Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Lord of the Rings” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Introduction to “Lord of the Rings”

1. What is “Lord of the Rings” about?
2. Who wrote “Lord of the Rings”?
3. When was “Lord of the Rings” published?
4. What are the main themes in “Lord of the Rings”?
5. How has “Lord of the Rings” influenced fantasy literature?

II. Characters and Races

6. Who are the main characters in “Lord of the Rings”?
7. What are the different races in the world of “Lord of the Rings”?
8. How do the characters in “Lord of the Rings” evolve throughout the story?
9. Who is the hero of “Lord of the Rings”?
10. What are the unique characteristics of Elves, Dwarves, and Hobbits?

III. Setting and World-Building

11. What is Middle-earth?
12. How is the world of Middle-earth structured?
13. What are some notable locations in Middle-earth?
14. How does J.R.R. Tolkien describe the setting in “Lord of the Rings”?
15. What role does nature play in “Lord of the Rings”?

IV. Plot and Storyline

16. What is the main plot of “Lord of the Rings”?
17. How does “Lord of the Rings” begin?
18. What are the key events in “Lord of the Rings”?
19. How does the quest in “Lord of the Rings” progress?
20. What is the climax of the story?

V. Themes and Symbolism

21. What are the major themes in “Lord of the Rings”?
22. How does “Lord of the Rings” explore the theme of good vs. evil?
23. What symbols are used in “Lord of the Rings”?
24. How is friendship portrayed in “Lord of the Rings”?
25. What does the ring symbolize in the story?

VI. Cultural Impact

26. How has “Lord of the Rings” influenced popular culture?
27. What impact has “Lord of the Rings” had on modern fantasy works?
28. How have the themes of “Lord of the Rings” remained relevant over time?
29. What are some adaptations of “Lord of the Rings”?
30. How has “Lord of the Rings” influenced other media, like games and movies?

VII. J.R.R. Tolkien’s Influence

31. Who was J.R.R. Tolkien, and what was his background?
32. How did Tolkien’s experiences influence “Lord of the Rings”?
33. What other works did J.R.R. Tolkien write?
34. How is Tolkien’s writing style characterized in “Lord of the Rings”?
35. What legacy has J.R.R. Tolkien left in the literary world?

VIII. Adaptations and Media

36. What are the major film adaptations of “Lord of the Rings”?
37. How do the “Lord of the Rings” movies compare to the books?
38. What challenges were faced in adapting the books into movies?
39. How have the films contributed to the story’s legacy?
40. What are some other forms of media inspired by “Lord of the Rings”?

IX. Literary Analysis

41. What makes “Lord of the Rings” a classic in literature?
42. How does “Lord of the Rings” explore complex characters and relationships?
43. What literary techniques does Tolkien use in “Lord of the Rings”?
44. How is the concept of heroism depicted in “Lord of the Rings”?
45. What is the role of mythology in “Lord of the Rings”?

X. The Fandom and Community

46. How has “Lord of the Rings” created a dedicated fan community?
47. What are some popular activities and events among “Lord of the Rings” fans?
48. How do fans express their appreciation for “Lord of the Rings”?
49. What role do fan theories play in the “Lord of the Rings” community?
50. How has fan fiction expanded the world of “Lord of the Rings”?

XI. Philosophy and Ethics

51. How does “Lord of the Rings” address philosophical questions?
52. What ethical dilemmas are presented in “Lord of the Rings”?
53. How are concepts of power and corruption explored in the story?
54. What moral lessons can be learned from “Lord of the Rings”?
55. How does “Lord of the Rings” explore the nature of evil?

XII. Legacy and Continuation

56. What is the enduring legacy of “Lord of the Rings”?
57. How has “Lord of the Rings” influenced future generations of writers?
58. What future adaptations or explorations of Middle-earth are anticipated?
59. How has the world of Middle-earth expanded beyond “Lord of the Rings”?
60. What is the future of the “Lord of the Rings” franchise?