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Full-Text Articles in English Language and Literature
J.R.R. Tolkien, Fanfiction, And "The Freedom Of The Reader", Megan B. Abrahamson
J.R.R. Tolkien, Fanfiction, And "The Freedom Of The Reader", Megan B. Abrahamson
Mythlore: A Journal of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams, and Mythopoeic Literature
Student paper award, Mythcon 2013. Abrahamson makes a particularly convincing case for the validity of fanfiction by applying Tolkien’s own statements about the “dominion of the author,” the “Cauldron of Story,” and subcreation to the issue. Discusses Tolkien’s experiences with early fanwork and his own use of sources as an author.
J.R.R. Tolkien, Sub-Creation, And Theories Of Authorship, Benjamin Saxton
J.R.R. Tolkien, Sub-Creation, And Theories Of Authorship, Benjamin Saxton
Mythlore: A Journal of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams, and Mythopoeic Literature
Tolkien is unfortunately underrated as a theorist in literary studies—in fact, alas, generally invisible to the mainstream. This essay draws attention to his ideas about sub-creation and allegorical “dominion” of the reader, contrasting Tolkien’s stated and implied theories with those of Roland Barthes, and elucidating Tolkien’s concern with “the delicate balance between authors, authority, and interpretive freedom.” Saxton draws on “Leaf by Niggle,” The Silmarillion, and The Lord of the Rings for examples of Tolkien’s theories in action.