Abstract This paper examines writer J.R.R Tolkien, one of the first fantasy writers, through his Lord of the Ring series. The author summarizes each work and explains how each Tolkien novel includes all of the elements that make a great fantasy series including epic battles in far-off places, interesting, creative characters and plots filled with wonder, amazement, and magic.
From the Paper "As in all fantasy novels there has to be a hero. Usually the hero is the person least expected and goes through significant changes throughout the novel. Bilbo Baggins is the hero in The Hobbit. In the beginning he is very weak and afraid, but as the story progresses he changes significantly. Bilbo shows all of the signs of being a hero. "
Abstract This paper explains that Tolkien was born John Ronald Reuel Tolkien in 1892 and lived his life in England. In 1937, he published a children's book, "The Hobbit", and its sequel, his epic work "The Lord of the Rings". The author points out that Tolkien's interest and education in languages became part of his works, especially in "The Lord of the Rings", where Tolkien created languages for each of the races in the book. The paper reviews some of Tolkien's major themes, including war, the struggle between good and evil, and how power can corrupt individuals.
Table of Contents
The Life of Tolkien Educational Background
Tolkien's Works
Tolkien's Themes
From the Paper "Tolkien's studies also included classic literature, with this appearing to have a significant impact on Tolkien's writing. The writings of earlier periods such as Beowulf and Homer's The Odyssey would have been included in Tolkien's study. Tolkien's familiarity with Beowulf is noted, with one source reporting that Tolkien "knew the work so well that he could recite it word for word when he had mislaid his text". It seems that these works were so familiar to Tolkien that they became part of him, with this then influencing his own writing. These works of classic literature are epic works that details journeys across land and battles. At the same time, these works are not just war stories, but stories that offer a whole new dimension to the struggles of people."
A paper which examines what makes the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, especially the second book in his "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, "The Two Towers", such a remarkable piece of literature.
Abstract The paper begins with an overview of the life of author J.R.R. Tolkien and questions how Tolkien's life impacted on the "Lord of the Ring" trilogy. The features that make the book outstanding are discussed. The paper then considers how Tolkien's imaginary world applies to the modern world. Finally, the themes of the book are described. Each of these discussions are completed with a focus on the second book of Tolkien's trilogy, "The Two Towers".
From the Paper "The third influence worth noting is Tolkien's experience in the war. Tolkien did not serve in the war for long, but did lose almost all of his friends in the war. It can be expected that such an event would impact on his writing. This can be seen, not in the writing style of the work, but in the themes. How power corrupts individuals is one of the themes of the book. This can be related to Tolkien's own experience. He and his friends were sent to a war by those in power, where his friends died. Despite this being the decision of those in power, they were not the one's doing the fighting. This is likely one of the underlying factors in Tolkien's life that led him to incorporate the corruption of power into this works. The statement that the book makes about power will be discussed further in the themes section.
Abstract To this day the works of J. R. R. Tolkien are considered pinnacles in the realm of fantasy and adventure writing. From his elves, hobbits, dwarves and brave men all fighting evil and aiding in the ultimate triumph of good, Tolkien based his world and its histories upon adventure. This paper examines Tolkien's first hobbit novel, "The Hobbit", explaining that, while it is just as full of adventure as any of his other works, "The Hobbit" also centers around the central theme of the common ordinary being encountering adventure and thus becoming an uncommon hero.
Abstract This paper examines how there are many resemblances between the works of Tolkien and that of ancient works of literature. It looks at how "The Lord of the Rings" saga shares its origins of heroic myth in the classic literature that Tolkien admired, studied and taught. It discusses how the "Beowulf" saga is probably the most recognized today of those studied by Tolkien. Iceland's Poetic Edda and Old Norse Mythology are also reviewed.
From the Paper "Tolkien himself acknowledged The Kalevala as an influence for some of his ideas. The Kalevala is an epic poem, which Elias Lonnrot in the 19th century said that he had compiled from Finnish folk sources. It is commonly called The Finnish National Epic and is one of the most significant works of Finnish-language literature. The Kalevala is a Finnish epic put together in the 19th century from traditional stories and myths that had been handed down through families. It tells of a hero, Vainamoinin, and his adventures. Magic and magical beings, good and evil, and treasure to be sought (the Sampo) that would provide for all men, are recorded in this great epic poem. "
Abstract This paper explains that, although J.R.R. Tolkien's article, "The Monsters and the Critics", is credited with starting the modern criticism of "Beowulf" through its defense of the work as a unified piece of poetry, there are points that can be argued in other directions. The paper then relates that, with his analysis, Tolkien managed to change how Beowulf was read by moving the monsters to the forefront of the poem, but he also portrays them in a very limited light. The paper elaborates on this contention by discussing the most startling absence in Tolkien's analysis of Beowulf's monsters, that of Grendel's mother.
From the Paper "Tolkien breaks Beowulf into only two spheres of monstrosity: the first encompassing lines 1 to 2199 and regarding Grendel while the second ranges from line 2200 to the end of the poem and concerns the dragon. Tolkien states that both monsters "are creatures, feond mancynnes, of a similar order and kindred significance." While Grendel is indeed described as mankind's enemy as well as being noted as a descendant of Cain's race, alive during the age of the giants, and most importantly a wonsaeli wer ("miserable man" ), the dragon is great but is also a living creature that is not necessarily on the same biblical scale of evil."
Abstract This paper is concerned with examining the sources of "The Lord of the Rings", and, particularly, with the influence of the turbulent times during which it was written. The paper also explores how Tolkien's vast knowledge of Northern European literature and mythologies influenced his writing.
A New Mythology
Pastoral Conservatism
Light Against Dark: War and Politics
Nazism, Aryanism, Communism and Tolkien's Ideology
From the Paper "Unlike some other writers of fantasy, Tolkien was not backward in discussing the origins and nature of the world he had created. He made many comments, in letters, in published commentaries on The Lord of the Rings, and in observations to many of his friends, family and colleagues. Among these statements is the clear declaration that his ambition was to provide, through his stories of Middle Earth, nothing less than a new mythology for England."
A look at the life and career of of British author John Ronald Reue (J.R.R.) Tolkien and the personal, moral and religious values that he lived by and implied in his works.
Abstract This paper discusses the life and work of J.R.R. Tolkien, and the ways his works were shaped by Tolkien's personal background, convictions, religious beliefs, as well as the historical and social events and milieu of his time.
Outline
Introduction
Historical Background
Youth Events and Writings
Topic Sentence for a Sample of Writer's Work
Topic Sentence for Literary Criticisms
Conclusion
From the Paper "As for the events of J.R.R. Tolkien's personal life, they were unusual, varied, and in many ways sad, especially during his childhood. Tolkien's parents, Mabel and Arthur, were both employed at a South Africa bank at the time of his birth. The future author, John Ronald Reuel was their first child, and then his brother, named Hilary, was born 1894. Because John was a sickly child, however, his mother returned with him and his younger brother to England when John was three years old. She had been told by doctors that a change of climate would likely improve his health. Meanwhile, John's father stayed behind in South Africa to continue working, to support his family back home. In 1896, however, John's father died, without ever rejoining his family in England. John's mother did not return to South Africa, "settled in the village of Sarehole, near Birmingham" ("Tolkien Trail"). Then, on October 15, 1904, tragedy again struck the family when Mabel Tolkien died of complications from diabetes. At 12, the life of the future Lord of the Rings author must have been very much saddened by the loss of both parents, and with an even younger brother to look after. At that point, according to "Tolkien Trail":"
Abstract This paper analyzes J.R.R. Tolkien's world of "Middlearth" as depicted in the film, "Return of the Kings," the final installment of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. It contends that the technology that was available to director Peter Jackson allowed him to create a vision of Tolkien's world that made the film better than the book due to its visualization of the spirit of the book and key plot elements in terms of songs.
From the Paper "Fans of J R R Tolkien's world of "Middlearth" have been waiting for two years for the final installment of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. And now that it has arrived there is a, for many of its fans, sense of sadness as well as catharsis. The movie is visually ..."
Abstract The paper analyzes the central role of the ring in J. R. R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings". It looks at the power of the ring and how this single item drives the plot and actions of the book, with special reference to the character Gollum. The paper describes how Tolkien had to revise his previous work, "The Hobbit", so that its themes would fit in with the future role of the ring.
From the Paper "Since the publication of the legendary Lord of the Rings trilogy and its predecessor, The Hobbit, many aspects of J.R.R. Tolkien's fiction have become popular culture and literary commonplace. From elves and hobbits to dragons and dwarfs, these tales of rich fantasy have inspired readers and writers, alike. Yet, at the heart of Tolkien's books is one central object, one looming item, The Ring. This Ring was so all-powerful and all-encompassing that it not only drove the plot and action of each and every word Tolkien wrote, but also forced him to revise a chapter of his first work, The Hobbit, in order that it should fit together with his remaining three books and the world and characters they spawned. It is this revision and this power of the Ring with which this paper will concern itself."
Abstract This paper examines how the theme of race and destiny in J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" is revealed in Bilbo's utter lack of power to decide what course he may take in his life. Gandalf and the treasure hunting dwarfs invariably use his racial features to clandestinely find a treasure they are too big to get a hold of due to their larger height and weight. The paper discusses how the theme of destiny is formed in the novel, as Tolkien gives Bilbo little choice in refusing an identity that is based on consent.
From the Paper "By realizing the physical size of Hobbits of Middle Earth, one can realize why Gandalf chose this race of beings to impart on secretive journeys. The Hobbit sets a precedence of race since Bilbo's tenacity as a small humanoid helps him travel in a clandestine manner."
Abstract This paper examines whether J.R.R Tolkien's wartime experiences in both World Wars are reflected in his trilogy "The Lord of the Rings". It looks at how his character's relationships reflect the lives of soldiers in war, with the politics between them similar to the politics of the time. It evaluates how the landscape in Middle Earth is greatly influenced by the first World War, especially the Battle of Somme and how the elements of fear and suspense that are present in his works are directly from the mind of a soldier.
From the Paper "The last, and most obvious comparison that can be made between Tolkien's books and his element of fear. Fears faced by a soldier can be difficult to overcome. Many people are forced to leave lines of battle because of sheer stress and pressure on their minds. A soldier's fears can be influenced by many things: fear of death, fear of killing, fear of loneliness, and fear of loss. Tolkien's fears in battle greatly influenced the situations that he puts his characters into in the LOTR. Fear of advance for any soldier in WWI was certain. A step onto No-Man's land was almost assured death, but they were forced to go "over the top" and advance on their enemy."
Abstract JRR Tolkien has sold millions of copies of his "Lord of the Rings trilogy". It is certainly the most popular fantasy novel of all time and quite possibly one of the best received novels in the last hundred years. The paper examines the question why a series of books so far removed from what most people would consider "real life" would have such a phenomenal following. Is it, as critics have suggested, a mere penchant for escapism? The paper argues that "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy is so successful because it is a true story and humans naturally gravitate towards truth. Of course, it is a fictional tale and a highly imaginative one at that. But fiction does not mean falsehood. The paper shows that the story is true, not to external but to internal realities and by truthfully recording the internal story of the way in which the universe and human consciousness function, it transcends mere nonfiction.
From the Paper "The psychological and spiritual archetypes in these novels are both plentiful and important. Of course there are the obvious ones. The format of the trilogy as the narrative of a grand journey, setting out from one place and eventually returning to it, buys into archetypes regarding voyages. Life as a journey is a commonly repeated metaphor, but nonetheless valid. The archetypical evil versus the archetypical good is also obvious. Everything which one expects to be associated with evil is associated with evil, and the same is true of the good. There are no surprises here because there could be no surprises while maintaining archtypal consistency. If one is to believe reports of a sort of collective unconsciousness, then many of these images are drawn directly from its source. The symbols generally used by Tolkien are not unlike symbols used in dream interpretation, and in many ways they carry the same meanings. Take, for example, the way in which elves leave Middle Earth by passing over the sea. In archetypical terms, such bodies of water can represent both death and sexuality, suggesting a relationship between departure from this realm and death/reincarnation. Various other archetypes also persist."
Abstract This work outlines a research presentation on the ideas of Middle-Earth and the writings of "The Lord of the Rings." It looks at new ideas from the Letters of JRR Tolkien, and then addresses how they relate to two stories from Middle-Earth, and then the actual "The Lord of the Rings." The paper concludes that the letters give new insights into the other readings.
From the Paper "The title of the presentation is "The First Age Ends." B. The sources being summarized in this section are: Selections from The Letters of JRR Tolkien, Letter 131 and Letter 144. Step 2. A. Point 1: One significant point, as illustrated in Letter 131 from The Letters of JRR Tolkien, is that a new motif is conveyed through the tale of Beren and Luthien. In this tale, it is seen that changes, or as Tolkien states, the "policies of world history, 'the wheels of the world,'"(Letter 131), are changed not by the powerful, yet instead through the "seemingly unknowable and weak" (Letter 131). It is crucial that Beren is able to succeed.."
Abstract This paper explains that, in his novels "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings", J.R.R. Tolkien describes a powerful Ring of satanic power that corrupts whoever possesses it. The author points out that the plots of the two novels resemble each other although the action in "The Lord of the Rings" is much more involved with many more episodes, a larger cast of characters and a much more serious tone. The paper relates that, as he did in the earlier novel, the protagonist Gollum plays an important role in "The Lord of the Rings" utilizing qualities that link him to the characters of Bilbo and Frodo. This paper includes many quotations directly from the books and from resource material.
From the Paper "Later, Gandalf uses the word "devours," when referring to the corrupting power of the Ring. One feels that, initially, Tolkien conceived of the evil of the Ring in terms of gluttony. Richard Mathews writes about the loss of freedom that comes when one is in possession of something evil, like the Ring. "Those driven by greed, possessiveness, hatred are tied irrevocably to the past Fall and to time" Also of significance is the fact that those who are obsessed by the Ring or by other treasures do not use what they have."
