Notes of an Inklings Scholar: Musings on Myth and History, Promises and Secrecy, Ethical Reviewing, and the Limits of Authorial Intent

Authors

David Bratman, independent scholarFollow

Abstract

Five mini-essays proposing hypotheses on topics in J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis scholarship.

1. The Expansion and Contraction of Tolkien's Imagination: how and why his burgeoning sub-creation began to contract and systematize in his later years.

2. A Hobbit in the Legendarium: Tolkien's original conception of the relationship between The Hobbit and The Silmarillion may have been to have Bilbo visiting a land of fable.

3. Cursed fate that gave thee to the Moore: Lewis's devotion to Mrs. Moore may have been a sense of metaphysical and spiritual obligation.

4. But did he ever read the book?: How Edmund Wilson and Michael Moorcock could have reviewed and criticized Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings while getting basic facts wrong.

5. The Problem of Eowyn: Many scholars' objections to Tolkien's treatment of Eowyn and Lewis's of Susan extends beyond authorial intent to the effect of the story on readers.