8. Survivors’ Guilt and Alienation
Frodo Baggins’ struggle to reintegrate into the Shire after his harrowing journey mirrors the experiences of many World War I veterans grappling with survivors’ guilt and alienation. His profound sense of loss and isolation upon returning home reflects the psychological toll of surviving traumatic events while others perished. This theme is explored in the Smithsonian Magazine article “Brothers in Arms: How the First World War Shaped J.R.R. Tolkien,” which delves into the impact of the Great War on Tolkien’s life and work.
