Location:
The Heritage Foundation's Lehrman Auditorium
J. R. R. Tolkien's wisdom is applied to just about everything -
Tolkien and industrialization, Tolkien and communism, Tolkien and
religion. What's surprising, especially in today's hypersensitive,
post-Gloria Steinem world, is the dearth of commentary on Tolkien
and women.
In Lord of The Rings, J. R. R. Tolkien makes a radical statement
about women and their role in society. In this program, we will
explore gender roles, aspects of womanhood and feminist philosophy
through Tolkien's main female characters - the gentle and hopeful
Arwen in whose presence everything becomes peaceful; the
tumultuous, restless Eowyn, whose free spirit leads her to triumph
over her greatest foe; and finally, Galadriel whose strength of
mind has created a timeless haven for her people. What do these
woman tell us about virtue and the essence of womanhood?
Copies of ISI Books best-selling book, Sanctifying Myth;
Understanding Middle Earth, will be available for sale
More About the Speakers
Christine O'Donnell
Director of Communications for the Intercollegiate Studies
Institute
with comments from
Jenna Murry
Intern, Intercollegiate Studies Institute and Tolkien
Enthusiast