You mentioned reading Tolkien as escapism.
How about suggesting that Tolkien's works are escapist of a different kind. He suggested that Myth is the only way to talk about "real truth", yet I don't know a reader who is not captured by the LOTR and as a result doesn't experience some form of escape. So we have an interesting paradox: an author writes an epic story claiming that it communicates real truth (trancendant truth/supernatural or spiritual truth), yet reader's of the epic experience a great release from the world around them, desiring to be part of Middle Earth.
What a concept: Escape into Reality.
There! I've even given you a title. You could easily discuss Tolkien's view of Myth, Tolkien's style, the LOTR's difference from other "fantasy" (I hate calling it that) works, all within the confines of the topic.
Take it or leave it. Good Luck!
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