Symbolism in J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings

Abstract

Tolkien’s The Lord of the Ringshas been read as a novel with symbolism. Tolkien chooses the symbolic images to visualize his core concept of good Vs evil in the novel. The present study has helped in foregrounding various symbols present in the novel. Most of Tolkien’s symbols have been developed from his life-experiences and hence most of them are his private symbols. Similarly, Christian symbolism could also be found. Different objects, places and events have been presented and discussed as symbols. Places like Isengard, Mordor, Shire and Minas Tirith all carry their own symbolical significance. Objects like The Sword, Smoking pipe stand for good whereas the Ring and Towers are the representation of evil. By observing the novel with Symbolism as a theoretical tool, this thesis has justified how Tolkien has reinforced various symbols, which comes front with their own individual meanings.