The Return of the King Study Guide

#1 on the Big Read List (UK's top 200). The final book in Tolkien's classic Lord of the Rings series.

Through J.R.R. Tolkien's tale of fantasy, hobbits, adventure, loyalty, and courage, students will learn:

Author Biography: Learn about J.R.R. Tolkien and the fascinating history behind the author and novel.

Vocabulary words used throughout the novel, utilizing a variety of activities to stimulate retention and growth.

Literary Techniques: characterization, archaic language, rhythm and language, hubris, extended metaphor, images, interlacing, alliteration, assonance, anthropomorphism, irony, foreshadowing, eucatastrophe, comic relief, allusions, parochialism, dramatic structure, static vs. dynamic characters, heroism, narcissism, resolution.

Moral Lessons and Character Values: choosing between conflicting choices, Christ figure, fallen humanity, dread and despair, deceit, grief teaching wisdom, great deeds, scriptural parallels, temptation, the power of evil, deathwish, hope and Psalms, stewardship, pity, endings and changes, wealth and power, moving on, interdependence, just war, nature of evil.

Activities and Writing Assignments: Read/review prequels, mapping character movements, research kings, Middle-earth map, research harrowing, martyrs, feudal system, essay or debate on women in battle, Rohirrim, armor, Denethor and Saul, prophecy, Pippin vs. Merry, duty, light and darkness, facing death, research fortress walls, song/poem of victory, watercolor, crowning of Aragorn, living wills, contemporary coronations, comparison of Minas Tirith, Christ's second coming, luck, healing, death and immortality, messianic images, growing up, providence patterns, female characters analysis, write a short story, dramatize a scene, PTSD interview/research.

Suggestions for Further Reading: We include an in-depth reading list of more books by the same author(s) and other books and movies that tie in with, or are similar to, The Return of the King.

All of the unit lessons are written from a Christian worldview!

• Large 8.5x11 printed workbook format is convenient to read and easy on the eyes
• Every question has plenty of whitespace for student's answers
• Encourages neat and clean handwriting practice
• Easily transports without the need for a laptop or other expensive equipment
• Provides a permanent record of the student's work
• Convenient, removable answer key included for the teacher!
• Study guides do not contain the text of the story, play, poems, or book.
• Recommended for grades 9-12.
• Setting: Imaginative fantasy, Middle-Earth
• Genre: British Literature