Movies Quote by John C. Wright
““All medieval and classic cultures of the ancient world, including those on which Tolkien modeled his elves, routinely exposed their young and marriageable women to the fortunes of war, because bearing and raising the next generation of warriors is not needed for equality-loving elves. Equality-loving elves. Who are monarchists. With a class system. Of ranks. Battles are more fun when attractive young women are dismembered and desecrated by goblins! I believe that this is one point where C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and all Christian fantasy writers from before World War Two were completely agreed upon, and it is a point necessary in order correctly to capture the mood and tone and nuance of the medieval romances or Norse sagas such writers were straining their every artistic nerve and sinew to create. So, wait, we have an ancient and ageless society of elves where the virgin maidens go off to war, but these same virgin maidens must abide by the decision of their father or liege lord for permission to marry? -- The Desolation of Tolkien””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Desolation of Tolkien, 2020
The quote argues that medieval-inspired fantasy often depicts women as war participants yet still controlled by patriarchal authority, reflecting contradictory gender norms in early fantasy literature.
In simple terms: Fantasy often shows women in war but still under male control.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and critique gender contradictions in genre tropes.
Themes
gender roles
fantasy literature
historical influence
authorial intent
social critique
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
literary
critical
When to use this quote
- writing analysis
- literary criticism
- educational discussion
- creative workshops
- media studies
Key Concepts
patriarchy
war mythology
mythic archetypes
Questions to Reflect On
- How do modern fantasy authors subvert these tropes?
- What impact does this portrayal have on readers?
A Different Perspective
The claim may overgeneralize authors’ intentions and ignore diverse interpretations.
![“[After a period of separation, Phaeton and Daphne are cuddling.] Diomedes, meanwhile, was leaning to look behind Helion, staring with open fascination at the display Phaethon and Daphne made. “I have not seen non-parthenogenic bioforms before. Are they going to copulate?” Atkins and Helion looked…” quote by John C. Wright](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c97/john-c-wright-11300_cuddling_after-a-period-of-separation-phaeton-and_781840.jpg)
