Book SummaryA Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War, by Joseph Loconte

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War

The profound impact of the First World War reshaped societal norms, spiritual convictions, and cultural values, precipitating a crisis of intellect.

The unprecedented scale of death, destruction, and human suffering during World War I shook the foundations of European civilization and produced widespread disillusionment with traditional social, political, and religious beliefs.

The scale of devastation and the number of lives lost surpassed all previous conflicts, leading to death, harm, or displacement of innumerable people and reducing entire cities and areas to rubble.

Joseph Loconte emphasizes the staggering number of fatalities resulting from the First World War. The introduction of sophisticated weaponry, such as large-caliber guns and rapid-fire weapons, led to the obsolescence of traditional battle tactics, causing a protracted war marked by a prevalent dependence on fortified defensive stands. The war claimed the lives of nine million military personnel and left around thirty-seven million more with injuries. Loconte emphasizes the scale of the casualties by noting that nearly six million British men, which constituted one-fourth of the country's adult male population, served in the armed forces, and around 12.5% of these soldiers perished. J.R.R. Tolkien's military service took place at the Somme, a location that became symbolic of the deep tragedies associated with war. On the initial day of the campaign, the offensive resulted in the deaths of over 19,000 British troops, and as the operation progressed, the casualty count exceeded 1.2 million.

Beyond battlefield deaths, Loconte highlights the devastation inflicted upon civilian populations. The relentless shelling altered verdant forests into desolate shadows of their past beauty, converting fertile earth into a landscape marred with craters and resembling the moon's surface, strewn with marshy ground. The prolonged blockades resulted in a critical shortage of food and widespread illness, ultimately causing the death of numerous civilians. Loconte underscores the appalling massacre of around 1.5 million Armenians, using this tragedy as a clear example of the barbarity that was witnessed throughout the conflict. The widespread destruction and the staggering death toll profoundly affected the shared awareness of European society, resulting in a substantial upheaval of traditional social and political frameworks and fostering a widespread sense of disillusionment.

Context

• Unlike earlier wars, World War I involved many nations across different continents, making it a truly global conflict with widespread impact.
• The scale of the war and the new technology required more sophisticated logistics and supply chains, altering how armies were organized and sustained over long periods and distances.
• The war led to significant social changes, including shifts in gender roles, as women entered the workforce in large numbers to replace men who had gone to fight.
• The war effort required massive economic mobilization, leading to increased government debt and post-war economic challenges, including unemployment and inflation.
• The Somme has become a symbol of the tragic loss of a generation, often referred to as the "Lost Generation," and is commemorated in various memorials and cultural works as a reminder of the war's impact.
• The Battle of the Somme was one of the largest battles of World War I, taking place between July 1 and November 18, 1916, along the Somme River in France.
• The environmental impact of shelling included soil degradation, deforestation, and pollution, which had long-term effects on local ecosystems and agricultural productivity.
• Before the war, many of these areas were known for their natural beauty and agricultural productivity. The war's devastation marked a stark contrast to the pre-war landscape, highlighting the war's destructive power.
• In response to shortages, many countries introduced rationing systems to manage the distribution of limited food supplies. Despite these efforts, malnutrition and hunger became widespread, particularly in urban areas.
• The events of the Armenian Genocide have been commemorated annually on April 24th, known as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day.
• In an attempt to prevent future conflicts, the League of Nations was established, marking the first significant effort at international cooperation, although it ultimately failed to maintain peace.
• The war created a rift between those who had experienced its horrors firsthand and the younger generation, leading to a sense of alienation and disillusionment with the values of the older generation.

The brutality and futility of the war undermined faith in progress, democracy, and the moral compass provided by Western society, leading to deep spiritual turmoil and a broad rejection of conventional institutions and values.

Loconte emphasizes the prevalent belief in the early 20th century about what was termed the "Myth of...

A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War Summary Tolkien and Lewis's experiences in World War I profoundly influenced their fantasy literature, fostering a renewed respect for enduring values.

Tolkien and Lewis, having experienced the horrors of the Great War firsthand, instilled their literary works with profound moral gravity and authenticity, portraying a struggle against malevolence.

Tolkien's depiction of Middle-earth's landscapes, with their desolate characteristics and the horrifying elements of industrialized warfare, reflects the combat zones and trenches that he encountered during his time on the Western Front.

Loconte suggests that Tolkien's personal experiences, notably his involvement in World War I's Battle of the Somme, deeply influenced the way he portrayed natural settings in The Lord of the Rings. In his capacity as the communications officer for his unit, Tolkien was directly exposed to the dreadful realities of modern weaponry, the extensive trench systems, and the bleak landscapes littered with casualties. Loconte suggests that the treacherous marshlands traversed by Frodo and Sam on their journey to Mordor evoke the terrains Tolkien remembered from the Battle of the Somme. The writer emphasizes Tolkien's portrayal of the marshlands, pointing out that the terrain grew harsh and was filled with an overpowering odor that hindered...

A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War Summary The broader societal backdrop and their individual stories significantly shaped the themes and ideas present in Tolkien's and Lewis's literary creations.

The experiences of war and the sorrow of losing friends deeply shaped the viewpoints of Tolkien and Lewis, which in turn imbued their literary works with themes of morality and theology.

Tolkien's growing distaste for industrialization and technology, coupled with his love for the natural world, became even more pronounced as he witnessed the environmental devastation wrought by the conflict.

Loconte underscores Tolkien's lasting respect for the natural world and his deep skepticism about the progression of technological innovations. The author argues that Tolkien, who grew up in a pre-industrial era and witnessed the encroachment of industrialization on the English countryside, viewed "the Machine" as a force that sought to dominate and exploit both nature and humanity. His doubts deepened as he observed the destructive impact of mechanized warfare on nature during his time stationed along the Western Front.

Tolkien's portrayal of the hobbits' peaceful dwelling reflects, according to Loconte, his desire for a simple life harmonious with the natural world. The author underscores how Tolkien's depiction of the desolate land of Mordor symbolizes the dangerous outcomes...