by TheMadDreamer

Created on: August 05, 2008

In terms of narrative an allegory is defined as one which gives a meaning other than the literal one represented by the narrative itself. For instance, 'The Lord Of The Rings' is a narrative based in a fantasy world (purported to be before the existence of modern man) where a group of characters (of different races, cultures and skills) are brought together in order to protect the innocent Frodo as he travels to Mount Doom in order to destroy a powerful ring. A ring which corrupts many who possess it, and so in his quest he is not only destroying its immense power but protecting others from its corruption. As an allegory the story can also come to represent certain other meanings or moral teachings.

Tolkien wrote 'The Lord Of The Rings' as a follow up to 'The Hobbit', a fantasy novel he wrote for his children. Originally began as a simple sequel it soon developed in scale, taking from 1937-1949 to write. With a large amount of the work being written during World War II. Because of Tolkien's age (being born in 1892) and living through both World Wars (serving in the first) 'The Lord Of The Rings' is often seen as an allegory for events that took place in this time. However, there are alternating versions of this suspected allegory.

INDUSTRY

Many have seen 'The Lord Of The Rings' as an allegory for the industry revolution, with the Hobbits representing farming people. Determined to protect their way of life by destroying the ring, seen here as a representation of technology. With the other characters representing various powerful figures who would seek to possess the power, the technology. But ultimately being corrupted by the power which it offers. Similar literal themes are present in the works of D. H. Lawrence. Where industry is seen as threat to the 19th century farmer's way of life.

WORLD WAR

'The Lord Of The Rings' is also seen as an allegory for war. With the ring once again representing industry or technology, but in this case, military technology. As the warring side with the better technology inevitably represents the side with the greater power. With Sauron and the people of Rohan acting as the opposing sides in a war for ultimate power. However, whereas Sauron desires the ring for the power that it offers. The people of Rohan simply seek to keep the power from those who would use it unwisely (I.e. Sauron). But despite being written during the years in which World War II was taking place Tolkien denies any resemblance in 'The Lord Of The Rings' with the

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