On Fairy Stories, By J. R.

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In his article, “On Fairy Stories” written in 1947, author J.R.R. Tolkien informs his readers that fairy-stories are not only for children, but they are also for adults to read and to enjoy. He believes that these stories should be a genre for all ages, but mostly for adults because they are able to legitimize the literary value of fairy-stories unlike children. To illustrate his argument, he poses inquiry questions and at the same time, he answers them to clarify the purpose of fairy-stories. He brings forth three types of questions: “What is a fairy story?” “What are the origins of fairy-stories?” and “What are the use of fairy-stories?” Thus, he asserts his viewpoints on how only adults can give judgement on the literary value of fairy-stories. …show more content…

He emphasizes that fairy-stories are of a realm about “Faerie” that deals with an indescribable and imperceptible perilous land. In other words, for the author “Faerie” has the same meaning as fairy. He simply utilizes the word “Faerie” instead of fairy to distinguish the value of rank and seriousness of these tales. Tolkien explains that the word fairy has been diminutive because fairies are perceived to belong in a “nursery”; therefore, these stories are designed for only children. In addition, Tolkien also highlights the effects of fantasies within these tales and explains that “a fantasy is a human activity which does not destroy nor insult Reason.” (18). For the author, this statement implies that fantasies are created by humans, standing as a sub-creation in

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