Now, now. There are many classical themes in Tolkien, as he studied the classics and loved them. :)

Seriously, people are wondering about the Earth, Air, Fire, and Water theme in one of the news groups, and that's straight out of classical Greek philosophy.

But there is progression in Middle-earth. It changes hands, and passes from the Valar to the Elves, from the Elves to the Numenoreans, and eventually from the Numenoreans to all other Men.
------------------
Xenite.Org: Worlds of Imagination on the Web