
Material Value Concepts in J.R.R. Tolkien's Fantasy
Abstract
J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, primarily The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, are not only celebrated for their complex narratives and mythological depth but also for the subtle exploration of material values. Throughout his fantasy universe, Tolkien weaves rich commentary on the nature of wealth, the moral implications of material possession, and the societal structures formed around material goods. This article delves into how material value is portrayed in Tolkien’s legendarium, analyzing its thematic significance, its impact on characters and societies, and how Tolkien's own historical and philosophical context shaped these ideas.
Keywords
Material value, J.R.R. Tolkien, Middle-earth
References
Tolkien, J.R.R. The Hobbit. George Allen & Unwin, 1937.
Pages: 310, UK.
Tolkien, J.R.R. The Lord of the Rings. George Allen & Unwin, 1954-1955.
Pages: 1,200 (total for all three volumes), UK.
Shippey, T.A. The Road to Middle-earth: How J.R.R. Tolkien Created a New Mythology. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2003.
Pages: 464, USA.
Garth, John. Tolkien and the Great War: The Threshold of Middle-earth. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2003.
Pages: 416, USA.
Tolkien, J.R.R. The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien. Edited by Humphrey Carpenter, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1981.
Pages: 456, USA.
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