The Role of Cultural Identity in The Lord of the Rings: A Focus on Stuart Hall’s Theoretical Approaches

Subject Areas : Journal of Language, Culture, and Translation

Hadiseh Alishiri ¹ , Hossein Moradi ² , Fazel Asadi Amjad ³

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Received: 2024-07-23 Accepted : 2025-01-31 Published : 2025-01-31

Keywords: Cultural identity, Cultural hybridity, Power and resistance, Tradition and modernity, Globalization,

Abstract :

The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien intricately examines identity, power, and resistance by looking at the different races of Elves, Dwarves, Hobbits, and Men in Middle Earth. These races reveal other aspects of culture, history, and values, which show Tolkien's concern concerning identity and belonging. The nature of cultural identity as fluid, contested, and constructed by Stuart Hall will help us to understand these complexities. Hall's ideas about cultural hybridity and representation, as well as change and tradition, help us make sense of Tolkien's identity complex. The self-imposed isolation of Elves is mirrored in the plight of Dwarves, which parallels the suffering of the destitute. The Hobbits' transformation from the Shire entails deeper themes of strength and change, as these motifs transcend geographically. The Fellowship represents diversity in depth. Their cooperation for the greater good shows how people can work together despite their differences. Through this perspective, Tolkien discusses a pluralistic cultural identity where no culture dominates the other. The Lord of the Rings instead of a fixed identity focuses on diversity and shared goals, emphasizing resistance, belonging, and change.

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