LE3 .A278 2013

2013

Whetter, Kevin

Acadia University

Bachelor of Arts

Honours

English

English & Theatre Studies

This thesis is an examination of the different forms of heroism found throughout J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and the ways in which these forms interact with concepts such as gender and race. The analysis is divided into three chapters: the first chapter focuses on the theory of heroism and they ways in which different aspects of the narrative epitomize the mediaeval, modern, and Tolkienian heroic format. The second chapter analyzes race and race relations in Middle-earth and how they operate as vehicles of heroism by which the heroic natures of characters such as Sam, Frodo, and Aragorn are reinforced. The third and final chapter provides an interpretation of sex and gender in the heroic ethos of Tolkien’s Middle-earth, discussing the heroic role of women in The Lord of the Rings. The chapter also discusses the emergence of Queer Theory in Tolkien criticism and how through a heroic lens the supposedly homosexual relationship between Frodo and Sam is a misconception The ultimate goal of this thesis is to demonstrate how the heroic culture of Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings fundamentally shapes and dominates the overarching narrative.

The author retains copyright in this thesis. Any substantial copying or any other actions that exceed fair dealing or other exceptions in the Copyright Act require the permission of the author.

https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:1050