Mordor and the threat from the East: Tolkien's shifting intentions: Orientalism and representation in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to demonstrate the presence of Orientalism in the Lord of the Rings; secondly, how orientalist discourse is employed, beginning by defining what Orientalism is and how it relates to the Lord of the Rings. By objectifying the East and not permitting the myriad cultures and nations to have their own voice, the East is categorized by the West as its moral and cultural antagonist. The terminology of Orientalism is reviewed as well as major theories in postcolonial studies, which will be utilized in analyzing Tolkien’s text. This thesis will also examine the orientalist discourses in the text utilizing a multidisciplinary approach which includes linguistics, anthropology, politics, geography, genealogy, and sociology, using as an example the "corruption" of Saruman with oriental values.