Return of the King

Compare and contrast the journeys of Merry and Pippin. How are their experiences in Rohan and Gondor similar and how are they different?

Do you think that Frodo is the true hero of The Return of the King, or do you think that Sam should be seen as a more significant hero in this book?

Analyze the character arc of Éowyn in The Return of the King. Do you see her as a feminist character or as a negative stereotype of women?

Compare the land of Mordor to the land of the Shire. How does Tolkien set them up as opposites, and how do they turn out to be alike?

What is the significance of writing and storytelling in The Return of the King? How do characters use narratives to help understand their own lives?

How do other characters describe the race of men? What are the flaws and the strengths of men in comparison to other races in Middle-earth?

How does the use of multiple perspectives influence the story and create suspense? When does Tolkien use dramatic irony to give the reader more knowledge than the characters?

Discuss the portrayal of war in this novel. What does Tolkien see as an acceptable reason for war and what tactics does he dislike?