Tolkien's Timeless Influence: Myth, Morality, and Critique of Modernity
June 23, 2025
The narrative also delves into Tolkien's philosophical perspective on history, illustrating a world in transition where the conflict between good and evil primarily occurs within individuals rather than societal structures.
The spiritual and ethical dimensions of Tolkien's work are significant, emphasizing themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and moral realities that resonate deeply with readers.
Despite facing modern cultural challenges, Tolkien's literary contributions have demonstrated remarkable durability, continuing to attract a wide audience and suggesting enduring relevance in contemporary society.
This reflection also commemorates the late Professor Virgil Nemoianu, a respected literary critic and scholar who made significant contributions to the study of Tolkien's work.
Nemoianu, born in 1940 in Romania, earned his Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the University of California, San Diego, and later taught at various prestigious universities.
The profound impact of J.R.R. Tolkien's works resonates with humanity's thirst for mythical imagery and religious values, particularly in the 20th and 21st centuries.
Tolkien's writings are complex, featuring a reinvention of mythology and political allegories in The Lord of the Rings that reflect distributist ideals, standing in opposition to socialism and large-scale capitalism.
His portrayal of a harmonious society in the Shire suggests a preference for small property ownership and a divinely linked monarchy, contrasting sharply with totalitarianism.
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The Imaginative Conservative • Jun 23, 2025
The Great Tolkien