#aplit14finalresearch

Tolkien wrote in one of his letters, "What I think is a primary ‘fact’ about my work, that it is all of a piece, and fundamentally linguistic in inspiration. [. . .] It is not a ‘hobby’, in the sense of something quite different from one’s work, taken up as a relief-outlet. The invention of languages is the foundation. The ‘stories’ were made rather to provide a world for the languages than the reverse. To me a name comes first and the story follows. I should have preferred to write in ‘Elvish’. But, of course, such a work as The Lord of the Rings has been edited and only as much ‘language’ has been left in as I thought would be stomached by readers. (I now find that many would have liked more.) [. . .] It is to me, anyway, largely an essay in ‘linguistic aesthetic’, as I sometimes say to people who ask me ‘what is it all about’." It is interesting to read this quote from Tolkien, because I would have never thought that the names came first and the story followed. I am amazed that he created whole languages just for a few books. Tolkien’s pursuit for knowledge and his imagination are what make his pieces so unique. It is evident that Tolkien enjoyed and was invested in writing these novels. Tolkien writes creatively, yet it is evident that much time and planning went into the stories to make them believeable. “Mellonnen! Mo evínedh?” is used by Lord Elrond to great Gandalf. The element of a made up language makes the story that much more interesting and real.

The Hobbit #4 I really enjoy the maps and images that fantasy authors tend to add into their novels. First, I find them helpful in understanding the story, but I also find them beautiful in their archaic style. The maps give the reader of how ancient the stories behind the stories are; they are an artifact to the travelers, and the reader gets the chance to understand and feel a part of the journey.

I have heard people say that The Hobbit is based off of or has themes from the Bible. In some respect I can see some similar themes; however, I do not see how it would be based off the Bible. After looking into this theory, it appears that many began saying this after they found out Tolkien was Christian. Many of the themes, like unexpected heroism and good versus evil, are aspects of many religions. The Hobbit is a story about living for a greater purpose, which is a value that many religions highly regard and even those who do not have a religion. It’s not like one can say Gandalf is like God and Bilbo is like Jesus, because they are mortals and possess human qualities.

Immediately, when I begin reading I feel a part of the adventure. Maybe some of it could be due to the fact that I like the fantasy genre, but it can also be accredited to the way Tolkien writes. Tokien uses vivid imagery, fantastical characters and suspense to lure the reader in. For example, Tolkien writes, “But the dwarves were all for supper as soon as possible just then, and would not stay. On they all went, leading then ponies, till they were brought to a good path and so at last to the very brink of the river. It was flowing fast and noisily as mountain-streams do of a summer evening, when sun has been all day on the snow far up above. There was only a narrow bridge of stone without a parapet, as narrow as a pony could well walk on; and over that they had to go, slow and careful, one by one, each leading his pony by the bridle. The elves had brought bright lanterns to the shore, and they sang a merry song as the party went across.” (47-48) This passage gives me enough detail so that I can imagine what Thorin and Company are traversing through. Tolkien makes the character seem so alive by using dialogue and descriptions to help the reader understand them. In addition, the reader gets to know the characters better through each event that comes up. The novel is filled with action, which leads to a constant feeling of suspense.