From Middle-earth to the Real World: J. R. R. Tolkien’s the Hobbit, the Lord of the Rings, and the Silmarillion

Abstract

Fantasy has long been regarded as an antagonistic genre to realism, and held in contempt because it fails to represent reality. However, despite its departure from consensus reality, fantasy is an equally effective way of approaching reality. This study defends the thesis that J. R. R. Tolkien uses fantasy as a means to reflect upon and change the reality of the primary world. Therefore, this thesis examines The Hobbit(1939), The Lord of the Rings (1954-55), and The Silmarillion (1977), and discusses and illustrates the ways through which Tolkien approaches reality, and how he creates opportunities for a transformation through the refreshing and intense feelings one might experience in Middle-earth, thereby gaining the awareness, willingness, and courage to transform the primary world.