Many 20th century books that high schoolers read in English focus on the bleakness of humanity, with books like The Great Gatsby, To Kill a Mockingbird, and 1984 providing explicit criticisms about human nature and society’s path. That Modernist period of literature rejected tradition, disillusioned to the majesty of life. However, one 20th century author in particular did not conform to that new literary culture. 

J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels are different from other literature of his time period, less focused on human drama, and more focused on highlighting the grand romance and honor of life. Through his writing, Tolkien forms a special connection with the literary style of authors of the Romantic period, particularly Sir Walter Scott’s. 

Scott lived from the late 1700s to the early 1800s. He saw both the Industrial and French Revolutions, observing strong class conflict, as well as the negative impacts of absolute monarchs. Tolkien lived during the 1900s, fighting in WWI and experiencing the Great Depression and WWII. 

Scott’s Ivanhoe and Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings provide a basis for comparison between the two authors. Both authors draw elements of their tumultuous times into their work; and through their similar writing styles, they highlight challenging themes, focusing on the beauty of humanity, rather than the folly.

Ivanhoe is a historical fiction novel. It is set in England, towards the end of the 12th century A.D., and includes real historical figures like King Richard the Lionhearted and Prince John (who became king after Richard and signed the Magna Carta). It also includes fictional characters from the period’s cultural zeitgeist, such as Robin Hood. The novel tells the tale of the disinherited knight, Ivanhoe, and the conflicts he and his companions face at the hands of an oppressive ruler. 

The Lord of the Rings is also presented as a history; Tolkien takes the position of a messenger, who discovered and translated the hobbits’ writings about the War of the Ring. The trilogy details the conflict between an evil Dark Lord and the common folk of Middle Earth. 

Because both works are set up as though they were events that really happened, they are able to include actual moments in history. For instance, Scott displays the antisemitism that plagued the time period, showcasing the greed of many Christians, who — in the novel — only respect Jewish people when it benefits them monetarily. Tolkien incorporates industrialization into his writing, as Saruman pollutes Isengard with machinery.

In these ways, both novels serve as critiques of humanity’s past. However, in each story, the protagonists prevail over the negative states of affairs, sending a message that the nature of people tends towards goodness. 

To further set up a connection with the audience, both authors, at times, speak directly to the reader, leisurely describing the events of their stories. When switching scenes, they make the reader feel as though they are a part of the story, with phrases like, “We must return to the adventures of [this character].” The use of words like “we” and “our” make the reader feel like the story is their own. 

The authors also speak to the reader as though they are passing down an oral history, the same way parents tell their children about family anecdotes. This style of writing evokes a feeling of sitting around, perhaps by a fire, and listening to a tale to pass the time away.

The calmer, more intimate nature of their novels allows the authors to share some of their own worldviews and life experiences. Both stories touch on parent-child conflict, such as the discord between Ivanhoe and Cedric in Ivanhoe, or the disrespect Denethor has for Faramir in The Lord of the Rings. However, the authors also highlight the positive relationships that people create in the midst of conflict. For instance, their characters exhibit the brotherly bonds formed in war-like settings, which makes sense especially for Tolkien, who was an English army officer. 

Additionally, both authors are as detailed as mosaics, with Scott writing a page and a half on the attire of one of the knights, and Tolkien describing every single hill and gully the characters pass by. They also frequently incorporate songs into their work that the characters sing to lighten the mood. These aspects of their writing evince an appreciation for nature, as well as human creation. 

Although Scott and Tolkien’s style of writing tends to elongate sequences of events, their stories are not without punchy humor. Ivanhoe has a couple characters who are clearly for comedic relief, particularly the gluttonous Athelstane, and The Return of the King has an entire chapter, “The Houses of Healing,” laced with irony. Throughout their novels, both authors tackle heavy events, but with quips mixed in, which engages the reader intellectually and emotionally. 

Through both Tolkien’s and Scott’s works, the reader still feels the critiques of society, but their style of writing gives a sense of honoring the story, rather than chastising it. Among a literary canon that increasingly focuses on the pitfalls of society, Scott’s and Tolkien’s works are valuable; as the authors look back on simpler times, they find a way to acknowledge both the strifes and accomplishments of humanity.