Example: Formal Outline Format
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Name of Speaker: Ted Hightower______________________________________
General Purpose: To inform
Specific Purpose: At the end of my speech, I want my audience to be able to identify specific
examples of how Lord of the Rings pertains to Catholicism._______________
______________________________________________________________________________
Introduction
I. Attention Getter: If any of you are familiar with the wildly popular Lord of the Rings films or
books, prepare yourselves because I’m about you blow your minds like a Balrog breathing
flames.
II. Thesis: Lord of the Rings is representative of Catholicism in many ways through symbolism
and reflection of Catholic beliefs.
III. Relevance to Audience/Reason audience should listen: This information is relevant because
it will completely alter your perception of Lord of the Rings.
IV. Speaker Credibility: Although I am not Catholic, I am still a Christian (and a nerd) and I can
completely see the connections between Lord of the Rings and Christianity.
V. Preview (Main Ideas/Points): Catholics believe that there is evil and good in this world, and in
the imaginary world of Lord of the Rings, these concepts are distinctly personified. I will discuss
the battle between good and evil within Lord of the Rings and how it pertains to Catholicism. I
will also discuss key symbolism within Lord of the Rings and how it represents Catholicism.
Transition: J.R.R. Tolkien was a devout Catholic himself, and deliberately incorporated his
beliefs into his work. Let’s start by examining how he conveys evil.
Body
I. Main Point #1: Sauron is Satan (Evil).
A. Supporting Material: Sauron uses the ring as an evil weapon, similar to how Satan
utilizes Sin.
B. Supporting Material: Orcs are former elves who were corrupted and serve Sauron,
similar to how Satan can corrupt people into serving him.
Transition: So if Sauron is Satan, what does that mean about the fellowship who fights against
him?
II. Main Point #2: Aragorn, Frodo, and Gandalf are Christ figures (Good).
Example: Formal Outline Format
2
A. Supporting Material: Aragorn is a Christ figure not only because of his appearance,
but also in his role as the returning king (aka Return of the King).
B. Supporting Material: Gandalf is a Christ figure because of his resurrection from death
after his fight with the Balrog. Frodo is a Christ figure because he must carry the “weight” of the
ring, similar to how Christ had to carry the cross to his execution.
Transition: Based on what we’ve discussed so far, it is clear that the ring has major literary
significance, so what else could it possibly symbolize?
III. Main Point #3: There are several example of Catholicism symbolized in Lord of the Rings.
A. Supporting Material: There are 7 sacraments and Catholicism designed to allow grace
to flow into those who partake. The ring serves as a form of anti-sacrament, as it allows malice to
corrupt the bearer.
B. Supporting Material: The 7 mystical gifts given to the fellowship by the elves are
symbolic of the 7 sacraments of Catholicism. The eating of lembas bread represents Mass.
Transition: Such incorporations of Catholicism expresses how significant Tolkien’s religion was
to him.
Conclusion
I. Restatement of Thesis/Summary: Based on the facts I have presented, it is clearly evident that
Tolkien deliberately included his religion into his novels.
II. Creative Closing Thought or Memorable Conclusion: Now that I have sufficiently blown your
minds, next time you watch Lord of the Rings keep in mind everything is not as it seems.