A Professor of English Literature in the 1950s Reviews Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings'

Imagine being a distinguished professor of English literature in the 1950s. How would you evaluate the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, whose The Lord of the Rings trilogy painted a vivid and magical world with orcs and hobbits? This article explores a professor's nuanced view of Tolkien's creation, balancing skepticism with recognition of its literary and cultural significance.

Initial Skepticism

As a professor in the 1950s, your perspective on Tolkien and his works might be laced with initial skepticism. The prevailing literary tastes of the era were heavily influenced by modernism and realism. Writers and critics often favored serious themes like existentialism, personal experiences, and social issues. Tolkien's work seemed to diverge from these trends, with its fantastical elements and creatures like orcs and hobbits, which could be seen as juvenile or escapist.

Appreciation for Myth and Language

However, you might recognize Tolkien's deep engagement with myth, folklore, and language. As a philologist, he meticulously crafted languages like Elvish, greatly impressing you. This attention to linguistic detail showcased his ability to create an immersive, rich world that paralleled ancient myths and legends. This approach to literature could be considered a serious endeavor, reflecting a significant scholarly effort.

Themes and Depth

Themes of good versus evil, heroism, friendship, and the struggle against darkness permeate The Lord of the Rings. These themes resonate with many classic literary works and could provide a solid basis for serious analysis. The professor might appreciate how Tolkien adapted and modernized elements from earlier literature, such as Beowulf and the Nordic sagas and Eddas, to create a compelling narrative.

Cultural Impact

As Tolkien's works gained popularity, you might consider the cultural impact of fantasy literature. The emergence of a dedicated readership and the influence on subsequent authors could prompt you to reevaluate the significance of such works in the literary canon. The fantasy genre had thrived long before Tolkien, with imaginative inventions of the supernatural being a common feature in works like A Midsummer Night's Dream and Macbeth. Experts see through the snobbery of literary critics and acknowledge the profound cultural impact of Tolkien's creations.

Potential for Study

Ultimately, you might conclude that while Tolkien's novels may not align with the dominant literary trends of the 1950s, they possess qualities that warrant study. They could open discussions about genre, the role of fantasy in literature, and how literature reflects and shapes cultural values. This conclusion might encourage a more open-minded approach to evaluating Tolkien's works within the broader context of literary history.

In summary, your evaluation of Tolkien's works would likely be nuanced, balancing initial reservations with recognition of their literary and cultural significance. The professor might see The Lord of the Rings as a serious work of literature that deserves academic attention, even if it strayed from the more traditional forms of the time.