Ambivalent Attitude towards Women in Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings

Abstract

This research analyzes Tolkien’s ambivalent attitude towards women in the novel The Lord of the Rings. The main objective of this paper is to expose Tolkien’s attitude towards women who are sometimes represented to be supportive to the social norms and values of the time while at the same time other few women are critical of the same values. Tolkien’s major works have been criticized by the ideas of Feminist Critique, who challenges the nation of gender and constructs the female framework. They argues for the lack of stereotypical nature of those females in the novel. Even though Tolkien does not portray clearly the character of females in reality, female characters like Luthien, Galadriel, Arwen, Eowyn and Shelob are good examples of strong females. They are important due to their courageous activities and personal sacrifices in Middle Earth. So, in Tolkien’s world, it is clear that power goes to those who sacrifice for good, like Galadriel, fights against Dark Lord Sauron for peace and prosperity of people in Middle Earth. Tolkien’s own personal background is related to women, who perform the qualities of spiritual and physical power, self-determination and wisdom. But the fact is that he links feminine characters with masculine traits. However, he makes clear that only by coordinating both ‘feminine and masculine’ qualities can make one strong individual.