Book Three
Chapter 1: The Departure of Boromir
The Two Towers continues where the two books of The Fellowship of the Ring left off. Chapter 1 is the beginning of Book Three. The fellowship of the ring has been broken and The Two Towers recounts the stories of how each of these individual heroes fared after the split. The chapter begins with the two humans (men) who were included in the company, Aragorn and Boromir. At the end of Book Two, Boromir foolishly attempts to steal the ring from Frodo; now, we find Boromir attacked by evil orcs. Aragorn hears Boromir's horn, signaling for help but when Aragorn arrives, it is too late to do anything for Boromir, who has been pierced by many arrows. He was a valiant warrior, nonetheless, and many of his enemies lay slain around him.
Aragorn is soon joined by the dwarf, Gimli, and the elf, Legolas. They make a funeral boat for Boromir and launch the boat on the banks of the nearby River. Investigating the weapons of the dead villains and the numerous tracks in the area, the three warriors conclude that Frodo and Sam have continued on their journey. It also seems that the dead villains were not in the service of the evil lord, Sauron, but instead they were in the service of Saruman, a wizard gone bad. Under Aragorn's leadership, the diminished troupe has few options ahead. They continue on, not so much because they feel connected to their original quest, but because it may be that some of their fellow adventurers have been bound and kidnapped by the orcs and they feel a genuine moral obligation to come to their colleagues' assistance.
Analysis
There is a dry irony in titling this chapter "The Departure of Boromir," though it does seem fair that Boromir pays a high price for is incredibly wretched crime. Aragorn expresses a desire to "change the evil fate of this unhappy day" and questions of fate and destiny intertwine and remain one of the central themes of this work, just as we saw in The Fellowship of the Ring. In terms of characterization, we can find a contrast between the two humans presented here: Aragorn is so noble that he withholds the revelation of Boromir's crime (treachery, attempted theft). The burial motif can be read as an allusion to the old Icelandic sagas and Anglo-Saxon epics (especially Beowulf) where heroes were buried at sea. We find numerous riddles, the re-introduction of the wizard Saruman, and the secrets withheld by Aragorn as developments of the theme of knowledge. Here, the misleading forest in which Boromir has attempted ambush (and has, in fact, been ambushed) stands as a symbol of confusion and its attendant fear.
Chapter 2: The Riders of Rohan
Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas continue on their trail and they pass into the land of Rohan. They are pursuing the orcs who they believe have taken Merry and Pippin. The trail is a difficult one but when they are well within the boundaries of Rohan, the course is smoother. While they can find evidence of the orcs and their path of destruction, there is no trace of Merry or Pippin.
The story sifts when Legolas the elf sees Riders approaching. There are 105 of them and they are led by Éomer. After a somewhat tense confrontation, there is no violence but instead an exchange of information. Éomer is surprised to hear of this group for they represent characters that he only knows as fable. From Éomer, the three travelers learn that there is trouble at every border. Éomer also reveals his group's enmity with the orcs, who have long been horse thieves. The Riders have recently killed the orcs that Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas were pursuing but this is to the advantage of the travelers, for the orcs would have surely overpowered them. Éomer does not recall seeing "hobbits" among the dead bodies of the orcs‹indeed, he is not entirely sure what a "hobbit" is. Though he remains somewhat distrustful, Éomer agrees to lend horses to the group but later in the night, the horses steal away. Legolas sees the sign as an ominous one, as the horses disappeared right as a mysterious old man appeared on the scene‹only to disappear, himself. Legolas believes that this was probably the wizard Saruman.
Analysis
The end of this chapter foreshadows the trouble ahead and the three travelers have certainly embarked upon a perilous journey. Besides the danger of Saruman, a character who remains undefined, there is also the trouble of riddles. Éomer's words suggest that the theme of wisdom will be complicated in moral terms and the quest is not only about wizardry but about surveillance as well. Éomer and the riders are in a situation that is an allusion to the political reality of Tolkien's time with trouble at every border. When Éomer raises the rhetorical question: "How shall a man judge what to do in such times?" Aragorn replies with a powerful statement against moral relativism: "As he ever has judged. Good and ill have not changed since yesteryear; nor are they one thing among Elves and Dwarves and another among Men. It is a man's part to discern tem, as much in the Golden Wood as in his own house." The difficult pat of the "Golden Wood" forest is a symbol of moral conflicts and confusion. Finally, there is an irony in Aragorn's argument for universal morality because Éomer's previous knowledge was so limited that "Elves and Dwarves" did not exist in his world‹the idea that he shares a moral code with creatures that do not exist is a little humorous. This narrative structure which isolates the main characters as the fancy of the others, also allows Tolkien to make moral statements without belaboring the text.
Chapter 3: The Uruk-Hai
This chapter focuses on Merry and Pippin who are trapped and imprisoned by orcs‹just as Aragorn suspected. The orcs are lead by a figure called Uglúk but they are rebellious. In particular, one of the orcs named Grishnákh is especially disobedient, threatening mutiny at every turn. The orcs want to kill Merry and Pippin but the orders from Saruman could not be any clearer: ŒKill all but NOT the Halflings; they are to be brought back ALIVE as quickly as possible.' Some of the orcs decide to rebel and leave the group, but the Riders of Rohan are in pursuit of the orcs and they quickly do away with the orcs who fall off to the side.
In the constant turmoil of bickering and constant traveling, the orcs fail to notice that Pippin has loosened his arm ties. He only pretends to be securely fastened, waiting for a chance to escape. His first attempt to escape fails but the second attempt is more clever and successful. When Uglúk is not present, Pippin and Merry (following Pippin's lead) take advantage of Grishnákh's rebellious greed. They convince Grishnákh to release them, suggesting that they have the ring (which they realize Grisnákh has a desire to acquire). Grisnákh is felled by a Rider's arrow just as he raises his sword to threaten the hobbits. Merry and Pippin escape as Riders fall upon the orcs, killing all of them and burning the bodies in a great heap. The Riders do not notice the Hobbits, and the horses, detecting the goodness of the hobbits perhaps, purposefully gallop over them, removing the possibility of stray harm or danger.
Analysis
The narrative structure of this chapter is important; displaying a rather post-modern view of the narrative form, Tolkien now backs up and gives us the story that was casually alluded to by Éomer. We should be aware that the level of dramatic irony increases as the work more and more resembles a Œstory within a story.' This motif is made explicit in Merry's congratulatory remarks to Pippin: "You seem to have been doing well, Master Took. You will get almost a chapter in old Bilbo's book, if ever I get a chance to report to him." The narrator and narration complicates the characterization of Bilbo and Merry for Tolkien is speaking through one of them or writing from this point-of-view. Finally, this chapter makes an important allusion to Milton's Paradise Lost and the fall of Lucifer (Satan): a thief among thieves, a rebellious leader of rebels. We should also note the parallel between dead Boromir and Grishnákh, another would-be ring-thief who also catches his death by an arrow. The arrow as a symbol of fate landing were it will, is in effect here: "An arrow came whistling out of the gloom: it was aimed with skill, or guided by fateŠ"
Chapter 4: Treebeard
Merry and Pippin are traveling through the forest when they notice that the air is thinning and they are finding it very difficult to breathe-let alone walk. As they reach the end of the forest they proceed into a less hospitable region and remark that the forest was actually not unlike Hobbiton in some of the forest's more charming aspects. At this point, the hobbits are confronted by a tree-like creature (his race are called Ents) named Treebeard. The hobbits travel on Treebeard's arms and as they become allied to one another they exchange information about Gandalf's death and the evil that Saruman and the orcs bring to the land.
Treebeard is distressed about the orcs' wanton destruction of the forest and he rouses the other Ents to action. As the chapter ends, Treebeard and a company of younger Ents have decided to take action against Saruman's stronghold at Isengard. Treebeard makes it clear that the mission is a difficult one, though the Ents are powerful. Merry and Pippin travel in Treebeard's company, looking forward to the siege of Isengard, which is still a far way off.
Analysis
In terms of characterization, Treebeard is a parallel to Tom Bombadil, who appeared in Book One, Chapter 7 (of The Fellowship of the Ring). Here, nature remains an archetypal symbol for goodness, freedom and time. Still, Treebeard and the Ents blur the distinction between who is a character and what is nature. There is plenty of political and moral relevance in the parallel between human wrongs and the orcs' misuse of natural resources and Saruman's misuse of knowledge. The theme of knowledge is developed by the motif of the song; Treebeard's many songs‹like those of Tom Bombadil‹represent a canon of collected history. The song becomes a metaphor for storytelling and storytelling becomes a metaphor for life in the discussion of what the songs have prophesied and what actually comes to pass. This discussion dampens the otherwise hopeful tone of the chapter with Pippin's realization that "the story seems to be going on, but I am afraid Gandalf has fallen out of it." In a simile we find a comparison of songs (prophetic stories) and fruit, foreshadowing the death and elimination of many good tribes and lands in the ensuing battles: "Songs like trees bear fruit only in their own time and in their own way: and sometimes they are withered untimely."
Chapter 5: The White Rider
Gimli, Legolas, and Aragorn continue their journey, hoping to find the hobbits. They are able to find Pippin's tracks and they figure out the story that has transpired. They continue on with greater anticipation having found evidence that the hobbits are likely alive and that they have eluded their orc-captors. Legolas sees, in the distance, the figure of an old man and fearing it to be Saruman, Gimli bids Legolas to shoot an arrow at the man.
What the three travelers find, much to their surprise, is that this old man is Gandalf seemingly come back from the dead. They follow Gandalf‹not in the direction of the hobbits, for they have another task at hand. Gandalf calls for two horses (one of them is the steed, Shadowfax) and the four heroes advance towards the court of Théoden, king of Rohan, who lives at Meduseld.
Analysis
The narrative structure is full of twists and turns here, as the story shifts (back) to Aragorn and his troupe. Characterization is certainly complicated by Gandalf's reappearance as the "White Rider." Here, Tolkien freely makes allusions to the Christian accounts of Christ's resurrection and besides this, the account of Gandalf's struggle against the Balrog is cast in archetypal terms of good and evil. The parallel between the physical appearance of Saruman and Gandalf should not be overlooked: Gandalf stresses the fact that the good are easily turned towards evil, evil often masquerades as good and many creatures (most notably, the Ents) are unaware of how powerful they actually are. This wisdom, coupled with the image of "a great smoke" at the end of the chapter, spells "battle and war" for Saruman and Isengard. The court of Théoden, however, is what is immediately foreshadowed and we have every reason to believe that the White Rider will be received respectfully, in the end, though there may be a few initial complications.
Chapter 6: The King of the Golden Hall
Gandalf leads the way and Legolas, Gimli and Aragorn follow his guidance. It takes several hours for the group to arrive at Meduseld. At the gate, the group expresses the wish to see Théoden, the king, but they are held at the gate and the guard must get permission to let them enter the city. At the door to the Golden Hall, they are again stopped by a guard named Hama, who explains that they must leave all of their weapons at the door. In the end, Gandalf is able to bring his walking-stick with him.
Théoden does not hide his immediate displeasure, but his animosity towards Gandalf is the result of his wicked counselor, Gríma, who is more often referred to as Wormtongue. Gandalf exposes the treachery of Wormtongue and he also advises Théoden about his current options. The political climate is significantly altered and things are not as Gríma has suggested. When Théoden sends for Éomer, who has been imprisoned by Gríma, Gandalf's accurate account is validated. Taking Gandalf's advice, Théoden decides to join forces with Gandalf and proceed to battle. He has his soldiers rallied and he decides that he will also take up arms against the enemy, especially as it seems that Saruman will soon be defeated. Gandalf wins Shadowfax as gift (rather than a mere loan) and the cowardly traitor, Gríma, proves his true nature when he spits at the king and makes a hurried exit.
Analysis
There is a parallel between Gríma, the Wormtongue, and the dragon Smaug. Like Smaug, Gríma has hidden the sword of the king, along with many other things which develop the motif of a hidden treasure. Gríma is the image of a treacherous worm/dragon who plots, schemes and steals. This is also an allusion to the character Grendel in Beowulf‹in fact, Grendel is often named as "the wyrm (worm)" just as Gríma is doubly named Wormtongue. The tone of the chapter is generally optimistic; even though war looms ahead, we find a symbolic resurrection in terms of the two old men (Gandalf and Théoden) who now return to the brave enterprises of their younger days. Indeed, neither man is as old and frail as he pretends to be and this can be considered within the theme of knowledge. Gandalf's deceit in regards to smuggling his staff into the Golden Hall, out-trumps the more wicked but also less capable treachery of Gríma.
Chapter 7: Helm's Deep
Gandalf advises Théoden to advance to a fortified valley called Helm's Deep, rather than head directly for Isengard. After a day on the journey, Gandalf separates from the group. Meanwhile, Théoden continues towards Helm's Deep and when he arrives with his troops, he learns that the main wall has been breached and even worse, the valiant warrior, Erkenbrand, is nowhere to be found. Orcs and wildmen do not wait long to initiate a siege on the rocky fortress, and Gimli, Legolas, Éomer and Aragorn are exceptionally brave in battle. The siege lasts all night and as dawn approaches, the orcs are making great gains because they are using Saruman's sorcery. At one point, Éomer and Aragorn nearly lose their heads but their axe-wielding friend, Gimli, arrives at the nick of time.
The tide of battle turns at the very end of the chapter. With dawn comes the hope of a new day and the allies of Théoden converge upon the scene and the orcs are soon ambushed. Suddenly, a forest of trees (the Ents) has appeared, inspiring fear in the orcs and wildmen. Gandalf (the White Rider) returns with Erkenbrand and his troops and none of the orcs escape.
Analysis
The battle scenes are marked by a suspense that is only relieved at the climax of the chapter, which comes at dawn. Here, dawn is symbolic of hope and a new beginning because it is the beginning of the new day. In archetypal terms, the evil orcs excelled in the nighttime battle but when the day arrives, Gandalf (the White Rider) is victorious. The motif of nature is complicated in this chapter as we find the Ents in battle, standing as a forest under whose "shadow" none of the orcs escaped. The understatement here suggests that the trees do more than cast a shadow on the orcs. Also, the word "helm" refers to a part of a ship and the dug-out valley fort is outfitted with rocks. The rising and sinking of the fortunes of Théoden's men becomes literal and metaphorical when the "tide" of Orcs is described as a sea-surge threatening to capsize a ship.
Chapter 8: The Road to Isengard
After the battle, Gandalf and Théoden are reunited. It is also to their benefit that Gimli and Éomer have reappeared, for they were on the wrong side of the wall when the orcs made their final advance. There are many men to be buried; the orcs are piled and simply left. Gandalf decides that he is going to make way for Isengard and he is joined by Théoden and a smaller company. Most of the troops, however, remain at Helm's Deep. The road to Isengard is a gloomy one, bordered on both sides by trees that are still searching out and killing their enemies. Gandalf cautions his troops to remain on their horses and keep to the road.
As they near Isengard, the terrain looks significantly altered. The black tower of Saruman looms ahead but the waters of Isengard are now only an interrupted flow. A great mist envelopes Saruman's domain and it is not clear whether this is actual smoke or if it is only steam which is intended as an illusion. When Gandalf and the troops arrive at Isengard, they are greeted by Merry and Pippin who are drunk and well-fed, delirious and sprawled in the field of victory. Treebeard and his army have done away with Isengard and feeling quite pleased, Gandalf rides with Théoden, to locate Treebeard.
Analysis
This chapter ends with a humorous tone that undoes much of the gloom of the chapter's earlier pages. One thing that is nice about the depiction of Merry and Pippin is that these characters are now typically hobbit-like in their merrymaking with ample food and wine. The description of this scene as a "field of battle" is as ironic as Merry's claim to be Saruman's doorwarden. There is a bit of understatement in Merry's confession that: "The Lord Saruman is within; but at the moment he is closeted with one Wormtongue, or doubtless he would be here to welcome such honourable guests." The motif of the court scene is represented here, with Merry and Pippin playing jesters. A bit of foreshadowing of new danger is the necessary consequence of Saruman's undoing; for Sauron is the ultimate enemy and with Isengard so quickly dismissed, Gandalf's immediate exit from the scene makes perfect sense.
Chapter 9: Flotsam and Jetsam
Gandalf and Théoden take a tour of Isengard to see the extent of the damage but Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas remains with Merry and Pippin and the hobbits play host. The highlight of the evening is when they find pipe-weed among the provisions of the now vanquished residents of a rather comfortable lodge. The five are happy to be reunited and they exchange stories about the Ents and the battle at Helm's Deep. The Ents carried out the siege of Isengard and they drowned the city with the river water. Saruman and Wormtongue are now trapped together in the tower of Orthanc. Gandalf has been very busy then, for when he left Théoden and his troops, he came to enlist the Ents help against the orcs. Still, it is not clear what is to be done now nor is Saruman's condition known. The five expect that Gandalf will have more information to provide.
Analysis
One of the major motifs is the presentation of nature and the Ents offer a particular insight into whether nature is Œalive' in Tolkien's world. Their initial siege of Isengard, using their roots to crush the rocks‹this seems to be a parallel to geological and ecological processes for, as the hobbits describe it, the battle was the work of centuries completed in seconds. Another motif is that of language and sound. Here we find the same importance of speaking good words against evil that was presented in The Fellowship of the Ring; we also find, however, that the Ents are able to grumble in such a way that this sound becomes a weapon that destabilizes the enemy. The scene of fraternity resembles the hobbit life that is illustrated in The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring; we can see that tobacco (pipe-weed) is a symbol of civilization, hospitality and domesticity. In thematic terms, it is also of great significance that the five are able to exchange gifts and information; this suggests that in some ways, the fellowship of the ring may be reuniting. However, the pipe-weed foreshadows potential complications looming ahead: for how did this crop make its way from the Southfarthing region to Saruman's stronghold in Isengard? Does Saruman have some mode of communicating with far-flung territories and even though he is imprisoned in a tower, is his power adequately weakened?
Chapter 10: The Voice of Saruman
Gandalf, Théoden and his men return to the site where they left Merry, Pippin and the others. Gandalf has decided that he is going to go to the tower of Orthanc to have a parley (discussion) with Saruman, and though the others are welcome to come, Gandalf makes it clear that Saruman is especially treacherous and dangerous still. At the tower, Saruman is exposed as the wily creature that he truly is. His powers of flattery and sugared speech are waning and as he realizes that he is trapped inside of the tower, Saruman is angry and he sometimes snaps at Gandalf and the others. Saruman still has some power and Gandalf makes an offer to spare Saruman from punishment if he would only turn to the side of good and assist them. Saruman refuses and in an act of power, Gandalf announces that he is no longer Gandalf the Grey but he is Gandalf the White. He dismisses Saruman (formerly, Saruman the White) from the council of wizards and Saruman's staff breaks, its head falling at Gandalf's feet. Wormtongue finds a round globe-like object and tosses it down, possibly aiming at Gandalf. No harm is done and Pippin goes to collect the ball, finding it tremendously heavy. By chapter's end, Gandalf has commissioned Treebeard and the Ents to guard Saruman in the tower; they re-flood Isengard to insure that Saruman will not escape through some subterranean tunnel.
Analysis
One thing that we learn about the wizards is that they have a hierarchy; there are archetypal meanings attached to the colors (white, gray) that were assigned to Gandalf and in terms of character development, Gandalf does a good job of erasing much of whatever parallels existed between him and his former master. It is clear now that Saruman is an inferior wizard, though he still has power and as is the case with Lucifer in the alluded-to Paradise Lost, so it is with Saruman: he is undone by his own pride. There is also a good deal of foreshadowing regarding the mysterious globe that Wormtongue hurls down the stairs. It fits in with the rings and swords of the book, yet another artifact or image of power. At the same time, we do not know whether it is fashioned for evil though it does seem especially dear to Saruman, for he screams when he realizes what has happened. The narrative structure of the trilogy is full of resembling scenes‹this is not the first time that we find a villain-type mourning for his departed treasure (Gollum, Smaug).
Chapter 11: The Palantír
Gandalf leads the group to the end of the valley and they rest here for the night. Merry and Pippin are very tired but Pippin is restless because he is curious to know what the stone is‹the stone that he retrieved after Wormtongue tossed it down at the group. Merry tells Pippin to forget about the stone and not to interfere in wizard's affairs‹as there is often a high price to pay. After Merry falls asleep, Pippin decides to go to where Gandalf is sleeping. He removes the stone, replacing it with a decoy and makes the foolish error of looking into the stone. It is as if he becomes possessed with a spirit and he is being used for information. Fortunately, Gandalf awakes and breaks Pippin out of his trance. The stone is called the Palantír and it is a medium of long-distance communication. Apparently, Sauron and Saruman have been using it to communicate. Sauron is now under the impression that Saruman has briefly used the Palantír to frighten the hobbit who is in his custody‹this would be treachery on Saruman's part. Sauron has already sent sentinels in the direction of Isengard and in the end, Pippin's error may do more good than harm, pitting evil against evil. Still, what Pippin did was wrong and the stone is put in Aragorn's custody (as it is his by birthright), and of course, Pippin is not told. The hobbit is forgiven and Gandalf rides with Pippin on a separate course from the others. As Book Three comes to a close, Gandalf and Pippin have a slightly different mission than the rest of the group‹they are headed for Helm's Deep.
Analysis
The narrative structure of Book Three expresses Tolkien's concern for symmetry and internal unity. Here again, we find a concern over the misuse of dangerous tools. We can see Pippin's act as an innocent parallel to Boromir or Saruman. Pippin does not make a play for power; he is simply curious. In old archetypal terms, this is much like the temptation of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil in the Garden of Eden, or perhaps Pandora's Box of Greek mythology. Indeed, the motif of gifts‹accidental and intended‹is ever expanding and this certainly plays into Tolkien's theme of fate and destiny. Here, a potentially dangerous action has turned out to the advantage of the group. Trouble looms ahead we are told, and yet the glorious image of Gandalf and Pippin riding Shadowfax expresses the immediate reconciliation between the wizard and the hobbit, and it caps a string of successes that seemed to begin with the emergence of Gandalf the White. Even Shadowfax is like a Pegasus, a symbol of unsurpassed excellence and strength. The final words of the chapter do little to foreshadow what is immediately ahead (Book Four continues the story of Frodo of Sam‹characters we have probably forgotten about until now). The conclusion of Book Three reestablishes the tone of confidence in victory that is necessary in epic works like this one; the assurance that Good will win out in the end is of vital importance:
"As he fell slowly into sleep, Pippin had a strange feeling: he and Gandalf were still as stone, seated upon the statue of a running horse, while the world rolled away beneath his feet with a great noise of wind."
Book Four
Chapter 1: The Taming of Sméagol
This chapter continues the story of Frodo and Sam, who have spent the last few days wandering the terrain and getting lost. They are being chased by Gollum, and this makes them especially uncomfortable because Gollum can hide himself in the darkness all the while seeing them. More than a few times, one of the hobbits wakes to find a pair of hideous eyes staring at him. Still, the two continue on and they do the best that they can to make their way to Mordor. At one point, it seems all the can do to climb down a stone ridge into a valley‹fortunately, Sam has a rope that the elves gave him, and the rope is used to securely descend into the valley. Gollum is in no need of such devices and he scales the walls like an insect or a giant spider. In the end, however, he attacks Sam only to find Frodo armed with the sword Sting and ready to remove Gollum's head.
Gollum (also named Sméagol) is cowed into submission and he becomes a servant to the hobbits. He has already been to Mordor before and he dreaded his time there, though he has been summoned to return. Accordingly, he can help the hobbits find their way to Mordor. He is now in the service of the master of the Ring (Frodo) which is not to say that Gollum has made a switch to good versus evil, or that this arrangement will be a permanent one. Both Frodo and Gollum seem to be different characters than they were in the past. Gollum is more easily dominated and Frodo is more commanding.
Analysis
The characterization of Gollum focuses on Sméagol, an alter ego of Gollum, who is already a rather complicated "self" (he refers to himself in the third person, as "My Precious"). The motif of the one Ring is developed as the ring is also a precious thing that a person might swear upon. We also see that Frodo bears more authority as master of the Ring. The narrative structure has returned to Frodo and Sam, who have been offstage for Book Three; the appearance of Frodo, Sam and Gollum all at once may very well feel like a flashback to The Fellowship of the Ring. The suspense of the previous chapters is postponed and in Chapter 1, we do not find Frodo and Sam getting into too much trouble. Rather, they are making slow but steady progress on a difficult course. The new allegiance of Sméagol is totally unexpected and Tolkien foreshadows some sort of trouble ahead in the phrase: "a change, which lasted for some time, came over him [Sméagol]." We know, then, that this change is not permanent and that Gollum will turn upon his new master. Finally, the theme of knowledge is brought to the fore as Sam and Frodo discover new things about the elf rope and Gollum, certainly. At the chapter's end, Frodo seems trusting of Gollum while Sam is even more skeptical than he was before‹somewhere, there is an imbalance of knowledge and information, though we do not yet know who is wrong and who is right‹if either one is.
Chapter 2: The Passage of the Marshes
Gollum leads the way to Mordor, and Frodo and Sam sometimes have some trouble keeping up with him. He leads then on a track in the marshes that he once used when he was escaping from the orcs. As they get closer to Mordor, Gollum is overcome with dread. One of Sauron's wraiths darkens the sky with its shadow and Gollum cowers because he knows the wraith to be a sentinel of some form. Frodo insists that they continue through the marsh though he is growing weary and the ring becomes a burdensome weight around his neck. As they get closer to Mordor, there are more and more impediments. Gollum is under the impression that Sauron is aware of the group and one night he debates to himself the merits of stealing the ring from Frodo and trying to become a great power on his own, Gollum the great. Sam Gamgee is watching Gollum however, and only pretending to be asleep. He makes a move at the right time and whatever Gollum had planned to do comes to naught. At the chapter's end, Frodo remains firm in his intention to continue to Mordor and Gollum must lead them to the gate.
Analysis
Aspects of Gollum's unstable character are revealed here and we find that his motives are not so pure. The tone is more ominous as the three travelers approach Mordor and there is definitely the foreshadowing of trouble ahead, for the Ring is creating internal impediments within Frodo that parallel the physical difficulties of navigation and travel through the marshes. We can also see how the sun, an archetypal symbol of light, life and goodness casts fear in Sméagol's heart‹and yet, the very contrast (the dark shadow of the wraiths) is similarly troubling. Like the other cowardly traitors, Gollum must fear both good and evil. Finally, suspense is enhanced by Gollum's inner dialogue, a parallel to the Palantír's telepathy, which mentions both a "he" (Sauron) as well as an unknown "she"‹who is she?
Chapter 3: The Black Gate Is Closed
With the break of dawn, Frodo, Sam and Gollum arrive at Mordor, and they face the sealed Black Gate. In the distance, they see two ominous towering hills called The Teeth of Mordor and on the plains beyond the gate, there are armies assembling under the cover of mist. Sméagol is weakened at the sight and he bids Frodo to turn away but when Frodo makes clear his intent to enter Mordor‹alone or otherwise‹Gollum concludes that he has no choice but to help Frodo because his worst fear is for Sauron to get access to the ring.
Gollum explains that the Black Gate will surely lead to doom but there is an alternate back route that he remembers from long ago. Though all of Mordor is heavily guarded, some places are more heavily guarded than others. Gollum seems to be telling the truth when he explains that Sauron expects his enemy to advance through the Black Gate and this gate is the only thoroughfare through which Sauron's army may pass. Sméagol intends to lead Frodo and Sam on a route that passes the Silent Watchers in a perilous place called Cirith Ungol. Perilous as it may be, Frodo reckons that it is the best of the available options and he decides to trust Sméagol.
Analysis
The Black Gate becomes a symbol of doom for the travelers and it is clear that Mordor is more formidable now than it was in the hobbits' nightmares. There is a lot of information that Gollum withholds ere and this only increases the level of suspense as it now seems that Frodo and Sam's fates rest upon an untrustworthy servant. In terms of the theme of fate, Frodo's words to Gollum acknowledge the unexpected reversals that have taken place: "I will trust you once more. Indeed it seems that I must do so, and that it is my fate to receive help from you, where I least looked for itŠ" The motif of the hunt, surveillance and blindness is furthered by the idea that the hobbits will get the best of Sauron by entering is furthered by the idea that the hobbits will get the best of Sauron by entering Mordor from the direction Sauron least expects. The image of the eye is presented in Gollum's indication that Sauron cannot yet see everywhere at once. Finally, in terms of characterization, Sam's reinterpretation of Gollum/Sméagol as Stinker/Slinker is both humorous and insightful.
Chapter 4: Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit
The three travelers are hungry but there is only lembas (Elf-bread) to eat. At least the scenery does improve a bit and though Sauron is lord of this new region that they cross into, it is a more recent acquisition and it is not as damaged and gloomy as the other regions of Sauron's domain. Sam notes that Gollum is able to find things to eat and he sends the creature to find rabbits which Sam then stews. Frodo and Gollum both express warning over the fire that Sam sets (to cook the food) but Sam manages to cook the dinner without drawing attention to the smoke.
Not much later, however, Sam rinses the pots at the nearby brook and he then realizes how much smoke his fire has made. When he returns to the fireside scene, Gollum is nowhere to be found. Sam and Frodo hear voices and are spotted by four men‹fortunately, they are allies‹acquainted with Boromir. Not long after, there is a battle between this group and another group of men who are fighting for Sauron. The allies, led by Faramir, are successful but they will soon flee the scene, as Sauron has probably sent reinforcements. Regardless of Frodo or Sam's initial intentions, they will be marching with Faramir and his troops.
Analysis
This chapter presents the juxtaposition of a domestic scene and a scene of war. The contrast between the hobbits and the other species of Middle Earth (men, in particular) could not be any clearer. The theme of knowledge is humorously brought to the fore when the men are struck by the appearance of hobbits (an unknown species) and again when the hobbits encounter oliphaunts (elephants) and discover that the oliphaunts are not simply fabulous beasts. The disappearance of Gollum surely foreshadows ill to come and the tone of the chapter's conclusion also creates suspense regarding the fate of Frodo and Sam in Faramir's custody. We have been introduced to a new set of characters, but we do not know them well enough to trust their motives or judgement with conviction. This will become an important issue in the next chapters.
Chapter 5: The Window on the West
Faramir questions Frodo about his business in the region and Sam can see that Faramir is not satisfied by the guarded answers that Frodo gives. Faramir informs the hobbits that Boromir is dead and this is a surprise to the hobbits. Frodo conceals Boromir's rash attempt to steal the ring, but in later conversation with Faramir, more is revealed. Faramir decides to trust the hobbits and they are led to the secret fortification, though they are blindfolded so that they will not know the route. Later, in conversation, Faramir discusses an old legend concerning "Isildur's Bane" and Sam accidentally mentions the ring. He is, of course, worried and frightened at the consequences of his idiot move. Fortunately, Faramir is a man of his word and Faramir has sworn that he would reject this sinister heirloom, whatever it was. Even now, Faramir makes good on his promise and he makes no attempt to seize the ring, nor does he pursue the subject further‹as he does not wish to create a temptation for himself. Faramir goes further to say that Sam's accident may turn out for the best in the end, for now that Faramir is aware of the hobbits' task, he will offer them whatever assistance that he can provide.
Analysis
As for characters, Faramir and Boromir are presented as foils to each other; though they are related, their conceptions of honor are very different. In this chapter, we also see that Frodo, like Aragorn, conceals Boromir's crime when he has an opportunity to expose it. In terms of fate, one of the central themes of the trilogy, we clearly see that Sam's accident turns evil towards good; this is not the only time that an accident proves to be fortuitous. This scene hearkens back to an episode in Book One, where a hobbit's drunkenness betrays the secret of Bilbo Baggins' ring and the attendant power of invisibility. This chapter also foreshadows some of the drama at the end of Book Four, where Sam will have to prove himself a more responsible hero.
Chapter 6: The Forbidden Pool
Frodo and Sam wake up in Faramir's custody but they are safe with him because he is true to his word. Faramir directs Frodo's attention to Gollum, whom the guards have spotted. It is only after Frodo's insistent pleas that Faramir decides not to kill Gollum. Frodo must go down into the pool where Gollum is lurking to retrieve him. Gollum behaves poorly and does not seem worthy of the honor of Frodo's companionship. Faramir warns Gollum that Gollum is safe as long as he walks with Frodo, but if he goes astray without Frodo, anywhere within the domain of Gondor, then Gollum will be swiftly put to death. Later, Faramir explains that the high pass through which Gollum intends to lead his master is called Cirith Ungol. Faramir suggests that this might be some sort of treachery on Gollum's part and he questions Frodo's judgment here. Frodo understands the risk but he remains unperturbed. If Gandalf were there, he would offer valuable assistance‹but as Gandalf is not there, Frodo must decide for himself.
Analysis
In this chapter, both Frodo and Faramir present themselves as noble and heroic characters as they keep their word and even extend mercy to those criminals (Gollum) who do not necessarily deserve mercy. Faramir's assessment of Gollum foreshadows the future problems that the hobbits will have with Gollum. His potential for treachery is symbolized by his disappearance and reappearance. Following along the motif of language and naming, the very name of Cirith Ungol represents an evil that is strong enough to make Gollum wince and whimper. Regarding the themes of knowledge and surveillance, we have found in the last few chapters, numerous examples of blindness and blindfolding and this takes on a more metaphorical aspect in this chapter. Most of the suspense does not concern Gollum's immediate fate. Rater, it seems to clear to everybody except Frodo that Gollum is hiding something. At the very least, Gollum has more information about Cirith Ungol than he is willing to share.
Chapter 7: Journey to the Cross-Roads
Frodo and Sam must now make preparations to leave and part ways with Faramir and his men. Faramir gives the hobbits provisions. He warns them not to drink water from any stream that flows from Imlad Morgul, the Valley of Living Feat. Faramir's scouts have all reported that the approaching land is empty and there is a vast silence that simply hangs over the land, waiting for the invasion. The hobbits depart from Faramir's company after exchanging blessings. The landscape is depressing and, following Gollum's advice, the hobbits only travel in the night because they would be spotted too easily if they were to travel on the open road during the day. When they travel into a thicket, there are so many trees that they cannot really tell whether it is night or day and when Gollum disappears (yet again), this only makes matters worse. Sam and Frodo take turns keeping watch while the other dozes and Gollum eventually reappears. Gollum leads them on track again, moving as silently and stealthily as ever before. He tells them "we must go to the Cross-roads." In the distance, they all see the evidence of Sauron's power.
Analysis
One of the most important images of the trilogy appears at the end of this chapter and it foreshadows the drama of Books 5 and 6. The seat of the great stone kings of Argonath has been destroyed and an image of Sauron ("a grinning face with one large red eye in the midst of its forehead") has replaced the old kings. Following the motif of language, we find that "idle scrawls mixed with the foul symbols that the maggot-folk of Mordor used" decorate the new throne. There is a juxtaposition between this new throne and the old king whose statue has been beheaded. The head is by the roadside but, significantly, a plant with white and yellow flowers has made itself into a garland, encircling the king's head; this is a symbol of the inevitable victory/restoration of good over evil.
Chapter 8: The Stairs of Cirith Ungol
Gollum is full of fear and impatience and he urges Sam and Frodo to continue on. The city of the Ringwraiths lies ahead and it looks as ominous and uninviting as it ever did. There is also a corpse-like stench polluting the air. At one point, Frodo moves in the wrong direction, as if some force other than his own will were guiding him towards his doom. Whenever the hobbits wish to stop, Gollum gives the warning that eyes can see them. It doesn't do much good as a warning because the travelers are spotted before long‹or at least, it seems this way. A signal flame erupts from the tower of Minas Morgul and the loud piercing sounds of birds of prey can be heard in the sky. An army of black-clad figures emerges from the gate of the city and this brings to Frodo's remembrance his old wound from the ringwraith's knife.
Frodo urgently feels the command to put the Ring on but he feels no inclination to do this because he knows that the Ring will betray him. The armies march to the west and are soon out of sight. They continue on their path until they reach the first stair that Gollum had spoken of. After the Straight Stair comes the Winding Stair and the passage continues for miles. In the tunnel, the hobbits are forced to use the light that Galadriel gave them, a light enclosed in a star-glass. Their fate turns for the worse when the hobbits discover that Gollum has disappeared yet again. Gollum finds the hobbits a few hours later and offers to continue leading them.
Analysis
The dominant images of this chapter focus on Minas Morgul and the desolation of this city. Frodo and Sam are again in a similar situation as they were in Books I and II, being hunted by ringwraiths that are described in a simile as "birds of prey." Gollum remains as unsteady and disloyal a character as he ever was and in the next chapter we will discover the extent of this treachery, which has been foreshadowed several times. There is a great irony in Gollum's role as a treacherous guide, for at the end of this chapter, Gollum even offers to continue providing a service that is rendered with the exact opposite intentions in mind. It will take more than Gollum to derail the forces of good, however.
Chapter 9: Shelob's Lair
The stench only worsens as the hobbits make their way (unknowingly) to Shelob's Lair (Torech Ungol). Shelob is a giant, spider-like beast who has been feeding upon passersby for centuries. The stench of rotting flesh greets the hobbits who do their best not to get ill. Gollum has betrayed the hobbits, intending to lead them to the monster, Shelob. Then, after she devours the hobbits, Gollum will go through their clothes to find the ring. Gollum attacks Sam but Sam reveals himself to be far stronger than Gollum expected. Having escaped from this trap, Sam sees that Gollum's plan seems to be succeeding, for Frodo is already bound in Shelob's cords.
Analysis
Here we learn much of what we already expected to be true of Gollum, but the introduction of the character, Shelob, is a source of new complications. This is the "she" to whom Gollum earlier referred and she is also an independently evil villain. She is not on the side of Sauron and she answers to no one other than herself. We can also identify Shelob as an allusion to the epic Beowulf and the character Grendel's mother. Here, we find a brooding female monster with a hidden lair and a penchant for ravaging destruction. We also see a parallel between Grendel and Gollum, to whom Shelob played a somewhat maternal role in the past.
Chapter 10: The Choices of Master Samwise
In this final chapter of Book 4, Sam plays a more crucial role than he has in the earlier chapters. Frodo has been attacked by Shelob, and Sam rushes to defend his master. Shelob does not see Sam, who is armed with his sword, and Sam stabs Shelob in the belly. He is unable to kill her, but he does seriously wound her. Shelob reluctantly retreats to her lair, howling miserably. Sam approaches Frodo's body and after repeated attempts to revive Frodo, it appears that he is dead. Sam must now decide whether to remain by Frodo's side to bury him, give up the quest, or flee. In the end, Sam realizes that the quest must continue. Since Sam is the only remaining member of the Fellowship, he reluctantly takes the Ring and quickly leaves the scene.
Sam realizes that he is in danger and as he makes his way through the stairs of the tower, he hears the voices of the orcs who have seized Frodo. As it turns out, Frodo is not dead--only drugged. Sam realizes his error, but at the same time, the orcs are under orders to strip and imprison Frodo, so they would have surely had the Ring if Sam had not acted quickly. Sam tries to follow the orcs, but he is unable to both keep up and also remain hidden. At the end of the chapter, the orcs march (with Frodo) through a gate which they immediately seal, leaving Frodo on the outside.
Analysis
The narrative structure stays true to the fact that the end of The Two Towers is only the end of Book 4‹there are still two more books remaining (The Return of the King). Sam has proven inconsistent and erratic in the past, but here again, the theme of fate confirms that good often comes out of well-intended errors. Sam's incorrect conclusion saves the Fellowship, all the same. In contrast, Gollum's carefully planned machinations are ultimately unsuccessful. At the end of Book 4, there are plenty of characters who have been separated from their allies and we should remember that Frodo and Sam's dilemma is one of two concurrent scenes: the drama of the "battle in the West" remains and this is where Book 5 continues the story.
Exclusive George Lucas Interviews - Star Wars Episode 7 Plot Script Sequel Trilogy Sequels - General Grievous (Grevious) - Star Wars Episode 8 Script Plot - Star Wars Plot Formula - Star Wars
Questions Database - Indiana Jones 4 - Star Wars Episode 1 2 and 3 Sounds - Star Wars Midichlorian List - Star Wars History - Star Wars Fan Fiction - Star Wars Galaxy Map - Star Wars Animated Pictures - Star Wars Book Timeline - Star Wars Dark Horse Comics Timeline - Princess Leia Gold Bikini Pictures - Skywalker Ranch Pictures - Star Wars Species List - History of the Jedi and Sith - About SuperShadow
Illuminati
|
|