Research Paper on:
Tolkein and Fellowship of the Ring

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
published almost two decades later, was no childrens book....the books hobbit heroes move through a much larger and darker Middle-earth...a world suffused with as much melancholy as magic" (Davis lotr_pr.html).  And, "Since its publication in 1954, readers have immersed themselves in the story and characters" (McCoy 20011219lordweb1219fnp4.asp). J.R.R. Tolkien is know for creating a world, if not a universe,  that is full of imaginary and powerful creatures. His stories are somewhat reflective of men and their history, especially in relationship to legends and lore that many cultures have in  regards to mythical beings or creatures. In "Fellowship of the Ring" we are given a story that is actually the first of three, though it can be read by itself.  Like many of his tales they are self contained, yet leave a great deal of room for further investigation as each tale tells us something new about the people and  their history. In the following paper we examine this first book of his "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, discussing plot, character development, and symbolism. Plot In "The Fellowship  of the Ring" we begin the story with a simple hobbit named Frodo and his friend and also adopted uncle Bilbo. Bilbos tale is primarily told in a book titled  "The Hobbit," wherein he has many adventures and comes into possession of the one ring of power, an aspect of this story that will be divulged later in the book  to those who have not read "The Hobbit." When the book opens we are getting ready to celebrate Bilbos birthday. He is making plans to leave his home forever at  the day of the party. Frodo, as a result of Bilbos leaving, is given possession of the ring. He is informed by Gandalf, a wizard and friend, that he must