I have a question...
 

I have to write a paper on a certain part of an authors life and i chose the Great Tolkien (though i must C.S. Lewis did give him a run for his money when i was choosing) anyways i have to write about a certain part in his life and i have to write a critical analysis of one of their works so i wanted a little feedback as to when in his life and what work i should do. (hope this is in the right place if not oh well...) thanks for the help

as for a work, if you want something to really technically analyze, I would choose either the Lay of Leithian or the poem Errantry.

Pick up a bio on Tolkien and write about whichever part of his life interests you the most. I find that I write better if I am truly interested in learning as much as possible about my topic.
I don't think you really need anyone else's opinions but your own on this one, because we may all find different moments of his life & different works more interesting for your paper.

I would talk about either his childhood or his job at the University. You could also analise either Tree and Leaf or Smith of Wooton Major.

I agree with Westerly. The Lay of Leithian, I think, would be the ideal work to analyze, as it has his own marrige lying behind it. Especially since he went as far to have his-and Mary's-graves subtitles "Beren" and 'Luthien" Enjoy the paper, i wish I had to write it [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

His wife's name was Edith Bratt, not Mary.

Yeah Mary thats a tad random. Do the Lay of Leithian. 1) you can related it to his life very well, and see how it changed as his life progressed 2) its a great work 3) it was influenced by CSL, so you can study your other choice as well. Perhaps including his Critism. Go get yourself a copy of The Lays of Beleriand (HoME III)

Just a thought, He came to think of Edith as "Lúthien" and himself as "Beren" so you could compare their tale with the relationship of Edith and himself...