The Lord of the Rings Trilogy: Fantasy or Allegory.
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien has been proclaimed "Master of Fantasy" and the creator of a new world. Tolkien denied his series as allegorical, instead he insisted that it was universally applicable. Tolkien's popularity however has not come about because his fiction provides an escape, but because it is a social commentary on Human life. The characters in The Lord of the Rings have undeniably human emotions that direct their choices and actions. Like us, their emotions lead them to make decisions that culminate in fatal consequences or rich rewards. The theme of the Battle between Good and Evil is present in most literature, but Tolkien instills hope in the little hobbit that triumphs over great enemies. Also present in Tolkien's allegory, is tragedy. The tragic flaw is quintessentially human. While Fantasy can be closely linked to reality, Tolkien's fiction comes across as a copy of a human society, the only difference being the powers of the characters and physical appearances.
The characters of The Lord of the Rings exhibit human emotions, which consequently affect their courses of action. They love, fear and are susceptible to temptation. Their choices can be rewarding, as in the case of Samwise, or fatal as in the case of Boromir. This is allegorical because human destinies operate in a similar fashion. Our emotions, as humans, often guide our decisions: the consequences of which affect our lives. Samwise is motivated by his love for Frodo. His decision to accompany Frodo on his quest is fuelled by this unwavering loyalty, .
"If you don't come back, sir, then I shan't, that's certain I am going with him, if he climbs to the moon; and if any of those Black Riders try to stop him, they"ll have Sam Gamgee to reckon with"{Book 1,123}.
Sam lives up to his word. To protect Frodo, he battles against the evil Shelob, risking his own life.
