J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Two Towers” comprises parts 3 and 4 of “The Lord of the Ring” compendium, The Treason of Isengard, and The Ring Goes East. The first book, which makes up “The Two Towers” revolves around the fall from grace of the once-great wizard Saruman the White, his actions against Rohan, and its far-reaching consequences which culminated in the siege of the Rohirrim fortress of Helm’s Deep. The second book revolves around the perilous and difficult journey East to Mordor by the Hobbits Frodo and Sam, guided by the wretched creature Gollum.
Themes
The themes of “The Two Towers,” the second book in J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings trilogy,” center on the struggle between good and evil, the power of friendship and loyalty, and the burden of responsibility. It also touches on betrayal, fall from grace and redemption. Fellowship of the Ring is broken, and the characters are scattered across Middle-earth, each facing their own challenges.
“The Two Towers” explores the idea that the smallest and seemingly weakest individuals can profoundly impact events as Frodo and Sam continue their perilous journey to destroy the One Ring. The themes of sacrifice, the corrupting influence of power, and the resilience of hope are woven throughout the narrative, highlighting the enduring battle between light and darkness.
Characters
In “The Two Towers,” the characters experience significant growth as they face increasingly dangerous challenges. Aragorn steps into his role as a leader, blending humility with nobility as he leads the remaining members of the Fellowship, now named the Three Hunters, as they pursue the Orc band. Frodo Baggins continues to struggle under the burden of the One Ring, with its influence growing stronger as his journey becomes darker. His bond with Samwise Gamgee deepens, with Sam’s unwavering loyalty and support highlighting the book’s themes of friendship and perseverance.
Gollum, more fully introduced in this book, adds complexity to the story as a tragic figure torn between his desire for the Ring and his servitude to Frodo, introducing tension and moral ambiguity. Gollum’s tragic arc also explores the possibility of redemption, a core component of Tolkien’s beliefs.
Gandalf the White returns with enhanced power and authority, reflecting his transformation and elevated role in the fight against Sauron, even as Saruman falls deeper into the clutches of the Shadow in his role as the antagonist, embodying the dangers of power and corruption, with his downfall at Orthanc illustrating the consequences of ambition and betrayal. Legolas and Gimli’s friendship strengthens as they overcome racial differences, while Merry and Pippin mature, particularly through their interactions with the Ents and involvement in the Storming of Isengard.
Writing Style
J.R.R. Tolkien has often been praised for using vivid descriptions and intricate world-building to transport readers to the vast landscapes of Middle-earth, from the haunting forests of Fangorn to the imposing stronghold of Helm’s Deep. Tolkien often uses formal and archaic language to reflect the epic nature of the story and the mythic quality of the world he created. His dialogue is carefully crafted, using each character’s speech to reflect their unique background and personality, whether it is Aragorn’s eloquent yet humble words or the rustic speech pattern of the Hobbits. The pacing varies, with moments of intense action balanced by slower, reflective passages that explore the characters’ internal struggles.
Setting
The setting of “The Two Towers” is a richly imagined and expansive world, spanning diverse and haunting landscapes that reflect the story’s epic nature. “The Two Towers” primarily unfolds across two major regions of Middle-earth: the wide plains of Rohan and the stronghold of Helm’s Deep lying by the mystical forests of Fangorn, home of the Ents and ancient trees, all in danger from the corrupted Saruman in Isengard, contrasting with the oppressive, ash-filled lands surrounding Mordor, particularly the eerie Dead Marshes and the dark dangers in Cirith Ungol which enhances the sense of looming darkness and the ever-present threat of Sauron.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
One of the most significant strengths of “The Two Towers” is its complex character development. Tolkien explores deeper into the personalities and growth of rhe characters. Their emotional depth and evolution provide a compelling narrative that draws the readers in and keeps them invested invested in their journeys. Additionally, Tolkien’s world-building continues to impress, as new regions like Rohan and Fangorn Forest are introduced with vivid detail, enriching the already expansive Middle-earth. The parallel storylines offer engaging plotlines, balancing the epic scale of battles like Helm’s Deep with the more intimate struggles of Frodo and Sam. The introduction of Gollum as a central character adds a layer of moral complexity and tension, making the story even more gripping.
Cons:
“The Two Towers” however has its drawbacks. Pacing issues are an evident concern, especially during Frodo and Sam’s journey, where the story began to feel sluggish. The fragmentation, while engaging for some, can be disorienting and may disrupt the flow for readers who prefer a more cohesive plot. The Breaking of the Fellowship, a central theme in the first book, might also leave readers longing for the camaraderie that was a highlight of “The Fellowship of the Ring“. Tolkien’s complex language and detailed descriptions, while a feature of his style, can be a barrier for those who struggle with dense storytelling.
Plot
With the Breaking of the Fellowship in “The Fellowship of The Ring,” The first storyline of “The Two Towers” follows Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli as they pursue the Orcs who have captured Merry and Pippin. This pursuit leads them to Rohan, where they become embroiled in the kingdom’s struggle against the traitorous Wizard Saruman. The plot here is rich with action and strategy, climaxing in the epic Battle of Helm’s Deep. This first part of the book introduces key characters like King Théoden, Éomer, and Éowyn, along with the return of Gandalf the White, adding depth and intrigue to this part of the story.
Parallel to this, the second storyline follows Frodo and Sam as they continue their perilous journey to Mordor, guided by the treacherous but pitiable creature Gollum. This plotline is more introspective and suspenseful, focusing on the psychological toll of the quest on Frodo and the growing tension between trust and betrayal. The internal struggle of Frodo, Gollum’s complex character, and the ever looming presence of the Ring’s corrupting influence create a sense of foreboding that builds steadily throughout the book.
“The Two Towers” shows it’s strength by balancing these two distinct narratives, each offering a different tone and pacing while contributing to the epic scope of the story. The action in Rohan contrasts with the slow, creeping dread of Frodo and Sam’s journey, providing variety and maintaining the reader’s engagement.
However, the split narrative can also be seen as a drawback. The separation of the Fellowship and the focus on two different plots might feel disjointed to some readers, disrupting the cohesion that was present in the first book. Additionally, the pacing varies significantly between the two storylines, with some sections, particularly those involving Frodo and Sam, moving at a pace that readers may find too slow.
Lasting Impact on Reader
One of the most enduring aspects of “The Two Towers” is its treatment of heroism and leadership. Aragorn’s journey towards accepting his destiny as a leader, the resilience of the people of Rohan in the face of overwhelming odds, and the quiet courage of Sam and Frodo as they move closer to Mordor, all resonate with readers long after the book is finished. The themes of friendship, loyalty, and the struggle against seemingly insurmountable darkness have universal appeal, making the story both timeless and deeply personal.
The character of Gollum, with his internal conflict and tragic backstory, leaves a particularly strong impression. His complex nature forces readers to grapple with ideas of trust, redemption, and the corrupting influence of power. Gollum’s duality, as both a guide and a threat, adds a psychological depth to the narrative that lingers in the reader’s mind.
The imagery of the landscapes and battles in “The Two Towers” also has a lasting impact. Tolkien’s descriptions of Rohan’s rolling plains, the ancient trees of Fangorn Forest, and the fortress of Helm’s Deep create vivid mental images that stay with readers, contributing to the sense of a fully realized world. The epic scale of the Battle of Helm’s Deep, in particular, is one of the most memorable scenes in fantasy literature, showcasing Tolkien’s ability to blend action with emotion.
The Two Towers Review
Book Title: The Two Towers
Book Description: The Two Towers is the second book in Tolkien's iconic trilogy, splits its focus between the Three Hunters' relentless pursuit of their kidnapped friends and Frodo and Sam's perilous trek to Mordor.
Book Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
Book Edition: First Edition
Book Format: Hardcover
Publisher - Organization: George Allen & Unwin
Date published: October 11, 1954
Illustrator: J.R.R. Tolkien
ISBN: 0-261-10275-0
Number Of Pages: 398
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Story
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Characters
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Setting
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Writing Style
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Dialogue
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Conclusion
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Lasting Effect on the Reader
The Two Towers: A gripping continuation of Tolkien's legendary masterpiece.
‘The Two Towers’ is the second installment of Tolkien’s ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy. It is divided into two parts with the first part revolving around the Three Hunters, Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas, as they chase the trail of the Orc band that kidnapped their friends, and the second part of the book revolves around the Hobbits Frodo and Sam as they make their dangerous journey toward Mordor.
Pros
- A rich and immersive world-building.
- Epic and engaging plots.
- Great character development.
Cons
- Fragmented narrative that can be hard to follow.
- Slow pacing.
- Limited female representation.
