I think the important thing to remember here is that Tolkien was not in essence writing a novel he was writing a piece of mythogical history. If this is taken into account then before even touching the book the reader would realise that all ends well as if it does not and Sauron rules Middle Earth then the world would not be as it is today.
This comes through in the book I think with examples which have been given. Something else I feel is worth a mention are the liitle paragraphs at the end of each book.
Quote:
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The third part tells of the last defence against the Shadow, and the end of the mission of the Ring-Bearer in THE RETURN OF THE KING
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Now this quote is directly taken from the end of the FotR. Here is shown the author's belief that everything will be okay. And talk about spoilers, the third book is named Return of the King. When first reading FotR there is still doubt in Aragorn's mind whether or not he should reclaim the thrown of Gondor! JRR, you are worse than Entertainment Tonight!
[ February 16, 2003: Message edited by: Mattius ]