Assignments

Essay 2

In recent years, Tolkien’s writing has come to be seen as an example of the phenomenon of medievalism: the modern (i.e. post-medieval) reception of the medieval past. Medievalism is a complex phenomenon, which takes many forms. Francis G. Gentry and Ulrich Müller have proposed four models of medieval reception:

1. The productive: subject matter, works, themes, and medieval authors are creatively re-formed into a new work.
2. The reproductive: the original form of medieval works is reconstructed in a manner viewed as 'authentic’.
3. The academic: medieval authors, works, events, etc. are investigated and interpreted according to the critical methods that are unique to each respective academic discipline.
4. The political-ideological: medieval works, themes, ideas, or persons are used and ‘reworked’ for political purposes in the broadest sense, e.g., for legitimization or for debunking.

(Adapted from Francis G. Gentry and Ulrich Müller, "The Reception of the Middle Ages in Germany: An Overview," Studies in Medievalism 3 (1991): 401)

In your essay, discuss the nature of the medievalism in The Lord of the Rings. To what extent does it fit any of these models? As a work of literature, how is it oriented towards the medieval past Choose an issue (e.g. the nature of evil, civilisation, racism, the role of women, etc.) and discuss what The Lord of the Rings says about this issue in light of your view of Tolkien's reception of the Middle Ages.

Your essay should be typed and approximately 2000-3000 words long (2500-3500 for graduate students). Your paper may be shorter or longer, as long as your discussion satisfies the assignment and treats the material with the depth I expect for a paper of this length. This paper will be graded substantially on your ability to write, format, and proofread clear and effective scholarly prose. In addition to the guidelines I provide in my essay advice, you may also find the guidelines on the Chaucer Pedagogy Page helpful.

Due Date: 24 May. Please slide your essay under my door (Sierra Tower 803) by 5:00 pm.

Response Paper 3

How has Tolkien drawn from Beowulf in depicting the Rohirrim? Find three passages from the The Lord of the Rings which resemble specific passages in Beowulf and suggest what the implications are for Tolkien's use of the Old English poem.

Your response should follow the guidelines for Response Paper 1

Due: 29 March.

Essay 1

In Books I-III of The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien uses his knowledge of medieval literature to challenge or modify some of our assumptions as modern readers of literature. Discuss one issue or idea which Tolkien engages using this technique. Identify the type of modern response he may be assuming and, using examples from medieval texts we have discussed, describe how he uses these medieval texts in his own work to induce the reader to re-assess or re-analyse his or her responses to the issue or idea you have selected.

Your essay should be typed and approximately 2000-3000 words long (2500-3500 for graduate students). Your paper may be shorter or longer, as long as your discussion satisfies the assignment and treats the material with the depth I expect for a paper of this length. This paper will be graded substantially on your ability to write, format, and proofread clear and effective scholarly prose. You should look closely at the formatting guidelines here and here, as some people had trouble with these conventions on the Response Paper.

Due Date: Thursday, 12 April.

Response Paper 2

Solomon and Saturn II is a dialogue in the form of a riddling contest (Tolkien drew on this form for the riddle game between Bilbo and Gollum in The Hobbit; see The Lord of the Rings, Prol.11-12). Solomon is the wise king of the Old Testament, whereas Saturn is a prince of Chaldea (Mesopotamia) who seeks wisdom. There are four version of the story, two in verse (named Solomon and Saturn I and Solomon and Saturn II) and two in prose. The surviving copy of Solomon and Saturn II dates to the end of the tenth century, but it may have been composed earlier (dates as early as the eighth century have been proposed).

Using two to three examples from the poem, describe what the poetry reveals about the poet's underlying conception of nature. Your response should follow the guidelines for Response Paper 1

Due: 27 February.

Response Paper 1

Describe the essential elements of Faërie as postulated by Tolkien in ‘On Fairy-Stories’. Describe his view of the relationship between fantasy and belief.

Your response should be 1-2 pages long and should meet all the requirements of an essay (typed, in formal, well-formatted and proofread English with quotations properly cited). For advice on formatting conventions, see my essay advice.

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