Tolkien a poetic role model (08.05.14 by James Lopez) - Comments

Professor J.R.R. Tolkien is one of the most loved, respected and remembered authors of the English language, especially his writings for juveniles and young people. Although he is best known for his words titled “The Hobbit” and also “The Lord of the Rings” which gained global acclaim and were even made into Hollywood movies, the fact remains that, besides his excellent writing skills and erudite speeches, his writing genre was such that it attracted ached mass appeal, even though it dealt with lesser known human species like elves, fairies and other creatures.

His writings betrayed deep, nuanced and abiding research behind all that he wrote about and his uncanny ability and skill to relate himself with his readers endeared him to all, even his most ardent critics and detractors.

Tolkien did not lay claims to possess a doctorate in languages or the art of modern story telling; far from it, his settings are common place and his characters are modest and assuming in speech and demeanor. Perhaps his innate simplify and direct approach are some of his main writing fortes, which have not only lifted his bearings from that of an ordinary story teller to perhaps, something much more profound and inspiring, a role model for future and budding writers of this, or any other upcoming generations. Besides, his contribution to the world of philology is immense and gratifying, perhaps even unparalleled for an author of his stature and distinction. Each reading of his books makes the reader more wiser in his thoughts and more loftier in actions. Some books are meant to be read just once, or to gain deeper understanding and insight, even twice. But the books and writings of Tolkien have to be imbibed and taken over and over again, each experience becoming more ecstatic, joyous and pleasure invoking than the earlier experiences. His writings are to be reveled and not just read.

The role model attractiveness of Tolkien’s writing could be well gauged from the fact that he has given new dimensions and content value to the art of fantasy literature writings, including in it an array of legends, myths and heroic romantic stories. His characters are displayed as modest, down-to-earth albeit possessing a mystique and aura of their own. Fantasy literature of the kind evolved by Tokien has indeed taken this genre of writing to new heights and levels, enjoyed not only by juveniles, but also by adult readers, and makes robust justifications for making him the best kind of role model, not only for fantasy literature but any kind of offerings for young and imaginative readers, of all age groups.

The unique domain of fairy tales, or fantasy literature as they are also known, does not only reside in the primary world, or the world in which mortals live. Due to quirks of fate, or the adventurous spirits of our heroes, who, though ordinary men, are capable of extraordinary feats of heroism and courage and who sometimes go forth to attain the virtually impossible, are the main characters on whom these stories revolve and sustain.

This is by no means an extension of the fundamental world, but very much consistent with the creation, scaffolding and sustenance of a dream world, or fantasy world in which Tolkien has added color, substance and enchantment of his own. The venture of characters to the fantasy world to gain treasures or to vanquish enemies, the narration of their travails, conquests and engagements and their triumphant victory back to the primary world with mission accomplished, are the main milestones of fantasy stories with colorful and vivid descriptions, only accomplished masters like Tokien with immeasurable skills and story woving abilities could provide. These aspects could also be well crafted into the writings of aspirant writings, taking cues from the great master, Tolkien himself.

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