Tolkien and the Canon
Is J.R.R. Tolkien a canonical writer? This depends, of course, on how we define canonical status -- or indeed who we acknowledge as our arbiter of canonicity. I will begin by noting the whiff of sanctimony in the very idea of a "canon." The idea of a "canon" is, in itself, originally a term derived from religion: as the Christian religion underwent a centuries-long process of defining its own orthodoxy, extant Christian writings were arranged into a canon by religious authorities, separating the essential sacred texts from the inessential. It was these same religious authorities who, in the process of debating which works to include and which to exclude, chose to include the four canonical Gospels that can be found today in any copy of the New Testament, but who did not include the non-canonical or "apocryphal" gospel of Thomas, let alone the gospel of Judas, which…...

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Works Cited

Bloom, Harold. The Western Canon: The Books and School of the Ages. New York: Harcourt Brace, 1994. Print.

Garth, John. Tolkien and the Great War: The Threshold of Middle Earth. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 2003. Print.

Lane, Anthony. "The Hobbit Habit." The New Yorker: 10 December 2001: 61-5. Print.

Morris, Peter. "Harold Bloom, Parody, and the Other Tradition." The Salt Companion to Harold Bloom, edited by Graham Allen and Roy Sellars. Cambridge: Salt Publishing, 2007. Print.

R.R. Tolkien: The Lord of the Rings
The Lord of the Rings forms a significant part of the substantial canon of works written by the English author and academic J.R.R. Tolkien (1892-1973) set in his invented world of Middle Earth. It consists of three volumes: The Fellowship of the Ring (1954), The Two Towers (1954), and The Return of the King (1955). For many readers it forms, with its predecessor The Hobbit (1951), the most accessible and rewarding part of Tolkien's non-academic oeuvre. Certainly The Lord of the Rings is one of the most successful literary works of the twentieth century. The recent film versions of the trilogy have increased its profile in contemporary culture, but long before this most recent large-scale adaptation this epic work had achieved enormous popularity. It is a creation of unique scale and ambition, seemingly the product of the author's determination to become the creative equivalent…...

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Works Cited

Works by J.R.R. Tolkien

Tolkien, J.R.R., The Fellowship of the Ring (London: Allen & Unwin, 1954; 4th edn. 1981).

The Two Towers (London: Allen & Unwin, 1954; 4th edn. 1981).

The Return of the King (London: Allen & Unwin, 1955; 4th edn. 1981).

Tolkien also had three other children, Michael, Christopher, and Priscilla ("The Tolkien Trail"). After the war, Tolkien became a university professor. His first job was at the University of Leeds. Later, he taught at Oxford. According to "The Tolkien Trail, "Tolkien retired from Oxford in 1969. Tolkien and his wife then moved to Bournemouth. On November 22, 1971, Edith died... Tolkien died on September 2, 1973." sample of Tolkien's work is the following paragraph from the Fellowship of the Ring:
hen Mr. Bilbo Baggins of Bag End announced that he would shortly be celebrating his eleventy-first birthday with a party of special magnificence, there was much talk and excitement in Hobbiton.Bilbo was very rich and very peculiar, and had been the wonder of the Shire for sixty years, ever since his remarkable disappearance and unexpected return. The riches he had brought back from his travels had now become a local…...

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Works Cited

Crabbe, Katharyn W.J.R.R. Tolkien. The Continuum Publishing Company. New York:

1988. 67-68.

Doughan, David. "Why was Tolkien?" The Tolkien Society.

Retrieved May 10, 2005, from:  http://www.tolkiensociety.org/tolkien/biography.html .

Had Tolkien been an American (shudder), it is likely that the trilogy would have assumed some gangster or other bad-guy qualities that would belie its roots in mythology and legend. Fortunately for generations of avid readers and now a motion picture-going audience, the world continues to delight in the writings of Tolkien precisely because he sends his modern readers to the dictionary once in awhile just to see what he is talking about. The precision of Tolkien's use of words and phrases in the books that comprise the trilogy are noteworthy if for no other reason than their ability to communicate exactly what the author intended, but the use of the right word in the right place has also contributed to the work's enduring popularity among readers who might not otherwise ever learn that a "coney" was something besides a hot dog with chili and cheese.
orks Cited

Black's Law Dictionary.…...

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Works Cited

Black's Law Dictionary. St. Paul, MN: West Publishing Co., 1991.

Clark, George and Daniel Timmons. J.R.R. Tolkien and His Literary Resonances: Views of Middle-Earth. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 2000.

J.R.R. Tolkien Glossary. 4 Dec 2009 .

Regehr, Rudy. 2006, "Following Gandalf: Epic Battles and Moral Victory in the Lord of the Rings," Journal of Religion and Popular Culture, 12, 37.

Bombadil and Treebeard in Middle-Earth
Middle-earth is the mysterious made-up setting in which the characters of J... Tolkien's story, The Lord of the ings, conduct their lives. As is evident in the name, Middle-earth is a continent located in the central (the middle) of the fictional world; it is not the entire universe or world, yet the characters that inhabit Middle-earth engage in global scale battles and wars with immense and long-lasting stakes. Treebeard and Bombadil are two of the inhabitants of Middle-earth are outwardly as different as could be imagined; yet they share a capacity to deal with adversity and to survive in an arbitrary and hostile world.

The character of Tom Bombadil is an engaging fellow -- he is spry for his age, has a teasing wit, and speaks in a whimsical, jolly, and rhyming manner (McCloskey, 2002). Bombadil tends to narrate his life, speaking in the third person as…...

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References

Humphrey, C. (Ed.) (1981). The letters of J.R.R. Tolkien. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin. Retrieved   / booksabouttolkien/letters/description.htmhttp://www.tolkienlibrary.com 

McCloskey, R. (Ed.) (2002, February - May). J.R.R Tolkien: Mythos and modernity in middle-earth. Wilmington, DE: The Chesterton Review. Retrieved web.archive.org/web/200060214120336/http://academic.shu.edu/Chesterton/PDF/Review_FebMay_2002.pdf

Tolkien, J.R.R. (1954). The two towers. Crows Nest, New South Wales: George Allen and Unwin.

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features of residual (or "secondary") orality preserved in Voluspa, according to the criteria Ong (1982) advances?
Ong (1982) talks about how cultures in the past were only able to preserve their heritage through stories that meticulously passed down through the years (41). He says that since type was invented, importance has moved from the wise old man or woman to someone who can "discover new things" (Ong, 1982, 41). However, societies still deem some things as too important to completely lose their oral tradition. He talks about the residual orality of having to memorize certain things through mnemonic devices (Ong, 1982, 41).

However, he also talks of residual or secondary orality in another way also. He says that secondary orality is "an orality not antecedent to writing and print, as primary orality is, but consequent on and dependent upon writing and print" (Ong, 1982, 167). His analysis of the practice here…...

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References

Mountfort, P.S. (2006). Language, literature and desire: Critical reader. Auckland: Lyceum Press.

Ong, W.J. (1982). Orality and literacy: The technologizing of the word. London: Methuen.

second of the Ring trilogy by Tolkien, the Two Towers takes place in Middle Earth and the events immediately follow the events in the first book, Fellowship of the Ring (which followed the prefacing story told in The Hobbit).
List two main characters and tell something about each one.

Peregrin ("Pippin") Took and Meriadoc ("Merry") Brandybuck are both captured by the fierce Urak-Hai after the fellowship was betrayed by Boromir. These two hobbits, cousins of Frodo (the Ringbearer), manage to escape when the Rohorrim attack and destroy the orcs holding them hostage and are befriended by the erstwhile leader of the Ents, "Treebeard." Treebeard takes the two hobbits to his home and provides Pippin and Merry with near-magical "Ent draughts" (two different types) that appear to make them both taller than all other hobbits back in The Shire (an important attribute that will play an important role in The Return of…...

sof Hengest, though the employment of this striking phrase within the space of a few lines to designate both the opposing parties must be regarded as confusing" (rown) This not only provides confusion for the interpretation and translation of the poem but also for the actual context and flow of events. Thus, this can be an example of transmutation that in turn can determine the value of a translated version or its lack of consistency.
Another important aspect in relation to the style of writing is focused on the artistic literary techniques. More precisely, the accent lies in the way in which the verse and the rhyme are constructed. Up to the interpretation of Tolkien, the rhyme and the verse were considered as lacking precision and value. Still the rhyme is thoroughly analyzed for any potential matching to an already invented system of rhythm and alliterations. A perfect example in the…...

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Bibliography

Bloom, Harold. "Bloom's Guides: comprehensive research and study guide." Infobase Publishing, New York, 2008.

Brown, Carleton. "Beowulf 1080-1106." Modern Language Notes (n.d.).

Cook, Albert Stanburrough. "Beowulf 1422." Modern Language Notes Vol. 39, No. 2 (Feb., 1924), pp. 77-82 (n.d.).

Fulk, Robert Dennis. "An Interpretation of Beowulf, a critical anthology." Indiana University Press, 1991, New York.

It is possible that Lewis had not intended certain matters from his books to have the effects that they eventually had on the public. It had most probably been because of the fact that he did not planned for a large amount of time before deciding to write the series. In contrast, Tolkien had prepared The Lord of the Rings for several decades, studying various geographical locations and history before he decided to proceed in writing.

In spite of being the sixth book from the Narnia series published by Lewis, The Magician's Nephew describes the first period when considering Narnian years. In this book, two children named Digory and Polly end up in magical universes in 1900 consequent to coming across two rings which have supernatural powers. One world in particular appears to be different from the others to Polly and Digory, and, after a chain of unfortunate incidents, they bring…...

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Works cited:

1. Caughey Shanna. (2005). "Revisiting Narnia: fantasy, myth, and religion in C.S. Lewis' chronicles." BenBella Books.

2. King, Don W. "Gold Mining or Gold Digging? The Selling of Narnia." Christianity and Literature, Vol. 55, 2006.

3. Lewis, C.S. (2004). "The chronicles of Narnia." HarperCollins.

4. Sammons, Martha C. (2004). "A Guide Through Narnia." Regent College Publishing.

In both books, these individuals are disembodied. Sauron needs the ring that was found by the Hobbits to return to power, and readers find out in the sixth Harry Potter book that the evil Lord Voldemort has fragmented his soul into multiple pieces, all hidden. Once they are found and joined together, Voldemort will return with full power again.
In both books, the antagonists have symbols that can be seen in the sky. In Lord of the Rings the symbol is a great eye that can be seen from a tower and be transmitted into crystal balls that allow Sauron to observe what is going on in various parts of the world. In the Harry Potter books, the symbol is shot into the sky by Voldemort's followers, called "Death Eaters." However, ather than allowing Voldemort to observe others, it draws his followers together. The ring wraiths of Lord of the…...

Nature of the Universe
The term fantastic insinuates that it has to do with matters extra-terrestrial. It has to do with the world beyond the conventional one that we interact with at the physical level. Tolkien has an obviously clear view of what it is in relation to the value of creative thinking and imagination. Literature is created from the primary imagination which is also referred to as an echo from the primary imagination. This is also the force and living power behind all human perception. This is a repetition of the eternal act of creation as is encased in the creation by the infinite "I AM." The fairy story and triology are nothing but creation. It is the crafting of the secondary universe by imagination. Essentially, that aspect is the outstanding activity of the maker of the fairy story. This is what sets such a creator apart and makes them…...

Suffering
Tim Murphy

Theology

MA2000D

The existence of human suffering poses a unique theological problem. If God is omniscient, omnipotent, and all-loving, then why does suffering exist? Indeed, this difficulty is confronted in scripture itself: perhaps the most important look into the problem of suffering comes in the Old Testament story of Job. Mainstream Christianity continues to have a variety of ways of approaching this theological question, although historically Christians had a much broader spectrum of responses. For example, today's mainstream Christianity is a result of the establishment of orthodoxy in the face of Gnostic Christians, who used the existence of suffering as a way of questioning whether God was indeed omnipotent or all-loving. Gnosticism instead posits a "demiurge" or "alien god" that created this world and its suffering without being omnipotent or good. ut the oldest mainstream form of Christian orthodoxy today -- represented by the Roman Catholic faith -- came into existence…...

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Bibliography

Barron, Bishop Robert. "Stephen Colbert, J. R. R. Tolkien, John Henry Newman, and the Providence of God," Word on Fire. Web. 4 Dec 2015.

English Standard Version Study Bible.

John Paul II. Salvifici Doloris. 1984.  http://w2.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_letters/1984/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_11021984_salvifici-doloris.html 

Keller, Timothy. Walking With God Through Pain and Suffering. New York: Riverhead Books, 2015.

The fandom of Harry Potter is maybe the most important due to its rapid growth over a short period of time and to the huge number of "followers" it gained even among adults.
One of the most relevant television series in support of the idea that on one hand, a TV show sets trends is "Sex and the City" Carrie Bradshaw sands for the intellectual modern women in the big cities all over the world. It is a reciprocal that operates here in the influencing and trend setting. The fandom is clearly impossible to be left out nowadays when it comes to considering the follow up of a television show and the show leaves an unmistakeable mark on its most devout audience on a bigger scale than ever. hen looking back at the origins of serial edited stories, based on the idea that serialization is the best way to manipulate…...

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Works Cited

Allen, Robert Clyde, Hills, Annette. The Television Studies Reader. Routledge 2004

Corner, John. Critical Ideas in Television Studies. Oxford: Clarendon. 1999.

Hills, Matt. Fan Cultures. London: Routledge, 2002.

Seiter, Ellen. Television and New Media Audiences. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1999. Questia. 8 Nov. 2007

Secret Garden
Frances Hodgson Burnett's 1909 "The Secret Garden" is one of the best loved children's stories of all time. As with most children's stories it is based on the fairy tale motif.

No one really knows the exact origin of fairy tales, in fact they seem to have originated in that timeless realm of their subjects (Harischandra Pp). J.R.R. Tolkien describes the realm of fairy tales as "wide and deep and high and filled with many things: all manner of beasts and birds are found there ... beauty that is an enchantment ... there it is dangerous ... To ask too many questions, lest the gate should be shut and the keys be lost" (Tolkien pp). Fairy tales generally have elements of good and evil, often portrayed by evil stepmothers and fairy godmothers, and usually a fair maiden as the protagonist. Burnett modernized the fairy tale motif in "The Secret…...

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Work Cited

Burnett, Frances Hodgson. The Secret Garden. Pp.

 http://www.pagebypagebooks.com/Frances_Hodgson_Burnett/The_Secret_Garden/ 

Harischandra, Neshantha. "Fairy Tales and the concept of femininity."

Nivedini -- A Sri Lankan Feminist Journal. June 01, 2001; Pp.

Hero with 1,000 Faces
The classic hero seems to teach us the value of humanity, while helping us strive for excellence by understanding the value of the experiences rendered through intuition, emotions, and often feelings that are special to the hero -- often rather than logical reasoning. The paradigm of heroism transcends genre, chronology and has become so common in the human collective consciousness that it is easily recognized and repeated (Campbell).

One very interesting aspect of the human experience is the manner in which certain themes appear again and again over time, in literature, religion, mythology, and culture -- regardless of the geographic location, the economic status, and the time period. Perhaps it is the innate human need to explain and explore the known and unknown, but to have disparate cultures in time and location find ways of explaining certain principles in such similar manner leads one to believe that there…...

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REFERENCES

Bittarello, M. "ReCrafting the Past: The Complex Relationship Between Myth and Ritual." Pomegranate: The International Journal of Pagan Studies. 10 (2): 210-24, Print.

Campbell, J., et.al. The Hero's Journey: Joseph Campbell on his Life and Work. New York: New World Library, 2003, Print.

Campbell, J. The Hero With a Thousand Faces. New York: New World Library, 2008, Print..

Holquin, B., et.al. The Dark Crystal: Creation Myths, Volume 1. Los Angeles, CA: Arachia Publishers, 2011, Print.

Selecting Essay Topics that Cover a Book

1. Character Analysis

Topic: The protagonist's struggle with identity and purpose in Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird."
Focus: Examine the protagonist's evolving self-awareness, the challenges they face, and how their journey shapes their character.

2. Theme Exploration

Topic: The theme of prejudice and its impact on society in Alice Walker's "The Color Purple."
Focus: Analyze how the novel portrays different forms of prejudice, its consequences, and the characters' responses to it.

3. Symbolism and Imagery

Topic: The use of symbolism and imagery to create atmosphere in Emily Brontë's "Wuthering Heights."
Focus: Discuss how specific symbols....

1. Characters and stories from Greek mythology are often referenced in modern pop culture, such as in movies, television shows, and video games. For example, the character of Achilles from the Trojan War is frequently mentioned in popular media.

2. Many modern books and novels draw inspiration from Greek mythology, incorporating elements such as gods, heroes, and monsters into their plots. Authors such as Rick Riordan and Madeline Miller have gained popularity for their retellings of Greek myths.

3. The themes and moral lessons found in Greek mythology continue to resonate with audiences today, and are often explored in contemporary literature. These....

The Enduring Legacy of Greek Mythology in Pop Culture and Literature

Greek mythology, a tapestry of epic tales, legendary heroes, and divine interventions, has left an enduring imprint on modern pop culture and literature. Its archetypal characters, timeless themes, and evocative imagery continue to inspire and shape artistic expressions across various mediums.

Characters as Archetypes:

Greek mythological figures have become archetypal representations of human traits and experiences. Achilles symbolizes the warrior's pride and vulnerability; Odysseus embodies the cunning strategist; and Aphrodite stands for the power and allure of love. These archetypes resonate with audiences of all ages, providing relatable and universally recognizable symbols.

Literary....

The Art of Captivating Titles

In the realm of good writing, a title is more than just a label; it is a captivating first impression that can entice readers to delve into the depths of your work. A truly memorable title has the power to resonate with an audience, spark curiosity, and set the tone for the journey that lies ahead. Crafting such a title requires a delicate balance of intrigue, brevity, and relevance to the content. Here are the key elements that contribute to the allure of a captivating title:

1. Enigmatic Allure

Titles that hint at a deeper meaning or....