, Aragorn or Gandalf. In the end, he chose Aragorn to speak against the alternative, which was to go "under the mountain" (or mountains) -- through the Mines of Moria, as we all know, where (spoiler -- oh, too late) Gandalf the Grey perished in the flaming abyss with the Balrog, thus driving home the truth of the old adage: "You don't have to outrun the bear, you just have to outrun your friend." So you could say that if Aragorn was pessimistic, either about the choice of Moria or the entire quest, he was right to be so.
The truth is, when this passage was first written, Tolkien's conception of Aragorn, and of the Fellowship as a whole, were still very much in flux. The fellowship were seven in number, Gimli and Legolas were not included, and there were five hobbits -- the familiar four and a "hobbit ranger" named Trotter. Trotter the Hobbit became Strider the Man, who then became Aragorn, heir of kings.
(from "The Treason of Isengard," which is both vol. II of "The History of the Lord of the Rings" and vol. VII of "The History of Middle-earth," edited and elucidated by Christopher Tolkien from his father's copious and erratic manuscripts.)
As the Caradhras episode unfolded, Tolkien became more and more dissatisfied with it. The physical jeopardy they were in was supposed to divide the group into seasoned, well-worn travellers and innocent, untried shire-hobbits. Boromir and Gandalf were able to effect a rescue, but Trotter practically needed to be carried down by Boromir, an act unthinkable with the later, well-known line-up. As Tolkien wrote notes to himself about what was to come, he said, in effect, "Surely if they go through Moria Gimli the Dwarf must come too." (He was already present with his father Gloin at the Council of Elrond, with his axe at the ready, so to speak, just waiting for the Author to summon him to the cause.)
When the Caradhras episode came to be re-written, each character is fully realized, reacting to each turn of event in exact accordance with our understanding of their species and temperament. Legolas is almost frivolous, since the cold and snow barely affect him, Gandalf is gruff and ill-tempered, the hobbits are basically shivering, and Boromir is both strong and brave, and willing to help. (Keep in mind that I'm describing the book.) Aragorn, now a man, is as strong as Boromir, and together they save the Hobbits and Bill the Pony, essentially saving the whole quest -- for now.
It may seem odd for Aragorn to express his doubts, but keep in mind that he is speaking his mind privately, as he thinks, to Gandalf, their trusted guide and advisor. Gandalf, Frodo, and Sam, as well as others (including Elrond, despite the fact that it seems to be his idea in the first place) all express their grave reservations as to the outcome of the quest. Sam wonders where they'll live when they get home. Frodo doubts they will ever get there, to the fiery mountain, let alone home again. And Gandalf, to switch to a Doctor Who metaphor for a moment, probably has a deep intimation that someone is going to need to throw "a big ball of complex, powerful timey-wimey" into that crack, to close it again, and we're all out of chewing gum.
No-one was even fairly certain the quest would succeed. Aragorn was probably thinking that at this rate, he'd never get married. But they all persevered. I'm sure that in the wilderness, horniness for a beautiful elf-princess could be a great motivator. I also agree with the person who said "he hadn't had his coffee yet."
"I think no good of our course from beginning to end, as you know
well, Gandalf," answered Aragorn.
These words remained from the first draft, after many others were changed to reflect the modified composition of the fellowship, and the growing depth of the story in all directions -- historically, geographically, spiritually, eschatologically. (That's theological theorizing about apocalyptic changes in the world. In "Illuminatus!" the hippies were accused of wanting to "Immanentize the Eschaton" or bringing about the End of Time, or The End Times, depending on if you're a christian, or a Whovian like me. I think this was Robert Anton Wilson making fun of something William F. Buckley said. And don't OT me. All knowledge is my specialty, I am a Doctor of Everything.)
Much else was changed, but in re-using these words, it's not hard to imagine Trotter, the mysterious hobbit-ranger traveller from Bree, with his wooden shoes and his clay pipe, expressing his doubts as a well-worn, sardonic hobbit-of-the-world. "I think no good of our course from beginning to end, but we have to try some way, any way, don't we, old friend." ( my paraphrase.)
"For Frodo."
My first post!
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