Good and Evil in Middle-Earth. The Fantasy World of J. R. R. Tolkien

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

1. FANTASY AS A GENRE

1.1 DEFINING THE FANTASY GENRE

1.2 DIVISION OF FANTASY SUB-GENRES

1.3 THE ORIGIN OF THE TOLKIEN’S OUTPUT

1.4 IMPACT ON OUR IMAGINATION

2. JOHN RONALD REUEL TOLKIEN AND THE FANTASY WORLD OF MIDDLE-EARTH

2.1 INTRODUCTION

2.2 TOLKIEN’S LIFE

2.3 ELEMENTS OF THE PRESENTED WORLD

2.4 HERO’S JOURNEY - MONOMYTH ON SELECTED CHARACTERS FROM TOLKIEN’S OUTPUT

3. THE PROBLEM OF GOOD AND EVIL

3.1 INTRODUCTION

3.2 THE CASE OF GOLLUM

3.3 ELVES

3.4 DARKNESS AND LIGHT

3.5 THE ONE RING

Research Objectives and Themes

The primary aim of this diploma paper is to analyze the fundamental concepts of good and evil as represented in the literary works of J.R.R. Tolkien. The study examines how these moral categories are shaped within the fantasy genre, specifically within the secondary world of Middle-earth, and evaluates the development of central characters through the lens of Joseph Campbell’s hero’s journey.

• Exploration of fantasy as a genre and its psychological impact on readers.
• Biographical overview of J.R.R. Tolkien and the creation of Middle-earth.
• Application of the hero’s journey monomyth to key figures like Bilbo Baggins and Frodo Baggins.
• In-depth analysis of the duality of good and evil through characters like Gollum.
• Symbolism of darkness, light, and the corruptive nature of the One Ring.

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Summary of Chapters

INTRODUCTION: This section outlines the research goal of exploring the manifestations of good and evil in Tolkien's works and explains the methodology, including biographical and literary analysis.

1. FANTASY AS A GENRE: This chapter defines the fantasy genre, categorizes its sub-genres, and discusses the importance of Tolkien's output and its impact on the reader's imagination.

2. JOHN RONALD REUEL TOLKIEN AND THE FANTASY WORLD OF MIDDLE-EARTH: This chapter provides a biographical sketch of the author and explores the world-building elements of Middle-earth while applying Joseph Campbell’s hero’s journey to the main characters.

3. THE PROBLEM OF GOOD AND EVIL: This chapter analyzes the central moral struggle in Tolkien’s novels, focusing on characters like Gollum, the symbolic usage of light and darkness, and the corruptive role of the One Ring.

Keywords

J.R.R. Tolkien, Middle-earth, Fantasy, Good and Evil, Hero's Journey, Joseph Campbell, The One Ring, Gollum, Frodo Baggins, Bilbo Baggins, Symbolism, Literature, Mythology, Moral struggle, Darkness and Light.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this diploma paper?

The paper primarily focuses on the representation and the struggle between the concepts of good and evil within the fantasy novels of J.R.R. Tolkien.

What are the main thematic fields covered in the study?

The main themes include the definition of the fantasy genre, the biography of J.R.R. Tolkien, the world-building of Middle-earth, character development through the hero's journey, and the symbolism of moral archetypes.

What is the primary research goal or central question?

The goal is to explore how Tolkien conveys universal moral struggles through the specific conventions of high fantasy, particularly through symbols like the One Ring and the evolution of complex characters.

Which scientific methodology does the author employ?

The author uses qualitative literary analysis, supported by bibliographic research, historical context, and the application of Joseph Campbell’s "hero’s journey" (monomyth) as a structured theoretical framework.

What topics are discussed in the main body of the work?

The main body covers the origins of the fantasy genre, the detailed characterization of Middle-earth and its races, a critical assessment of characters based on the hero's journey, and an analysis of the ethical dynamics of good and evil.

Which keywords characterize this paper?

Key terms include Middle-earth, hero's journey, fantasy literature, good vs. evil, moral struggle, and symbolic artifacts like the One Ring.

How does the author define the role of Gollum in the context of good and evil?

Gollum is portrayed as a highly complex character who embodies a mix of neutral, good, and evil traits, serving as a pivotal figure who struggles with his past identity as Smeagol and the corruptive influence of the One Ring.

Why is Samwise Gamgee considered the "true hero" by the author?

The author argues that Sam is the only character who successfully traverses all stages of the hero's journey and manages to return to his ordinary life in the Shire without losing a part of himself or suffering the profound psychological burden borne by Frodo or Bilbo.