A Tapestry of Imagination: A Delving into World-Building through J. R. R. Tolkien (1892-1973) and Tzvetan Todorov (1939-2017)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 English Department , arak University

2 اراک- خ. شهید بهشتی، دانشگاه اراک، گروه زبان و ادبیات انگلیسی

10.22091/slic.2026.16391.1034

Abstract

This essay explores the multifaceted nature of world-building in speculative fiction by examining the convergence between Tolkien's concept of sub-creation and Todorov's interpretation of the fantastic genre. While both acknowledge its importance, their approaches differ. Tolkien emphasises recovery and invention, drawing inspiration from existing narratives and using language to craft internally coherent worlds. Todorov focuses on the reader's experience, highlighting the ‘hesitation’ created by blurring the familiar and unfamiliar. The essay delves into Tolkien's meticulous world-building in Leaf by Niggle and Todorov's exploration of hesitation. It then examines the potential tension between Tolkien's cauldron of stories and Todorov's emphasis on authorial agency, suggesting they can be seen as an interplay. Finally, the essay explores how Todorov's hesitation can be applied to Tolkien's work, even though their approaches differ. By appreciating these contrasting perspectives, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of world-building and its impact on readers. By recognizing the potential for hesitation even within Tolkien's seemingly familiar world, we gain a richer appreciation for the complexities of narrative and the ways in which even the most meticulously crafted fictional world can evoke a sense of wonder and questioning, blurring the lines between the real and the imagined and inviting us to delve deeper into the boundless realm of human creativity. This analysis enriches our appreciation for speculative fiction as a vibrant tapestry that challenges our perceptions and invites us to explore the boundless realms of imagination.

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Studies in literature and Culture: from Theory to Practice

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 28 July 2026

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