Themes and Analysis

“The Two Towers,” delves deeply into themes of decay and decline of civilization, good vs. evil, honor and glory, and the power of friendship. Through its dual narrative structure, the novel explores these themes and their impact in shaping the direction of the story and the experiences of the characters.

Themes

Good vs. Evil

The battle between good and evil is the central theme of “The Two Towers.” The story pits characters like Aragorn, and Gandalf in confrontation against the forces of Saruman, as the fate of the Free Peoples of Middle-earth hangs on a thread. Frodo’s continued struggle against the corrupting influence of the Ring contrasts the fall of the once wise and mighty Wizard Saruman who is corrupted by his desire for dominion and power.

Hope and Despair

Tolkien explores hope and despair themes of hope and despair as characters face overwhelming odds. As Frodo’s weariness grows as they journey through Ithilien on their way to Mordor, the Ring becomes a heavy burden that pushes him close to hopelessness. As he begins to doubt the success of their quest, Sam shines a bright ray of hope into the gloom threatening to overwhelm him, constantly uplifting him.

Power and Corruption

The corrupting influence of power is one of the central themes of “The Two Towers.” Sauron’s One Ring embodies this corrupting influence. Characters like Saruman and Boromir are corrupted by their desire to wield and control the Ring’s power, illustrating how the thirst for control can lead even the most well-intentioned characters to ruin. Seeking dominance over Middle-earth, Saruman allies with Sauron and in doing so, loses his former wisdom and his exalted place as the leader of both the Order of Wizards and the Council of the Wise.

Friendship and Loyalty

Loyalty and friendship form a crucial part of the narrative of “The Two Towers,” demonstrated by Sam’s unwavering friendship and loyalty to Frodo. Sam’s devotion to Frodo sustains the quest, often at great personal risk, emphasizing the strength of the Fellowship. Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli also embody loyalty in their efforts to save Merry and Pippin from the Uruk-hai. The blooming friendship between Legolas and Gimli also represents the mending of the ages-long enmity between Elves and Dwarves.

Nature vs. Industrialization

Men, Dwarves, and Elves are not the only victims of corruption and tyranny in “The Two Towers” as Tolkien takes the readers through the tortured landscapes of Northen Ithilien, suffocated under the smokes of Mount Doom, and through the forests of Fangorn, devastated by the Orcs seeking wood for the industrial fires of Isengard. The conflict between nature and industry comes to a head when, influenced by the Hobbits Merry and Pippin, the Ents, ancient tree-like Shepherds of the Trees, storm Isengard and destroy it, imprisoning Saruman in his tower.

Analysis of Key Moments in “The Two Towers”

1. Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee continue their journey to Mount Doom alone, while the rest of the Fellowship faces new challenges.
2. Boromir dies while trying to protect Merry and Pippin from being captured by the band of Mordor and Isengard Orcs.
3. The Hobbits Merry and Pippin are captured by Orcs, leading to the breaking of the Fellowship.
4. The Three Hunters, Legolas, Gimli, and Aragorn, decide to chase down the Orcs and rescue Merry and Pippin instead of going after Frodo and the One Ring.
5. Frodo and Samwise capture the creature Gollum and force him to swear by the One Ring to lead them to Mordor.
6. The Hobbits Pippin and Merry escape from the Orcs and travel deep into the Fangorn forest where they meet the ancient Herder of Trees named Treebeard.
7. The Three Hunters run into Eomer and his Riders who inform them that the Orc band has been destroyed at the edge of the Fangorn forest. They were also given horses.
8. Treebeard calls for an Entmoot to decide what should be done against Saruman for his wanton destruction of trees.
9. The Hunters run into a wizard robed in white who they first assume was Saruman, but are delighted to realize it was Gandalf, who was returned to Middle-earth by the Valar for his valor in facing the Balrog of Morgoth.
10. The Ents attack Saruman’s fortress in Isengard and flood it with the waters of River Isen, defeating Saruman’s forces, and effectively ending his reign.
11. Gandalf leads the Hunters to Rohan where Gandalf rouses King Theoden from his stupor of despair, freeing him from the evil influences of Saruman’s servant Wormtongue, who he chose as his adviser.
12. The forces of Rohan, led by King Théoden and Aragorn, defend the fortress of Helm’s Deep against Saruman’s army.
13. Pippin sneaks a look into the Stone of Orthanc and encounters Sauron himself. Fortunately, Gandalf breaks the contract before the Hobbit can reveal Frodo’s quest to destroy the Ring.
14. Frodo and Sam reach the Black Gate of Mordor but are dismayed to find it under constant watch. Gollum convinces them to take a secret passage known only to him.
15. Faramir, Boromir’s brother, encounters Frodo and Sam in Ithillien and shows them kindness.
16. Gollum deceptively leads the Hobbits to the tunnels of Cirith Ungol, the lair of the giant spider Shelob. In his terror, Frodo gets trapped in the spider’s webs.
17. Sam rescues Frodo from Shelob’s grasp, but Frodo has been stung by the spider. Thinking him dead, Sam takes the Ring, vowing to continue the mission.

Writing Style, Tone, and Figurative Language of “The Two Towers”

Style

The style of “The Two Towers” is characterized by Tolkien’s intricate, formal, and descriptive prose, reflecting his background in philology and love for mythology. The book uses an archaic and elevated form of English, giving it a timeless and epic quality. The narrative is split into two distinct storylines: the adventures of The 3 Hunters; Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli, and the events of Rohan, and the journey of Frodo and Sam into Mordor. This division allows Tolkien to explore multiple themes and settings simultaneously, creating a layered narrative. The language is often descriptive, particularly when detailing the landscapes of Middle-earth. Tolkien spends ample time describing the forests, plains, and mountains, immersing the reader in the world. For instance, his description of Fangorn Forest as a place “full of an ageless and yet a changing time” enhances the mystical atmosphere of the setting. Tolkien’s pacing alternates between swift, action-packed scenes like the Battle of Helm’s Deep and slower, reflective moments, particularly during Frodo and Sam’s journey. This variation in pacing not only builds tension but also allows for moments of introspection and philosophical depth.

Tone

The tone of “The Two Towers” balances solemnity with moments of hope, capturing the epic struggle between good and evil. The characters face grave challenges and confront the reality of war, loss, and betrayal. The tone often shifts to despair, as characters grapple with the overwhelming power of Sauron and the apparent hopelessness of their quest. For instance, this quote about Sam; but even as hope died in Sam, or seemed to die, it was turned to a new strength, illustrates the tension between despair and resilience. Despite the dark and foreboding mood, there is a persistent undercurrent of hope that sustains the characters. Aragorn’s declaration, “There is always hope,” underscores this balance and serves as a rallying cry in the face of dire circumstances. Tolkien uses tone to evoke the emotional weight of the story, capturing both the high stakes of the world’s fate and the personal struggles of the characters.

Figurative Language

Tolkien’s use of figurative language is a defining feature of “The Two Towers,” enriching the text with layers of meaning and enhancing the epic quality of the narrative. He employs metaphors and similes to deepen the reader’s understanding of characters and settings. For example, when Saruman’s forces invade Rohan, the devastation of nature is likened to “a dark smoke against the sky,” symbolizing the destruction of innocence and peace by industrialization. Similarly, the One Ring is a metaphor for the corrupting influence of power, a central theme that resonates throughout the book. Personification plays a key role in making the world of Middle-earth feel alive, especially through the Ents, who are walking, talking trees, symbolizing nature’s resistance to industrial destruction. Tolkien also uses alliteration and assonance to create a rhythmic and poetic quality in the text, such as in the Elvish dialogue or descriptions of ancient lore, adding a musicality that enhances the mythical atmosphere. This figurative language helps Tolkien elevate the narrative from a simple tale of adventure to a profound exploration of power, corruption, and resilience.

Key Symbols

The One Ring

Sauron’s One Ring symbolizes the corrupting influence of absolute power. As Frodo continues his journey, the burden of the Ring grows, reflecting how the influence of power can consume and erode one’s moral compass. The Ring’s seduction, particularly for Gollum, is an example of the destructive nature of desire, as it turns him into a creature obsessed with reclaiming it.

Ents

The Ents symbolize the natural world’s slow but powerful reaction to destruction. Their awakening and subsequent march against Saruman show nature’s ability to fight back against rampant exploitation. In “The Two Towers,” they embody deep-rooted wisdom and patience, with Treebeard proclaiming that Ents and trees have no true allies, even among the Free Peoples. The Ents’ decision to take action highlights the balance between nature’s endurance and its breaking point when provoked, serving as a metaphor for environmental preservation and activism.

Helm’s Deep

Helm’s Deep represents the resilience of hope in the face of overwhelming odds. The fortress, long regarded as an impregnable bastion, becomes a critical symbol during the siege by Saruman’s forces. The defenders’ last stand in the deep caves highlights the theme of unity in the face of despair. Helm’s Deep symbolizes the strength of the Rohirrim and a shelter where courage can survive even the darkest hours.

The White Hand of Saruman

Saruman’s White Hand symbolizes tyranny, betrayal, and the pursuit of power through domination. Once a great and wise Wizard, Saruman’s allegiance to Sauron marks his fall from wisdom to tyranny, signified by the white hand, which brands his Uruk-hai warriors. His transformation from a wise leader to a power-hungry despot echoes the corrupting influence of ambition. The White Hand serves as a direct contrast to Gandalf’s purity and leadership, emphasizing the moral divide between them.

Gollum

Gollum symbolizes man’s duality and the internal struggle to choose between good and evil. His split personality, Smeagol, who represents innocence, and Gollum, the Ring-obsessed creature, reflect the psychological torment the One Ring inflicts on its bearer. His inner conflict mirrors the larger battle for Middle-earth, serving as a symbol of the destructive power of unchecked desire.

Personal Perspective

From my perspective, “The Two Towers” portrays an escalation of the narrative of “The Lord of the Ring” trilogy, where the stakes become clearer, and the characters’ journeys take a pivotal turn. What stands out to me is Tolkien’s masterful depiction of the internal struggles within each character, particularly Frodo and Gollum. Frodo’s growing burden of carrying the One Ring is portrayed with such great intensity that the weight of its influence as he moves closer to Mordor becomes palpable to the reader. Gollum, with his split personality, is one of the most fascinating characters in literature, symbolizing the internal battle we all face between our better nature and our darker impulses.