Harry Baggins and the claim of Edward James: A comparative analysis of The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien and The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
Master thesis
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Date
2020-08-31Metadata
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- Student papers (HF-IKS) [770]
Abstract
Over the last few decades fantasy have become a very prominent part of both academia and popular culture. It is generally agreed upon that The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien played a massive part in this popularisation. Some have even gone as far as to claim all subsequent fantasy in some way derivative of his work. This thesis examines such a claim, put forward by Professor Edward James, by comparing LOTR with J.K: Rowling’s Harry Potter series, to ascertain the validity of such an argument. To do this, aspects such as the use of language, origins of names, the development of their main characters, and descriptions of evil are examined. Through these comparisons it is established that Rowling relies on many similar methods and strategies as Tolkien, but that she throughout her writing also gives her story its own clear identity. With the conclusions reached in this thesis it establishes itself in the discussions around the development of the fantasy genre, and provides more insight into how modern authors continue its evolution.
Description
Master's thesis in Literacy studies