How does the splitting of the fellowship impact Tolkien’s literary style? How does the interwoven narrative structure impact the meaning of the story?

Compare and contrast how both Gandalf and Saruman attempt to persuade leaders such as Théoden to make important choices that will determine the future of Middle-earth. How does each figure use or misuse the power of rhetoric?

Discuss how Tolkien describes the Ents. What does this description suggest about Tolkien’s perspective on nature and the wilderness? How does it compare to how other creatures in the story respond to the natural world?