Sure, Death is a common theme in his life, but it isn't coming into play more so than other stories. It's a typical ancient-war fantasy story.
I also think it would be difficult to compare his war-experience with that in LotR. I suppose the death of Boromir could compare to the death of his close comrads, but you have to remember Tolkien was a communications officer and actual "shooting and such" wasn't a big part of his experience.
I would say his stories are more influenced by the person he was and the things he read. He had a great love of nature, for instance, so that is very prevelent.
[ June 25, 2003: Message edited by: Beren87 ]
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