"I am a shieldmaiden and my hand is ungentle": Gender Portrayal in J.R.R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" Trilogy

Bc. Petar Peric

Bachelor's thesis

Abstract:

Tato diplomová práce se pokouší analyzovat zobrazení, strukturování a vývoj genderu v trilogii Pán prstenů za použití teoretických definic femininity a maskulinity a sociálně konstruovaných genderových rolí a genderových stereotypů. Analýza se zaměřuje na zobrazení genderu několika postav v korelaci s jejich charakterovým vývojem, jejich rolí ve vyprávění a jejich vztahem k postavám opačného i vlastního pohlaví.

Abstract:

This thesis attempts to analyse J.R.R. Tolkien’s portrayal, structuring, and development of gender in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, with the employment of theoretical definitions of femininity and masculinity, and socially-constructed gender roles and gender stereotypes. The analysis focuses on several characters’ gender portrayal in correlation with their character development, their role in the narrative, and their relations to the characters of the opposite, as well as of their own, gender.

Keywords

J.R.R.Tolkien, Gender Stereotypes, Gender Roles, Masculine, Feminine, Patriarchy

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 25. 5. 2022

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 9. 6. 2022
• Supervisor: prof. Mgr. Milada Franková, CSc.
• Reader: Mgr. Tereza Šmilauerová

Masaryk University

Faculty of Arts

Bachelor programme / field:
English Language and Literature / English Language and Literature