Bert Raman

ABSTRACT

This thesis explores the interaction between modern and mythical elements in The Lord of the Rings. This naratological study is founded on the theoretical-methodological framework of the chronotope-theory, as developed by Bakhtin, and elaborated by Keunen. A chronotope essentially is a temporal spatial constellation which is conceived as a mental unity which forms the backbone of the reading and writing process (Keunen).

Modern and mythical elements are isolated within the story: mythical elements are linked to the mission chronotope while modern elements are grouped around the dialogical chronotope of the Bildungsroman. In addition to these two chronotopes, the text explores the idyllic chronotope in The Lord of the Rings, as it has an important organising function within each of the other two chronotopes.

Not only does this chronotopical perspective allow us to investigate the interaction between myth and modernity and its repercussions on the moral of the story; more importantly it may open up new ways of perceiving Tolkien's work.