Blog Fantasy
Post 9 - The Fellowship of the Ring by JRR Tolkien
Comparison of The Fellowship of the Ring (Book) to the The Fellowship of the Ring (Movie):
In the book titled, The Fellowship of the Ring, by JRR Tolkien, the author gives a large introduction (about 80 pages) about the prelude of the story. This introduction includes much of the events that occurred in The Hobbit, also by JRR Tolkien. The movie titled, The Fellowship of the Ring, directed by Peter Jackson, on the other hand, provides less history and leaves much of it out – perhaps because much of it is not important.
Comparison of The Fellowship of the Ring to the The Hobbit:
In both The Fellowship of the Ring as well as The Hobbit, the protagonists are similar. Bilbo, the protagonist in The Hobbit, and Frodo, the protagonist in The Fellowship of the Ring, both for one are Hobbits, “humanoid creatures smaller than Dwarves yet nimbler than Men” (The Fellowship of the Ring; Tolkien 16). Both protagonists are fond of a simple living yet yern for adventure away from the countryside.
Why is one drawn to Fantasy Worlds? What properties or qualities do these worlds posses that make them so captivating to one?
Perhaps, one of the properties that Fantasy Worlds posses that make them so appealing is: they posses a sense of defying common sense. In The Fellowship of the Ring, by JRR Tolkien, Gaffer a small town farmer protests againsts ‘adventures’ as he says:
“Elves and Dragons! I says to him. Cabbages and potatoes are better for me and you. Don't go getting mixed up in the business of your betters, or you'll land in trouble to big for you, I says to him. And I might say it to others.” (24)
This statement reflects the notion: one is better off sticking with reality rather than chasing fantasy dreams. It is logical to avoid danger when possible. It is common sense to stay away from danger, yet Frodo (along with a few other Hobbits) still decide to run off into an adventure; one in which will change them forever. This quality is so captivating because it allows one to vicariously experience recklessness without having to risk anything (as opposed to risking his/her own life, like how Frodo did).
A Fantasy World that allows one to defy common sense therefore is a truly captivating world.
A Sense of Defying Common Sense
New Book: The Fellowship of the Ring by JRR Tolkien
Blog Fantasy
Post 8 - The Fellowship of the Ring by JRR Tolkien
The Fellowship of the Ring was written by JRR Tolkien was originally published in July 24, 1954. This is the first book of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Many readers find a stark difference between this book and its prelude: The Hobbit, also by JRR Tolkien.
Some information that I found about Tolkien can be seen at:
http://www.tolkiensociety.org/tolkien/biography.html
I have already watched the whole Lord of the Rings Trilogy. In future Posts, I will be comparing The Fellowship of the Ring book to the movie. Also, I will be comparing The Fellowship of the Ring with The Hobbit. Through out all these future Posts, I will be trying to find new answers to the Focus Questions. The Fellowship of the Ring provides an excellent environment for one to conduct further exploration on Fantasy Worlds.
Therefore, I will read and study the ideas presented in The Fellowship of the Ring
The Hobbit: Final Post + Evaluation
Blog Fantasy
Post 7 - The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien
Why is one drawn to the Fantasy World discovered within the covers of The Hobbit, a book by JRR Tolkien? What are the properties or qualities that this world possesses so as to makes it so captivating to one?
Looking back at previous Posts, The Hobbit, certainly possesses many qualities that mesmerize readers; these qualities include: a well-defined line between good and evil, unlimited possibilities, vicarious journeys, frequent adventures, and an eradication of the existence of the human species. The Fantasy World created by JRR Tolkien, named Middle Earth, uses all of these entrancing qualities collectively to reveal a grand, enchanting story.
What separates the world of Middle Earth from the real world?
Middle Earth is nothing like the real world. It possesses a grand variety of things of which the real world does not. Among the most obvious is an abundance of authentic magic. The real world is bound by the laws of Physics and Chemistry as well as all the other Sciences that make it impossible to create anything other than magic ‘tricks’. Something less obvious is that Middle Earth provides freedom to all of its inhabitants. None of the inhabitants of Middle Earth work; the inhabitants either have magnificent, elaborate feasts or go on death-defying adventures. No one in Middle Earth seems to have any financial worries. On the other hand, in the real world, people work to earn a living; there is little time for unplanned adventures, often because money is limiting factor. Therefore, Middle Earth is beyond a doubt different from the real world.
Final Evaluation of The Hobbit:
The Hobbit is a very enchanting book that is quite hard to put down once one has started. The plot is simple but full of captivating details from beginning to end.
Phamduy.t's Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Vicarous Journey II
Blog Fantasy
Post 6 - The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien
Part II of the Vicarious Journey will reiterate and further explain the ideas that were presented in the first Post named: Vicarious Journey.
Short Summary of Vicarious Journey 1:
“Why is one drawn to Fantasy Worlds? What properties or qualities do these worlds posses that make them so captivating to one?
A journey is one of the properties that Fantasy Worlds posses. In The Hobbit, by JRR Tolkien, Bilbo, the protagonist goes on a journey with a party of dwarves to obtain riches. According to How to Read Literature Like a Professor, by Thomas C. Foster, “Every Trip Is a Quest” (How to Read Literature Like a Professor, Foster 1). Foster also says that every journey is meant to be a quest for self-knowledge.
What makes these properties or qualities so captivating?
The thing that makes Fantasy World journeys so interesting is the fact that it allows one to experience a grand scenario without having to physically be there. One is able to gain the sense of the self-knowledge that the quester in a Fantasy World experiences without having to literally be the character. A Fantasy World journey is so interesting to one, because it allows a reader to experience the adventure vicariously. A limitless quest for self-knowledge, therefore, is a quality that The Lord of the Rings has that draws one to its Fantasy World.”
What is Bilbo, the protagonist in The Hobbit, by JRR Tolkien, truly searching for? What is the true purpose of his journey?
Bilbo is seen to have found his sense of self-knowledge on page 221 as Tolkein says,
“Already [the dwarves] had come to respect little Bilbo. Now he had become the real leader in their adventure. He had begun to have ideas and plans of his own” (221).
Initially, Bilbo was characterized as a helpless little Hobbit, or ‘half-ling’ (23). The little Hobbit was totally oblivious to the dangers that he would face on his journey for gold. But as the events unfolded, he found more than untold riches; Bilbo, the quester, found a sense of respect from himself as well as others. Through the many adventures, he attained the knowledge of his own potential as a leader.
Bilbo’s quest for self-knowledge, therefore, is now fulfilled.
