J.R.R. Tolkien's Memory of the First World War in His Works

Abstract

This article examines the problem of perception of the First World War and its events in the context of preserving the memory of it. The main emphasis is on the personal perception of military operations and their subsequent reflection in a work of art. We are talking about the work of the writers of the "lost generation of 1914", in whose novels and stories the memory of a historical event is preserved. The central issue of the studied memory of the "Great War" was the work of the British writer and scientist J.R.R. Tolkien and his personal perception of the event, reflected in the epic novel "The Lord of the Rings". In modern historical science, the problem is poorly studied. The attempts of research scientists are based on the use of comparative historical and biographical research methods, which is why many issues are not taken into account. Therefore, the author aims to identify the subjects poorly studied by foreign and domestic researchers in the problem of perception of J.R.R. Tolkien events of the First World War. The main task is aimed at identifying and systematic analysis of the main storylines of "The Lord of the Rings" and comparing them with the data of the letters of the British writer and the memoirs of other participants in the hostilities. The author comes to the conclusion that the formed J.R.R. Tolkien and the image of the First World War reflected in the novel "The Lord of the Rings" is his personal assessment, and for its study it is not enough to use predominantly comparative historical and biographical methods of research.