This recording from August 6, 2025

Signum University presents Thesis Theater with Sarah Shahan Polo on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at 1pm ET.

This thesis explores the complex relationship between J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and the literary and cultural movements of modernism and postmodern counterculture. Though Tolkien personally distanced himself from modernist and postmodern ideologies, his work nevertheless reflects and resonates with themes central to both movements. By analyzing scholarly perspectives and cultural responses, this study argues that The Lord of the Rings bridges ancient literary traditions with modern sensibilities—addressing war trauma, the nature of evil, identity, environmentalism, and evolving concepts of heroism. Special attention is given to the novel’s adoption by the American counterculture of the 1960s and 70s, which found in Tolkien’s world a mythic yet morally complex narrative emblematic of their own anti-war, environmentalist, and anti-establishment values. While Tolkien intended to write a myth that might nourish the soil and roots of England, his work’s reception by modern and postmodern audiences reveals its enduring relevance. Ultimately, The Lord of the Rings transcends its time to become not merely a myth for England, but a myth for mankind.

About the Presenter:

Sarah Polo has a deep fascination with the humanities, from fine art to dance to literature. She enjoys nitpicking at language, studying history, reading everything, and writing, which ultimately prompted her to pursue an education in English, finding particular solace in mythology and medievalism. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with an emphasis in teaching and linguistics, Master of Arts degree in English Language and Literature, and a minor degree in Old Testament Biblical Studies from Azusa Pacific University. In 2020, she joined Signum University to expand her knowledge of language and literature particularly in Tolkien Studies. She also has articles published in journals including Mallorn, The Cambridge Tolkien Society Journal, and The West Wind, as well as a children’s book called The Purple Ballet Tree. Additionally, she has been an educator for ten years, both as a ballet instructor and English teacher. She is an adjunct professor at Azusa Pacific University and owns a literature and language school called Page Turners Academy for young students. Working with students brings her great joy, and she hopes to cultivate a deep love for stories and language in them as they grow. She is married with one child, loves to cook, paint, garden, and cannot wait to read The Hobbit to her daughter one day.

About Signum Thesis Theaters:

Each of our master’s students writes a thesis at the end of their degree program, exploring a topic of their choice. The Thesis Theater is their opportunity to present their research to a general audience, and answer questions. All are welcome to attend!

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