Ben Saxton ’04 Studies Works of Tolkien and Lewis and their Acceptance into British Literature

A double major in English and economics & business, Ben Saxton ’04 (Walker Valley, N.Y.) is conducting yearlong honors research on two authors whose works have gained popularity in recent years — C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien — and will present his findings at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research later this month.

Under the guidance of Laura Walls, professor of English, Saxton is examining the critical reception these authors have received.

“My topic can broadly be described as a study of C.S. Lewis’ and J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy works,” he explains. “I am focusing on issues such as the significance of religion; the importance of literary techniques such as allegory, symbol, and myth; and where the authors’ works should be viewed in comparison to the collective literary achievements of the 20th century.”

In recent years, Tolkien, author of the Lord of the Rings books, has gained newfound popularity with successful film adaptations of his works. Despite this popular acclaim, critical acceptance is slow in coming. Lewis, author of the novel The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and other works, was the subject of a 1993 feature film, Shadowlands, starring Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger.

“Through his research, Ben is asking why these two writers’ work isn’t accepted into the canon of British literature,” says Walls. “His work is examining how and where we place them as 20th century writers.”

Adds Saxton, “The literature of Lewis and Tolkien is not considered ‘serious’ when compared to the Modernists who wrote during the same era. This debate is really reaching a boiling point given the recent popularity of these authors.”

Saxton’s interest in the topic grew out of a love for both of these authors’ writings that stems back to his childhood.

“Initially, I mainly wanted to study C.S. Lewis because I enjoyed his writing at a young age,” he says. “However, I soon realized how closely Lewis and Tolkien were connected, both personally and professionally, and I decided to focus on a joint study of the two men. I like their fantasy, but what I find especially compelling are the moral and religious issues that surface in each author’s works.”

Saxton believes that he could not have a better adviser than Walls. “She is very engaging, challenges me, and has helped me outline a specific plan for completing a project that may surpass 100 pages,” he says. “She’s an ideal mentor. We get along really well, and she’s really helped me break down the project into small pieces.”

Walls was struck by Saxton’s direction and drive when he discussed his thesis proposal while studying abroad.

“He contacted me from Australia with such a clear idea of what he wanted to do,” she says. “He’s been marvelous. He has a lot of ideas.”

Saxton is considering graduate school in English with plans to continue in academia.

“I believe Lafayette is the ideal environment for undergoing thesis work, mainly because of its size,” he says. “While abroad in Australia, I was at a university that had around 25,000 students, and I really appreciated the personal relationships I have formed with Lafayette professors. The English department has definitely surpassed any expectations I’ve had. The department is strengthened by its diversity, and the classes I’ve taken have pretty much been exceptional across the board.”

Saxton, a graduate of Pine Bush Central High School, is co-editor of the Marquis literary magazine and takes guitar lessons through the music department. He is a former member of the men’s varsity basketball team.

Honors thesis projects are among several major opportunities at Lafayette that make the College a national leader in undergraduate research. Lafayette sends one of the largest contingents to the National Conference on Undergraduate Research each year. Over the past five years, more than 130 Lafayette students have presented results from research with faculty mentors, or under their guidance, at the conference.