Possible Paper Topics?

Some of you are having trouble coming up with a good topic for your Analytic Paper. While a strong, highly specific thesis statement is even more important than a good topic, those below are examples of a few potentially successful paper topics. You are free to develop any topic of your own, but the topics below may help you get started, if you do not already have a topic in mind. Remember that the suggestions below are topics, not thesis statements. To earn a high score on one of these or a topic of your own, you will have to focus it on a much more specific point (thesis) you wish to make that you support and argue using direct, clear evidence from the text.

What other possible topics are you considering for your own Analytic Paper or might you suggest to others in our class who are still seeking a good paper topic?

● Tom Bombadil – Discuss the moral/ethical problem of Tom Bombadil within The Lord of the Rings. In other words, analyze his place within the moral and physical structures of Tolkien’s Middle-earth. The problem of Bombadil is that he does not always seem to fit in with other things we know of this world. For example, he is unaffected by the One Ring. How can you explain Bombadil’s apparent exemption from the rules that govern other beings in Middle-earth? Examine not just what we actually see of Bombadil, but also what all other characters in the story say about him. Work toward finding something conclusive to say about this seemingly elusive character.

● Women – Examine the female principle in Tolkien’s literary world. Focus on specific archetypes of femaleness represented in any of Tolkien’s works. You may wish to expand your argument to include a more general examination of the male-female opposition in Tolkien’s world. In addition to the more obvious female figures, you may wish to consider unexpected characters, such as Lúthien, Entwives, Farmer Giles’ mare, female Dwarves, women Orcs, Goldberry, etc. However you approach this topic, work to explain how women in Tolkien function as models for larger concepts.

● Stewardship – Establish a clear, cohesive explanation of the concept of stewardship as it is developed in any of Tolkien’s works. Consider the similarities and differences between the kinds of stewardship represented by characters such as Aragorn, Smith of Wootton Major, Gandalf, Denethor, the Ents, etc. Focus on getting at the essence of stewardship in one or more works by Tolkien. Consider how the concept of stewardship might serve to mediate between other concepts such as kingship or wizardship.

● Physical Sustenance – Analyze how the presence or absence of food not only activates the plot of the trilogy, but also comments with some significance on the mental, emotional, and spiritual states of Tolkien’s world. Focus on how sustenance or nurturance signifies something larger than what a Hobbit enjoys eating or drinking. This should not be an archaeological examination of the eating habits of elves or dwarves, but an argument about what those habits and what the denial of those habits suggests in terms of the larger purpose of Tolkien’s work.

● Sound and Language – Tolkien goes to great lengths to create languages, song lyrics, and names of characters that not only enhance but actually embody some of the abstract concepts he wishes to promote in his works. Explore how forms of sound or spoken language affect or change the ways readers comprehend Tolkien’s purpose and the meanings behind the story in one or more texts.

● Fate and Free Will – Throughout his works, Tolkien explores the relationships between an externally proscribed fate and the choices of the individual to affect his or her future. Examine Tolkien’s perspective on this ancient debate. To be successful in addressing this very tricky topic, establish a specific position that you argue extensively using textual evidence, as it will not be enough to simply survey the various instances where Tolkien presents each of these philosophic perspectives.