Shaping of Cultural Values Through Environment in The Left Hand of Darkness, The Fellowship of the Ring, and Dune
Ursuala K. LeGuin's The Left Hand of Darkness was written after J.R.R. Tolkien's The Fellowship of the Ring and Frank Herbert's Dune. One of the most interesting comparisons between the three novels is how the authors treat the issue of cross-cultural misunderstandings. All three works contain many incidents where people of one race or planet encounter people of a different race or from a different planet. Tolkien treats this issue in a 'specisitc' or physiological manner. The cultural misunderstandings and clashes that arise in The Fellowship of the Ring are due to the differing physiology of the characters. Herbert deals with cultural misunderstandings in an environmental manner. In Herbert's world, cultural values depend less on which species a character belong to (because all characters seem to be "roughly" human) and instead depend on environmental variables. In The Left Hand of Darkness, LeGuin combines both approaches. The cultural misunderstandings between Genly Ai and Gethenians are due both to difference in physiology and different cultural values imprinted by environmental factors
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Tolkien's physiological approach is best seen by examining the hobbits attitude towards the outside world. The hobbits are suspicious of, and generally do not understand, non-Hobbits. This can be seen by the Shire's constant suspicion of Bilbo's past adventures. The miller Sandyman comments on Bilbo's adventures: "Elves and Dragons! I says to him. Cabbages and potatoes are better for me and you. Don't go getting mixed up in the business of your betters, or you'll land in trouble too...
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...iologically different from the Gethenians and comes from a planet with a totally different environment. Both of these factors lead to numerous misunderstandings in LeGuin's novel. The difference in the three authors approaches may be seen in the debate between genetics and environment may be the broader issue. Tolkien seems to take the genetics side, Herbert takes the environmental side, and LeGuin, being the daughter of an anthropologist, realizes that both genetics and environment determine cultural values. These values often come into conflict, and when they do, misconceptions and misunderstandings are almost inevitable.
Works Cited
Herbert, Frank. Dune: 1984, Chilton Book Company
LeGuin, Ursula L. The Left Hand of Darkness: 1969, Ace Book Company
Tolkien, J.R.R. The Fellowship of the Ring: 1993, Houghton Mifflin Company
It will be the contention of this paper that much of Tolkien's unique vision was directly shaped by recurring images in the Catholic culture which shaped JRRT, and which are not shared by non-Catholics generally. The expression of these images in Lord of the Rings will then concern us.
Bilbo cleverly eluded Smaug’s temptation, spared the life of foul creature Gollum, and demonstrate courage more and more throughout his journey. These exquisite traits made Bilbo into the revered character that was loved and respected for generations of readers. Throughout the book, Bilbo’s character had changed. At first, he was the ordinary hobbit who described adventures as “Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things” (4) but by the end of his journeys stated to Thorin, “I am glad that I have shared in your perils” (290). Bilbo’s ability to fight evil, make new friends, and to look beyond his maps and books enable him to become a hero. As Gandalf once said at the very beginning, “There is a lot more in him than you guess, and a deal more than he has any idea of himself” (19). Gandalf was right. What appeared to be an uneasy hobbit who fainted at the thought of adventures, turned out to be a brave leader, a compassionate friend, and an inspiring
One topic that was compared between the two novels was racism. The definition of racism is the belief that all member of each race possess characteristics
In 1863, the small town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, was awoken to the beginning of what was to be the turning point of the Civil War for the Union. It began as a small skirmish, but by its end it involved so many Americans to which would become one of the bloodiest battles ever taken place on Unites States soil. The Battle of Gettysburg was not only a turning point in the war.
Billy Jack Haynes Vs Hercules. Actually rather fun for what it was, and I enjoyed the storyline behind it. Both look roided up|Though I could be wrong, but I doubt it| But it was still an interesting contest of power. Double count out ensures, with Hercules bloodying up Billy Jack at the end of the match, with his steel chain.
“Out of the Great Sea to Middle-earth I am come. In this place will I abide, and my heirs, unto the ending of the world,” states Aragorn upon his victorious return to Minas Tirith (Tolkien 946). This moment marks the culmination of years of trial and toil for Aragorn as he strived to regain his kingship; yet, throughout his existence, he remained the epitome of the chivalric hero and maintained his kingly qualities in secrecy. In J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, the character of Aragorn is just one of many examples of chivalry Tolkien utilizes to create his “mythology for England.” Tolkien also does not just limit himself to this one example of medievalism in his novels. The concept of feudalism is also present at pivotal moments of the novels and aids in structuring the governmental workings of Middle-earth. Both of these aspects of medieval England can be found in numerous places throughout Tolkien’s works including in the bonds between characters, in the heraldry of the various kingdoms, in the sacred ceremonies and high language of characters, and in the personalities and actions of the characters, themselves. Together, in The Lord of the Rings, these two aspects of medieval England blend together beautifully to create the sense of depth, history, and weight Tolkien strived to achieve in his works.
Rauk, John. "Societal Reception of Tolkien and Other Modern Writers." Michigan State U., East Lansing, MI. 28 Apr. 2004.
Motivational theories can be applied in a multitude of situations, but in this case the problems that must be resolved include poor morale, low performance levels, and frequent absences. After speaking with the employees it was found that none of them cared about their performance in the workplace. To properly address these issues, Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory, McClelland’s Theory, and McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y can be applied. Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory can be used to improve working conditions and decrease employee dissatisfaction. Doing so would potentially motivate employees to perform better in the workplace and be more inclined to be involved in the job. Applying McClelland’s Theory would allow for the employees three basic categories
The Battle of Gettysburg is a famous battle in the American Civil War (1861-1865) that took place in southern Pennsylvania from July 1 to July 3, 1863. The main issue of the Civil War is the expansion of slavery into federal territories. The Northern states fought to abolish slavery and free the slaves from the Southern plantations. The Southern states built their economy on the plantation crops of cotton and tobacco. Plantations thrived in the South with the free labor of slaves, and the Southern economy would collapse if slavery were abolished (Benson). The people of the Southern states considered slaves to be part of their property, and they were adamant to retain slavery.
Bilbo begins his long journey with the dwarves, who at the time were still skeptical of Bilbo’s abilities. The dwarves didn’t see why they needed such a small incompetent hobbit with them along their journey. Gandalf tells them to stop complaining and to trust that there is more to Bilbo than meets the eye (Tolkien 6). Bilbo soon shows his courage and heroism for the first time in the story when they run into their first obstacle, three large trolls huddled around a campfire. Bilbo, who was once a shy, non-adventurous type, begins to develop into a hero as he tries to steal one of the trolls’ money purses. This is a dramatic scene in the novel because it was Bilbo’s very first act outside his comfort zone. It was this...
...dualistic and develops them fully in his books, and he is not a racist because he did not create the movies that are also being harshly criticized and the racism that we think of today is more harshly looked upon in this generation than that of Tolkien’s. As David Ibata said himself, “I believe the issue is not wheter Tolkien or Jackson intended to offend….they did not”.
Fredrick Herzberg was a Psychologist whose theory includes the two-factor theory of job satisfaction. One factor is hygiene and the other factor is motivation. Hygiene factors are actually dissatisfying job factors. An example of this is: poor work environment or a poor relationship with supervisor. Employees are happiest when they work in a positive work environment as told by Brunot (2013). Motivators include factors for job satisfaction such as, recognition and promotions. Herzberg believed that job dissatisfaction and job satisfactions are not complete opposites, in fact his research proved that are distinctly different things. Just because job dissatisfying factors are eliminated does not mean that there is improvement and job enrichment. He taught that the way to create improvement and job enrichment is to create conditions for job satisfaction and this will motivate employees. An example of this is to offer training with the intention of internal promotions. According to Ritzenhein (2000) the teachings of Herzberg suggest that to motivate, one must get rid of the dissatisfying job factors first and then look for ways to promote growth within the
In the novel, The Hobbit, we find many themes and underlying messages from which useful knowledge and principles can be acquired. As the modern canadian fantasy writer once said, “Fantasy has the capacity to be as important and as thought-provoking as any other form of literature we have.” Tolkien’s work provides readers with challenging and time honoured themes such as: use your unique positive traits for the greater good of the group, power should never be abused and it is important to find your true self in life.
Ellis, A. (1971). Emotional disturbances and its treatment in a nutshell. Canadian Counsellor, 5(3), 168-170.
Since the creation of mankind, humans all over the world have fallen in love and believe that they have found “the one.” People get married and realize that it is not always “happily ever after.” A large percentage of couples are unable to maintain their relationship, because of this, they choose divorce. Many spouses, believe that this is the best solution to deal with problems between each other. However, many people think carefully before getting entangled into marriage. Nevertheless, divorce rates still continue to increase to this very day. It certainly looks as if divorces occur more now than they did 20 years ago. There are three causes of divorce: changing of a woman’s household status, financial situations, and lack of communication.