1. Pippin is fitting into his armor. He's found his voice. Earlier he was ordering men around-- telling them not to do anything until Gandalf comes. He's determined that he must get Gandalf-- fight his fears and go down to the battle. Pippin is acting more like a leader here than a mere soldier. I am reminded of other members of the fellowship who go from follower to leader. Can you think of any other similar examples?

The most striking example was Sam, in "The Choices..." that we discussed just recently.  He wasn't just a follower, he saw himself as a servant.  But he had to assume the greatest responsibility possible, and saved the quest.

2. In the subject heading of this post, I allude to Rath Dínen or the silent street. How long is this street?  I am reminded of the Paths of the Dead Aragorn is facing at this same time. Is Denethor's walk into the tombs of the  Stewards and Kings of Gondor a way for Tolkien to contrast the two leaders? Any other comments/observations on Rath Dínen?

Lacking a street map of Minas Tirith, I can only guess that Rath Dinen must be what we'd consider a couple of blocks long... they don't have far to go, and the upper levels don't have much space.  But yet the architects must have wanted enough length to have ceremonial processions, maybe some statues along the way.

3.  "Forcing himself on against a gust of fear and horror that shook him almost to his knees. Pippin turned a corner opening on the wide place behind the City Gate. He stopped dead. He had found Gandalf; but he shrank back, cowering into a shadow."

The first two sentences have a rapid, galloping rhythm, as Pippin runs desperately seeking help.  But the rhythm stops dead with Pippin, alerting us to the dramatic scene before us.  The rhythm of "cowering into a shadow" is a slower echo of the earlier lines.