Interpreting Literature and

Essay Writing

THE LORD OF THE RINGS:

THE RETURN OF THE KING

Lesson Objectives1) To provide practice in interpreting literature

A)To use analysis to determine plots, settings, and conflicts in a work of

literature

B)To use synthesis and analysis to determine the relationships and

motivations of characters in a work of literature

Lesson Objectives2) To provide practice in writing an

essay

A)Develop an opinion based on one of five writing prompts.

B)Express and support that opinion in a five paragraph essay.

Review of Literature Terms

• Theme

• Plot

• Conflict

• Characterization

• Motivation

• Setting

• Dialogue

• Resolution

Returning Characters

• Aragorn

• Legolas

• Gimili

• Frodo

• Sam

• Merry

• Pippin

• Gandalf

• Bilbo

• Smeagol/Gollum

Returning Characters

• Denethor

• Faramir

• Theoden

• Eomer

• Eowyn

• Elrond

• Arwen

• Galadarial

• Treebeard

• Sauron

• Saruman

• Black Riders/Nazgul

New Characters

Witch King

Shelob

Settings• Isengard• Mordor• Dunharrow• Paths of the Dead• Minas Tirith• Osgiliath• Minas Morgul

• Cirth Ungol• Edoras• Mt. Doom• The Black Gate• Pelennor Fields• Hobbiton• The Grey Havens

Keep in mind the following:

1) The relationship of Frodo and Sam changes as the story progress. What

changes occur and why?

2) How does Frodo’s behavior change as the One Ring continues to influence

him?

3) Pippin pledges himself to the service of the Steward of Gondor. Why and what does he hope to accomplish?

4)Why does the Steward of Gondor not call for aid?

5)At the Battle of Pelennor Fields there 3 armies: Gondor, Rohon, and Mordor. A fourth army arrives. Who is it and why is it there?

6) Why does Aragorn lead the combined army to the Black Gate when he has not yet been crowned King?

7) Why does Denethor try to cremate himself and his son, Faramir?

8) How is the One Ring finally destroyed?

9) What were the affects of the destruction of the One Ring?

10) Why did Bilbo, Gandaf, and Frodo go with the Elves to the Grey Havens?

11) Why didn’t Frodo tell Sam, Merry, and Pippin earlier?

AND NOW:

THE LORD OF THE RINGS:

THE RETURN OF THE KING

Review the following:

1) The relationship of Frodo and Sam changes as the story progress. What

changes occur and why?

2) How does Frodo’s behavior change as the One Ring continues to influence

him?

3) Pippin pledges himself to the service of the Steward of Gondor. Why and what does he hope to accomplish?

4)Why does the Steward of Gondor not call for aid?

5)At the Battle of Pelennor Fields there 3 armies: Gondor, Rohon, and Mordor. A fourth army arrives. Who is it and why is it there?

6) Why does Aragorn lead the combined army to the Black Gate when he has not yet been crowned King?

7) Why does Denethor try to cremate himself and his son, Faramir?

8) How is the One Ring finally destroyed?

9) What were the affects of the destruction of the One Ring?

10) Why did Bilbo, Gandaf, and Frodo go with the Elves to the Grey Havens?

11) Why didn’t Frodo tell Sam, Merry, and Pippin earlier?

Essay Prompts1) Smeagol/Gollum has two personalities. What caused the two personalities and how do they relate to each other throughout the three films?

2) How does Smeagol/Gollum manage to influence Frodo and why does Frodo listen to him?

3) Why does Sam go after Frodo when he finds the lambas bread?

4) During the conclusion of the story, Aragorn, the King of Gondor, bows to the four hobbits. Why?

5) If Gollum had not attacked Frodo when Frodo had chosen to keep the Ring instead of destroying it, what are some of the things that could have happened?