The presocratic and Platonic philosophical influences on J. R. R. Tolkien's epic, 'The Lord of the Rings'.

摘要

This study sought to discover the ties binding ancient Greek philosophy, to the literature of Professor J. R. R. Tolkien. These ties resided in the province of ethical philosophy, initially apprehended from the Greeks, which was compared to Tolkien's epic work, The Lord of the Rings. The underlying thrust of the research involved the ethical, philosophical progression of presocratic Greek thought. This progression coursed from Heraclitean logos, to Parmenidean truth, and finally to Platonic justice.; This underlying ethical base serves as a marbled foundation on which to build a body of literature which truly benefits educational fields such as philosophy, literature, and politics. Therefore, reading from great works like Tolkien's, an author descended from the venerable Canon began by Homer, extends to the student a true liberal education: an education that sets one free from sophistry.; The research was conducted by means of a close reading of Tolkien's epic and three Greek philosophical texts: Heraclitus's and Parmenides's Fragments, as well as Plato's Republic. In the reading, Greek philosophical themes were extracted and juxtaposed to threads found in The Lord of the Rings.; The results of the research manifested a convergence between the progression of Greek ethical philosophy and Tolkien's own moral foundation throughout the three installments of the letter's epic. The Heraclitean concept of strife permeated The Fellowship of the Ring. Likewise, Parmenidean themes such as truth, as it differed from mortal guile, illumined the tale of The Two Towers. Lastly, Platonic justice, and its kindred virtues, cemented the resolution found in The Return of the King.; In conclusion, whereas these convergences point to Tolkien and the Greeks as drawing from a shared spring, the Professor's Catholicism allowed for yet another moral beacon: charity. The actions carried out by Tolkien's character Samwise Gamgee reached beyond the parameters set forth in Greek ethical philosophy. In choosing to forego victory and glory, the latter instead sought to rescue his friend Frodo; a true fellowship of the ring.