On Fairy-Stories

Tolkien alludes to “the magic land of Hy Breasail” (111) as the inspiration for the naming of Brazil. In what ways did the age of exploration impact fantasy literature and vice-versa?

How does Tolkien develop the metaphor of “The Cauldron of Story” throughout his essay and how does it support his argument?

Explain the key differences between traveler’s tales, beast fables, and fairy-stories, as Tolkien sees them. Why is it important for Tolkien’s larger argument to distinguish between these three forms?

How does Tolkien’s discussion of invention, inheritance, and diffusion develop the theme of Relationship Between Myth, History, Folklore, and Fairy-story? What effect might this discussion have on his audience?

Tolkien claims that fairy-stories “as a whole have three faces: the Mystical towards the Supernatural; the Magical towards Nature; and the Mirror of scorn or pity towards Man” (125). Choose a fairy-tale and explore whether that fairy-tale meets Tolkien’s definition. Then, analyze the story through the lens of the three faces.

Tolkien argues that “Drama is naturally hostile to Fantasy” (140). What does he mean by this? Evaluate the effectiveness of the literary references Tolkien uses to support his claim.

In his discussion of Escape, Tolkien compares the critics’ negative connotation of escapist literature to “a party-spokesman [who] labelled departure from the misery of the Fuhrer’s or any other Reich and even criticism of it as treachery” (148). Analyze Tolkien’s treatment of his subject in light of the historical context of the original lecture.

Analyze the purpose of Tolkien’s discussion of electric-street lamps in his larger argument, considering his rhetorical and historical context.