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On the Shoulders of Hobbits

On the Shoulders of Hobbits

The Road to Virtue with Tolkien and Lewis
by Louis A. Markos 2012 240 pages
4.32
500+ ratings
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Key Takeaways

1. The Road: A Universal Symbol of Life's Journey

"It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door," he used to say. "You step into the Road, and if you don't keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to."

The Road as metaphor. In both Tolkien's and Lewis's works, the Road serves as a powerful symbol for life's journey. It represents the path we all must travel, filled with both danger and opportunity. The Road challenges characters to grow, face their fears, and discover their true selves.

Thresholds and transitions. As characters cross various thresholds in their journeys, they transition from innocence to experience. These crossings often mark points of no return, forcing characters to confront new realities and shed old ways of thinking. Examples include:

  • The Hobbits crossing the Hedge into the Old Forest
  • Entering the town of Bree, a border between the familiar and unknown
  • Passing through the Ford of Bruinen into the ethereal realm of Rivendell

Universal appeal. The Road's symbolism resonates with readers because it reflects our own life journeys. It reminds us that growth often requires leaving our comfort zones and embracing the unknown, just as the characters in these stories must do.

2. Responding to the Call: Embracing Destiny and Purpose

"Sam's hand wavered. His mind was hot with wrath and the memory of evil. It would be just to slay this treacherous, murderous creature, just and many times deserved; and also it seemed the only safe thing to do. But deep in his heart there was something that restrained him: he could not strike this thing lying in the dust, forlorn, ruinous, utterly wretched."

The hero's journey. Both Tolkien and Lewis draw on the archetypal hero's journey, where characters are called to adventure and must choose to accept or reject their destiny. This call often comes unexpectedly and requires great sacrifice.

Reluctant heroes. Many of the most compelling characters in these works are reluctant heroes who initially resist their calling:

  • Frodo Baggins, content in the Shire, thrust into a world-saving quest
  • Lucy Pevensie, stumbling through a wardrobe into a magical realm

Divine purpose. The authors imbue their stories with a sense of divine purpose or providence. Characters often feel guided by unseen forces, suggesting that their journeys are part of a greater plan. This reflects the Christian worldview of both authors, where individuals are called to play a role in a cosmic drama.

3. Courage to Endure: The Heart of Heroism

"I will not say the Day is done, / nor bid the Stars farewell."

Endurance as true courage. Tolkien and Lewis redefine courage not as fearlessness or bravado, but as the ability to endure in the face of overwhelming odds. This endurance is often quiet and unassuming, yet powerful in its persistence.

Examples of enduring courage:

  • Frodo and Sam's grueling journey to Mount Doom
  • Lucy's unwavering faith in Aslan, even when others doubt
  • Aragorn's willingness to face the Paths of the Dead

Contrast with false courage. The authors juxtapose this enduring courage with more showy or reckless forms of bravery. Characters like Boromir, who initially seem more conventionally heroic, often fall short when true endurance is required.

4. Temperance: Finding Balance in a World of Extremes

"Men like me who possess hidden wisdom, are freed from common rules just as we are cut off from common pleasures. Ours, my boy, is a high and lonely destiny."

Moderation vs. extremes. Tolkien and Lewis present temperance not as bland moderation, but as the virtuous middle ground between harmful extremes. They show how both overindulgence and excessive asceticism can lead to corruption.

Examples of temperance:

  • The Hobbits' enjoyment of simple pleasures without excess
  • Faramir's ability to resist the Ring's temptation
  • Caspian's balanced approach to ruling Narnia

Consequences of intemperance. Characters who lack temperance often fall into ruin:

  • Denethor's despair leading to madness and suicide
  • The White Witch's cruel tyranny over Narnia
  • Saruman's fall from wisdom to destructive ambition

5. Wisdom: Discernment in a Complex World

"They will not let us help them. They have chosen cunning instead of belief. Their prison is only in their own minds, yet they are in that prison; and so afraid of being taken in that they can not be taken out."

True wisdom vs. mere knowledge. Both authors distinguish between accumulating information and possessing true wisdom. Wise characters demonstrate the ability to discern truth, make sound judgments, and see beyond surface appearances.

Characteristics of wisdom:

  • Humility and willingness to learn
  • Ability to see the bigger picture
  • Discernment between good and evil, even when disguised

Folly of false wisdom. Characters who believe themselves wise but lack true discernment often cause great harm:

  • Saruman's "mind of metal and wheels" leading to destruction
  • Uncle Andrew's pursuit of occult knowledge blinding him to true magic
  • The Dwarfs in "The Last Battle" unable to perceive the truth of their situation

6. Justice: The Restoration of Proper Order

"And for us this is the end of all the stories, and we can most truly say that they all lived happily ever after. But for them it was only the beginning of the real story."

Justice as harmony. Tolkien and Lewis present justice not merely as punishment for wrongdoing, but as the restoration of proper order and relationships. True justice brings healing and renewal.

The role of the just ruler:

  • Aragorn's return bringing peace and prosperity to Middle-earth
  • Aslan establishing righteous kings and queens in Narnia
  • Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy ruling Narnia with wisdom and compassion

Justice vs. vengeance. The authors distinguish between true justice and mere retribution. Characters who pursue vengeance often find themselves corrupted, while those who seek true justice bring about reconciliation and healing.

7. Faith, Hope, and Love: The Theological Virtues

"All shall be done," said Aslan, "But it may be harder than you think."

Faith in unseen realities. Characters demonstrate faith by trusting in powers and truths beyond their immediate perception. This faith often sustains them through dark times.

Hope against despair. Hope is portrayed as a powerful force that can overcome even the bleakest circumstances. It is not mere optimism, but a deep trust in ultimate good.

Love as self-giving. The highest form of love in these stories is self-sacrificial, mirroring the Christian concept of agape love. Examples include:

  • Aslan's sacrifice for Edmund
  • Frodo's willingness to bear the Ring for the sake of others
  • Lucy's compassion for even the most unlovable characters

8. The Nature of Evil: Perversion and Corruption

"For nothing is evil in the beginning. Even Sauron was not so."

Evil as parasitic. Tolkien and Lewis portray evil not as an equal force to good, but as a corruption or perversion of what was originally good. This aligns with the Christian view of evil as a privation of good.

The allure and emptiness of evil:

  • The Ring's promise of power leading to enslavement
  • The White Witch's Turkish Delight as a metaphor for addictive sin
  • Saruman's fall from wisdom to destructive ambition

Redemption possibility. Because evil is a corruption rather than an essence, the authors leave open the possibility of redemption for even the most fallen characters. This is seen most dramatically in the complex character of Gollum.

9. Stories: Guardians of Timeless Truths and Virtues

"Friendship must be about something…. Those who have nothing can share nothing; those who are going nowhere can have no fellow-travellers."

Power of narrative. Both Tolkien and Lewis believed in the unique power of stories to convey deep truths and shape moral imagination. Their works demonstrate how fantasy can illuminate reality.

Stories as moral guides:

  • The tales of past heroes inspiring current characters
  • Aslan's story woven throughout Narnian history
  • The ongoing narrative of Middle-earth shaping its inhabitants' choices

Eucatastrophe and hope. Tolkien's concept of the "eucatastrophe" – the sudden joyous turn in a story – reflects the Christian hope of ultimate redemption. This "good catastrophe" provides a glimpse of joy beyond the walls of the world.

Last updated:

FAQ

What's "On the Shoulders of Hobbits" about?

  • Exploration of Virtue: The book explores the moral and spiritual lessons found in the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, focusing on the virtues embodied in their stories.
  • Christian Humanism: It aims to recover a sense of Christian humanism, emphasizing the importance of virtues in a world that often overlooks them.
  • Literary Analysis: Through a detailed analysis of Tolkien's and Lewis's narratives, the book highlights how these stories can guide readers in understanding and practicing virtues.
  • Cultural Critique: The author critiques modern society's lack of moral compass and offers these literary works as a remedy to that deficiency.

Why should I read "On the Shoulders of Hobbits"?

  • Moral Guidance: The book provides insights into how classic literature can offer moral and spiritual guidance in today's world.
  • Understanding Virtues: It helps readers understand and appreciate the classical and theological virtues through the lens of beloved literary works.
  • Cultural Relevance: The book addresses contemporary issues of moral relativism and existentialism, offering a counter-narrative rooted in timeless stories.
  • Engaging Analysis: For fans of Tolkien and Lewis, it offers an engaging analysis that deepens the appreciation of their works.

What are the key takeaways of "On the Shoulders of Hobbits"?

  • Virtue as Central Theme: The book emphasizes the importance of virtues such as courage, temperance, wisdom, and justice, as well as faith, hope, and love.
  • Role of Stories: It highlights the power of stories to shape moral character and provide a sense of purpose and direction.
  • Christian Humanism: The book advocates for a return to Christian humanism, where divine revelation complements human reason.
  • Cultural Critique: It critiques modern society's moral blindness and offers the narratives of Tolkien and Lewis as a corrective.

How does "On the Shoulders of Hobbits" explore the concept of the Road?

  • Life as a Journey: The book uses the metaphor of the Road to describe life as a journey filled with challenges and opportunities for growth.
  • Pilgrimage and Purpose: It discusses the idea of pilgrimage, emphasizing the importance of having a higher purpose and direction in life.
  • Thresholds and Trials: The narrative explores the trials and thresholds characters must cross, symbolizing the transition from innocence to experience.
  • Spiritual Lessons: The Road serves as a spiritual metaphor, teaching lessons about perseverance, faith, and the ultimate destination.

What virtues are highlighted in "On the Shoulders of Hobbits"?

  • Classical Virtues: The book discusses the classical virtues of courage, temperance, wisdom, and justice, as understood by ancient philosophers.
  • Theological Virtues: It also explores the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love, which are central to Christian teachings.
  • Friendship as a Virtue: The book elevates friendship to a virtue, emphasizing its role in moral and spiritual development.
  • Practical Application: Each virtue is illustrated through episodes from Tolkien's and Lewis's works, providing practical examples for readers.

How does "On the Shoulders of Hobbits" address the theme of evil?

  • Nature of Evil: The book explores the nature of evil as a perversion and corruption of good, drawing on theological insights.
  • Byronic Hero: It critiques the romanticization of the Byronic hero, showing how such figures ultimately lead to destruction.
  • Moral Choices: The narrative highlights the moral choices characters face, illustrating the consequences of succumbing to evil.
  • Redemption and Grace: Despite the presence of evil, the book emphasizes themes of redemption and the possibility of grace.

What role does friendship play in "On the Shoulders of Hobbits"?

  • Central to the Narrative: Friendship is portrayed as a central theme, essential for the characters' journeys and moral development.
  • Loyalty and Sacrifice: The book highlights the importance of loyalty and the willingness to sacrifice for friends, as seen in the Fellowship of the Ring.
  • Transcending Differences: It shows how friendship can transcend differences, as exemplified by the bond between Gimli and Legolas.
  • Moral Support: Friendship provides moral support and strength, enabling characters to face challenges and grow spiritually.

How does "On the Shoulders of Hobbits" interpret the concept of eucatastrophe?

  • Sudden Turn of Events: Eucatastrophe is described as a sudden and miraculous turn of events that leads to a happy ending.
  • Hope and Redemption: The concept embodies hope and the belief in redemption, even in the face of despair and defeat.
  • Literary Device: It is a key literary device used by Tolkien and Lewis to convey the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
  • Spiritual Significance: The book connects eucatastrophe to Christian theology, likening it to the resurrection and the promise of eternal life.

What are the best quotes from "On the Shoulders of Hobbits" and what do they mean?

  • "The Road goes ever on and on": This quote emphasizes the ongoing journey of life and the importance of perseverance and purpose.
  • "Evil is not a positive or creative entity": It highlights the theological view that evil is a negation of good, lacking its own substance.
  • "Friendship seemed the happiest and most fully human of all loves": This underscores the book's elevation of friendship as a vital and enriching virtue.
  • "The Consolation of the Happy Ending": This phrase captures the essence of eucatastrophe, offering hope and joy in the narrative's resolution.

How does "On the Shoulders of Hobbits" critique modern culture?

  • Moral Relativism: The book critiques the modern embrace of moral relativism, which it sees as leading to a loss of moral direction.
  • Existentialism: It addresses the existentialist view that life lacks inherent meaning, offering stories as a counter-narrative.
  • Loss of Virtue: The narrative laments the decline of classical and theological virtues in contemporary society.
  • Cultural Blindness: It argues that modern culture is blind to the sacred drama of God's work in the world, needing a revival of Christian humanism.

How does "On the Shoulders of Hobbits" use Tolkien's and Lewis's works to illustrate its themes?

  • Character Analysis: The book analyzes key characters from Tolkien's and Lewis's works to illustrate virtues and moral lessons.
  • Narrative Episodes: It selects specific episodes from the stories to highlight themes of courage, friendship, and redemption.
  • Comparative Approach: By comparing the two authors' works, the book draws out shared themes and messages.
  • Literary Criticism: It employs literary criticism to delve into the deeper meanings and spiritual insights of the narratives.

What is the significance of the title "On the Shoulders of Hobbits"?

  • Standing on Giants: The title suggests that by standing on the shoulders of Tolkien and Lewis, readers can gain greater insight into virtue and morality.
  • Hobbits as Everyman: Hobbits represent the everyman, whose simple virtues and courage are central to the narrative's moral lessons.
  • Journey and Growth: The title implies a journey of growth and understanding, guided by the wisdom of the stories.
  • Legacy of Literature: It acknowledges the lasting impact of Tolkien's and Lewis's works on readers and their moral development.

Review Summary

4.32 out of 5
Average of 500+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

On the Shoulders of Hobbits explores virtues in Tolkien and Lewis's works, examining themes like heroism, friendship, and good vs. evil. Many reviewers praise Markos's insightful analysis and engaging writing style, finding the book thought-provoking and inspiring. Some appreciate the connections to classical literature and Christian themes. A few criticize repetitiveness or disagree with certain interpretations. Overall, most readers find it enriching, deepening their appreciation for The Lord of the Rings and Narnia while prompting reflection on timeless virtues.

Your rating:

About the Author

Louis Markos is a Professor of English at Houston Baptist University, holding the Robert H. Ray Chair in Humanities. He earned his Ph.D. in English from the University of Michigan, specializing in British Romantic Poetry, Literary Theory, and Classics. Markos has been teaching at Houston Baptist University since 1991. His academic background and expertise in literature, particularly in the works of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, inform his analysis in "On the Shoulders of Hobbits." Markos's scholarly approach, combined with his ability to make complex themes accessible, contributes to the book's appeal to both academic and general readers.

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