Walking in middle-earth: A study of Lord of the Rings-based fan fiction using fan theory

Date of Publication

2005

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts in Literature

Subject Categories

Comparative Literature

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

Literature

Thesis Adviser

Anne Frances Sangil

Defense Panel Member

Shirley Lua
Ma. Teresa Wright
Grace S. Alfon

Abstract/Summary

Fan fiction is an oft-looked over branch of literature, perhaps because it is not considered credible . However, thanks to the widespread use of the Internet, fan fiction has begun to come out into the limelight - to the delight of some, and to the dismay of others.

This thesis is about fan fiction - Lord of the Rings fan fiction, in particular. It attempts to look at fan fiction from the perspective of the fans, using the theories as proposed by Henry Jenkins and Matt Hills. Using their views, it seeks to prove that fan fiction writers can empower themselves by using fan fiction as a vehicle for their ideas and opinions that would not normally be voiced out in everyday life and everyday situations.

Henry Jenkins' views on fan fiction are based on reader response theory, and that is taken into perspective. His views regarding the idea that fans are able to reread and reinterpret the main text according to their needs and wants is central to this thesis, for it is also this ability to freely change and reinterpret that is crucial to the idea of empowerment for fan fiction writers. Matt Hills, on the other hand, offers additional insights into how the Internet has not just expanded fandom, but also changed it - and, by extension, fan fiction as well.

By analyzing four stories written by four different fan fiction writers, this thesis aims to prove that there is a sense of empowerment granted to fan fiction writers.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Print

Accession Number

TU13739

Shelf Location

Archives, The Learning Commons, 12F, Henry Sy Sr. Hall

Physical Description

vii, 140, [25] leaves ; 28 cm. + : 1 computer optical disc.

Keywords

Lord of the rings films--Social aspects; Motion pictures--Social aspects

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