The image of dragon in literature. Pedagogical perspective on the basis of John Ronald Reuel Tolkien’s Hobbit Cover Image

Obraz smoka w literaturze. Perspektywa pedagogiczna oparta na analizie Hobbita Ronalda Reuela Tolkiena
The image of dragon in literature. Pedagogical perspective on the basis of John Ronald Reuel Tolkien’s Hobbit

Author(s): Anna Hyla
Subject(s): Social Sciences, Education, School education
Published by: Wydawnictwo LIBRON
Keywords: Hobbit; Tolkien; dragon; hero; morality development

Summary/Abstract: This article focuses on the dragon character in literature, taking Tolkien’s Hobbit as an example while employing a pedagogical perspective. The dragon, as the antagonist, is a recurring motif in literary fiction, especially in fantasy, and together with the hero represents the struggle between good and evil. Smaug the dragon and other characters, as well as their moral codes and motivations, are analysed in the context of other similar classic literary works, e.g. Beowulf. The author then proceeds to present how discussing the antagonist character in class, and using various methods for forming morality, may benefit the development of children’s moral code and emotional intelligence.

  • Issue Year: 11/2018
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 207-218
  • Page Count: 12
  • Language: English