Themes, Influences, and Artistic Styles

As a devout Catholic, the Christion theme is ever present in his books. The Scilmarillion is a great example of this. It could be considered a Genesis to his entire works, and if Tolkien had his way, would have been the first book he published. It is a description of how Middle-earth was created by the first Elf Eru and is very similar to the Bible in which God had created the heavens and earth. The biggest theme that runs throughout his works is the contrant struggle of good versus evil and how ultimate power corrupts ultimatly. Most of Tolkien's influences stem from the liturature and languages that he studied throughout his life. His influences seem to be greatest in Oxford where he established a group called "The Inklings." Messrs Coghill, Owen Barfield, Charles Williams, and C. S. Lewis, who became one of Tolkien's closest friends, were memebers of "The Inklings" in which they would focus on writing. They met to converse, drink, and read eath others works-in-progress.