Texts: Tolkien, “Farmer Giles of Ham,” in Tales from the Perilous Realm; also, check out this excellent audiobook version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAYE4rwcoo4/
Discussion Leaders: Valen Tam, Daphne de Grandpre
Discussion Questions:
- How does the story of Farmer Giles of Ham fit into Tolkien’s definition of a fairy-story?
- In literature dragons often offer a negative mirror image of the main hero, do you see this reflected in Farmer Giles?
- Based on our previous discussion of fairy-stories being primarily intended for children, can you argue that this story would also be well suited for adults? Perhaps even better suited when taking into account the themes of violence, greed, and conquest.
- Unlike the dragon in Beowulf, and Smaug from the Hobbit, Chyrsophylax becomes a weapon for Giles to use as leverage against the king. Giles is no longer a humble farmer, but has been given access to unchecked power, is Giles really a good hero we should be emulating when he is overthrowing his King using a weapon of mass destruction?
- What precepts of Tolkien’s style from “On Fairy Stories” and “Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics” can be identified in Farmer Giles of Ham? For example, Tolkien stated that magic “must not be made fun of” in “On Fairy Stories.” However, Farmer Giles of Ham clearly embraces humor and is often referred to as a mock epic. In your opinion, did Tolkien break his self-defined fairy story precepts? Is there a reason for the humor beyond the comedy in Farmer Giles of Ham?
- How is Farmer Giles of Ham, a seemingly simple fairytale for children, consistent with Tolkien’s insistence that the targeted audience of fairy stories should be adults? What are some elements children would not have caught onto, besides what is outlined in “On Fairy Stories?” For example, what are some of the anachronisms in Farmer Giles of Ham? Philological wordplays? Or anything else that stood out to you?
- What are some examples of ecclesiastical symbolism in Farmer Giles of Ham?
