Allegory and Authorial Intent

Occasionally I'll be sitting and pondering English literature (to little end), when an end will suddenly come, an intrigue: the question of authorial intent. The thoughts will start to flow, and just like that, I'll be the host of an internal debate. The central question of the debate is the following: Should we attempt to...

Writing with Clarity

Greetings! Today I'd like to talk to you about an aspect of writing that I've had a hard time with recently, and that I know others struggle with, but that I believe there is a clear solution to. I've recently been reading Dæmon Voices, a collection of essays on writing by the English author Philip...

Aragorn: A Study in Character

In my time as a general fan of fantasy literature, I have come to appreciate the character development and lessons of personal experience that can be portrayed within. When searching for examples of character work done well, especially in the foundational days of the genre, it is easy to point to The Lord of the...

Tolkien and the Escapism Debate

If you’re a reader of fantasy—or an avid reader of general fiction—you’re likely familiar with the idea of “escapism.” This word, turned about by authors, readers, and critics throughout the decades, is defined by google as “the tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities, especially by seeking entertainment or engaging in fantasy.”  I...