After a few weeks hiatus we are back on the group read circuit for The Lord of the Rings, this time with the second book of the trilogy (or second part of the story), The Two Towers. Little Red Reviewer (Andrea) and Geeky Daddy (Clint) are back to host this leg of the journey and I am excited to be a part of the question development team this time.
Over the past few days the weather had taken a decidedly autumnal turn, the leaves are getting to be absolutely gorgeous, and the chill in the night air carries on it the voice of Tolkien crying out, coaxing me to immerse myself in some of my favorite fall literature.
It is a pleasure to be reading The Two Towers again, it has been too long since my last visit. Andrea came up with this week’s questions. For any of you who are unfamiliar with the story, there will be spoilers ahead.
1. What is your favorite part of The Two Towers, thus far into the book?
I think my favorite part of the story thus far is seeing Aragorn begin to assume more of a leadership role while at the same time developing a relationship of respect and cooperation with Gimli and Legolas. Being able to once again experience the origins of these friendships through the imagination of J.R.R. Tolkien is a tremendous pleasure. I find much satisfaction in the presentation of Aragorn as a man who knows his legacy, who understand his place in events and where his path should lead him, and yet he demonstrates humility and honors those he travels with by sharing his doubts and by seeking the council of his companions.
In combination with this I really like this initial journey into Rohan. I mentioned in my review of the extended edition of The Two Towers that Rohan is a land of beautiful melancholy and I feel myself connect with that part of Tolkien’s world in such a powerful way. I am unsure why. I think horses are lovely but I am no rider. I think the Rohirrim are presented with such nobility and dedication to duty that I cannot help but admire them.
2. What were your thoughts of Boromir trying to defend Merry and Pippin from Orc archers?
Those of you who have read my thoughts on Boromir on my site and in the comments of other posts during the read-a-long for The Fellowship of the Ring know that I took the stance of defending Boromir. I believe in many ways Boromir is the stand in character for much of humanity, that he is an honorable character who sets out with what he believes are good intentions–the desire to protect his people–and yet his intentions lead him into temptation and eventually defeat as he gives in to the call of the One Ring, giving an impassioned speech to Frodo just before trying to take the Ring to which Frodo replies, “……but for the warning of my heart.”
I believe Tolkien gives Boromir his moment of anguished enlightenment as Frodo disappears, he falls, and his mind clears and he realizes just what he has done. So I love the fact that Tolkien gives him one last moment to shine, a last act of desperate heroism that allows him a chance to redeem himself after a fashion, even if that redemption falls short.
My feelings about Boromir (and the whole of The Lord of the Rings) is so deeply informed by the film adaptations as I had multiple exposures to them before ever reading the books. I am unsure if I would have seen all that in my own reading of the book were in not for the interpretation written by Peter, Fran and Philippa. I do like to think though that they captured the spirit of what Tolkien was trying to say. I don’t see Boromir as a villain of the piece. I see him as a victim of the expectations heaped upon him and the crooked direction his path had from the start (as we will discover more in future reading). I see him as the person who tries to do the right thing but is doing it for the wrong reason. And that never works.
His failure at protecting Merry and Pippen is poignant, and yet I do feel his actions prevented them from immediate harm and allowed them to live perhaps to see another day.
3. What thoughts would have been going through your mind if you were approached by Treebeard?
Lets be honest, as much as I love trees–and I am a real tree lover–I would be completely and utterly freaked out were one to begin walking toward me, let alone start talking. I sincerely hope that I would able to stave off heart failure and mental collapse long enough to have fear turn to awe and wonder. Treebeard is great fun. His long-winded speeches make him particularly endearing to me. I would love to spend time just resting and listening to him babble on.
4. Do you like it that Tolkien has split the Company into three mini-quests? Do you wonder if the company will be together throughout the quest again?
I think Tolkien expert Tom Shippey explains it best when he discusses this in the DVD extras, pointing out that the way Tolkien wrote would never pass an editor’s desk let alone be published. It flies in the face of modern storytelling, where we are used to the story moving back and forth at reasonable intervals between characters when they are occupying different physical space in the created universe. Take for example Brandon Sanderson’s novel The Way of Kings, which several of us read recently. It is the only book I’ve read that in some ways approaches Tolkien’s style of focusing the reader on only one set of characters for long lengths of time, and yet even Sanderson’s tale is more interwoven than Tolkien’s. It is utterly and completely amazing, but it works.
My one true and abiding regret at not reading The Lord of the Rings long before the films were released is that I would have liked to have experienced first hand the anxiety of not knowing the fate of various characters for many long chapters. Those who read the books first have that unique experience that cannot be replicated. And I guess I haven’t answered the question, but I do like it. The only way my experience with the story can at all compare is that I did not know anything about the story of The Lord of the Rings when I saw the first film and I avoided any and all spoilers between films so that everything that happened was a surprise to me. In that sense yes, I did wonder the first time I saw it what would happen to the remaining characters after the fellowship broke apart at the end of the first book.
Although I enjoy the manner in which Tolkien divided the story in The Two Towers, I am happy that the DVD extras afforded me the opportunity to see Peter Jackson explain how the chapters of The Two Towers and The Return of the King fit together and interconnect chronologically.
Andrea asked a question that I did not answer:
What were your thoughts and reactions of the battle at the Hornburg?
As I didn’t get all the way through my reading in time this week I am going to wait and answer that one first with next week’s questions. I know well what happens having read the book before and having seen the film time and time again. But I really want to answer based as much on this current reading experience as I can and in order to do so I have to finish this section first.
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That is it for Andrea’s questions. I have question duty next week. But before I leave off I want to make mention of Alan Lee’s stunning cover image. This is my favorite book cover for any of the Lord of the Rings novels. There is something so darkly melancholy about the image which is so fitting with the growing loss and despair of this middle act of the trilogy. I remember watching Peter Jackson talk about how he always wanted to see the rest of the tower of Orthanc and that one of the earliest things he did after Alan Lee arrived in New Zealand was to ask him to draw him the rest of the tower. I must say I too am thrilled to have that curiosity answered. I must confess though that it was a long time before I noticed that this image depicts the tower surrounded by water, something I won’t discuss any further here. Guess I couldn’t take my eyes off of the tower.
I strongly encourage you to visit Andrea and Clint at their respective sites in order to find links to their Two Towers discussion posts as well as others who are participating. And whether you are reading along this time with us or just know this part of the story well enough to join in, please do take the time to be a part of the conversation.
I am so excited to be FINALLY rereading these books… The movies weren’t even out the last time I read them, so it has been a while. It was fun filling in all the little details that I had forgotten. I think a lot of that was because the movies have influenced what I remember… I remember when the second movie came out I was so excited to see Treebeard. It was fun to revisit with him in the book. He remains one of my favourite characters.
I haven’t done my post yet, so I didn’t really read yours because I don’t want to influence my own post. I will be back later today. 🙂
I am too, Kailana. I read them just after the last film was released, but that has still been a long time ago. I enjoyed your post a lot, which was obviously written before I got back here to read comments. I love how the books fill in the cracks that the film could simply not have gotten to, and I also love how the films are able to show visually what would have taken pages and pages of the book to describe. They are wonderful companions to one another.
I was thinking the other day reading the 1st section of The Two Towers, this is the perfect time of the year to read these books. The weather just puts you in their mood and shoes.
I think that your reactions to the to the Treebeard are hilarious, but yet I would have the exact same reaction as well Carl.
It does for me too. I think part of it is that parts of the story take place during this time of year but more than anything I think I am influenced because November is when the extended editions of the DVD’s came out all three years and so fall was always the time when I would immerse myself in Tolkien.
I cannot imagine how shocked I would be at Treebeard. Perhaps if an actual tree had swallowed me up in its roots and I had met elves and dwarves and had seen a Balrog that maybe it wouldn’t be so shocking.
(The second part of the story, more like—The Lord of the Rings isn’t a trilogy of complete novels, but a single novel.)
“Beautiful melancholy” is a great way to describe Rohan. It’s not a happy place, but it is gorgeous even in its despair. Of course, I’m biased, since I love the royal family of Rohan, but I’ve always thought Howard Shore’s score for the Jackson films really captured it.
It’s a beautiful cover; this edition is, in fact, my dream edition of the books.
I like the history of why the novels were broken up into three parts (post-war paper shortage, economic concerns, etc) and am actually glad it exists that way as the three parts all have their own distinct flavors. I do like that they keep the page numbering as if it was just in one volume, and yet it always mixes me up as I don’t have that sense of how much reading I have to get done for the group read.
Howard Shore’s Rohan music is among my very favorites and he does capture it so well. Of course we see Rohan in these stories during a time of decline, and the films picture them in something of a fall setting. I imagine spring and summer in Rohan would be incredibly beautiful, just as fall and winter would be of a melancholy beauty.
for some reason, I liked Rohan in the movies more than in the books, and it was probably because of that incredible epic, anthem-ish music!
I agree. I think it is that, the beauty of the visuals, and the fact that on the extended editions the Rohan parts don’t seem as rushed as they do in the book.
Carl, your brain is starting to pull and Andrea. . . and getting things mixed up. Clint at Geeky Daddy did this weeks questions. . . i just did the hard part of e-mailing them around. 😉
So far The Two Towers is my favorite book, or portion of the story, so far. There is a lot of humor, a lot of strange characters, Gandalf comes back and isn’t quite himself, just lots of things that really kept me interested.
Yes, you are influencing me too much! LOL! Sorry, got the email from you and that is where my brain went.
Congrats Clint on the excellent questions. 🙂
I go back and forth between considering The Two Towers and The Return of the King my favorites. Of course none could exist without the others so maybe it is a moot point, but still. Love the return of Gandalf 2.0.
I love your comments. I’m a total pushover for anything about Aragorn – I love him. I also think the Riders of Rohan about wonderful, so brave and dedicated like you said, and, I really like Eomer. I think their introduction is the most enjoyable part of Book 2 for me plus Helms Deep – which is so gripping.
Thanks
Lynn 😀
Aragorn is certainly among my favorites. He is just an incredible heroic figure. Rohan in this first section of the book is fantastic. I look forward to it in the books and every time I watch the films.
I love how Aragorn is so accepting of everyone’s differences (and strengths). I see Boromir in the same light you do as well.
I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one that would have been terrified of Treebeard!
Great idea with skipping the last question. I was a day late because I didn’t finish reading until last night.
Yes, he makes a good leader in that way. He is able to recognize the value of each of his companions.
I’m glad I’m not the only one who sees Boromir in that light.
Yes, Treebeard would initially scare the doodoo out of me, for sure. But then I’d want to climb aboard.
I’m going to go ahead and answer that last question next week. Didn’t want to just do so from my knowledge of the films.
Howdy Carl! Once again I can’t take part in this book discussion. I’m starting to think that London is against me. But I am reading this novel since I still have hope, maybe I shouldn’t, but I do, that I can take part in next month. Also, since I purchased my new TV I’ve been watching the DVDs. They look amazing on the new one. Anyhoos, I hope to be back in the loop this November!
I do hope you’ll be back eventually! 🙂 As I’ve said before, you are missed.
Glad you are enjoying the films on your new tv! Can’t wait to get one myself next year and watch these in blu ray.
I hope I’ll be back soon. The new date is Nov. 1st. I have my fingers crossed!
Here is my lengthy thoughts on this week’s reading.
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I have just finshed reading week one for Two Towers. I like this book much more than Fellowship. I am discovering that I like Tolkien’s world but like it so much more when Aragorn and Gandalf are front and center rather than when the hobbits of Pippin and Merry and even Frodo for that matter are center stage. I am not certain why, but the interaction that takes place during the hobbits’ moments just do not hold my attention well.
1. My favorite part of the book, thus far, is when we journey into Rohan. I really liked the description of Rohan, but also the people. There is a feel of nobility and dedication within this group that really draws my attention and I must admit I am intrigued with Eowyn. I love the horses and most espcially Shadowfax – I am loving this horse.
2. I was glad for Boromir’s last act of heroism. For me, it redeemed him. I think his character is intersting in that I think he really highlights much of how many people are: start with good intentions, fall to temptation, and thankfully realize the errors of their ways and attempt to correct said errors. I think most people are this way than the storybook hero who never falls to temptation. This is insightful Carl, “I see him as the person who tries to do the right thing but is doing it for the wrong reason”. I agree with you.
3. Ha. When I started reading the Treebeard part, my mind needed to take a vacation from reality to totally get into this part of the story, and to grasp it. I mean, if a tree started moving towards me and then started talking to me, I would seriously wonder if someone spiked my coffee that day with LSD or something. I would try to run the other way which would not have been good for me seeing how the treebeard was fun. I cannot wait to see the film to see how this part of the book is played out.
4. I am fairly certain the the Company will come back together again. I do not mind the overall idea of splitting them up – giving three storylines. The problem for me though is, I am not too terribly fond of the hobbits’ storyline. I think, for me, if the hobbits were still amongst Aragorn and gang that I would gain a greater appreciation of them rather than dreading their chapters. I am hoping that my opinoin of the hobbits will change as I continue reading.
5. The Hornburg battle suited me very well. I truly believe that I am a battle girl. I love good battle scenes and this one gave me apprehension and concern for the characters. I could visualize the happenings. I will admit, that sometimes, I get a bit lost in Gandalf’s power and am immediately awed by how he can change things in a flash of a moment. I can only imagine how powerful he must have looked upon a white horse and him all decked out in white. Amazing. Before Gandalf appeared, I was becoming a bit concerned for Aragorn, although not too terribly worried seeing how I even know that he must remain alive throughout this book for the next one, but concerned I was. However, I find myself most worried for Gimli and for Eomer, but mostly for Gimli as I really like his character. I am thinking he will be alright but I am stilling awaiting that reassurance. Let me say, Aragorn impresses me ever so greatly. He has since the first moment when we met him as Strider in Fellowship, but now, I am even more impressed. The scene when he speaks to the Orcs as the dawn approaches. I thought that this was quite magnificant of him to attend to the enemies in such a manner with authority, leadership and power.
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On another note – this is my first time through LOTR and I have only watched one film (Fellowship), so I am very much intrigued to see how the players all play out. As this book goes further, I am finding myself more and more interested in the story. I will admit though, at times I find my mind wandering a bit when Tolkien goes off on descriptions. And, I do become a bit bored with some of the dialogue. Fortunately, I bring my mind back to focus on the story and find the descriptions lovely and interesting, and the dialogue…well…that all depends on the charactes because as I have already said, the hobbits are not doing too much for me right now.
Carl – the cover art is rather “dakly melancholy”. I like it. I think it is fitting the story so far, and actually has me even more intrigued as to where this story is going to lead me.
Something also interesting, I noticed that this book is truly a continuation of Fellowship in even how the pages are numbered. I think that is pretty neat. With that in mind, I am very glad that this epic story was broken down into three books rather than remaining one large book like The Way of Kings. I am not certain that I could make it through LOTR if it was one massive book – i need some sort of goals and triumph of completing the goal. 🙂
It certainly wasn’t Tolkien’s wish to see the book split in three parts, but with post-war shortages still in effect the publishing company didn’t want to take a lot of changes and it made more sense to split it up. I actually like the fact that we get three separate books that still act as one long narrative.
Can’t wait to talk to you about the films once you get to see them.
I sort of had the opposite thing happen to me when reading Fellowship this time in that I gained much more respect for and appreciation of the hobbits and so I’ll be interest in how that plays out during my reading. I know when I watch the films the Frodo, Sam, Gollum parts are the hardest for me to watch mostly because they are so often dreary and depressing (as they are meant to be). The acting is superb but I still find myself looking forward to the other parts of the story more, at least until they get much closer to Mordor.
It is fun for me that you are experiencing all this for the first time, having only had a knowledge of Fellowship from seeing that film. I can’t wait to keep experiencing this story through your eyes.
The route that Pippen and Merry take as the story continues, and I won’t spoil it for you, is very interesting in my opinion and I hope you’ll enjoy them more when it gets to that point. For now they are still more spectators than they are active characters, but that may change. 😉
Boromir is such a great character and his redemption and sacrifice is one of my favorite parts of the book and is even more stunning in the way in which it was filmed. Such emotion.
Pippen and Merry as spectators, I have not thought of them that way, but it is what they are now. That probably is why I am not taken by them much as the other characters who seem more active to me.
I am becoming very excited to experience the movies. I am thinking the winter time will be good viewing time for them….January?? I want to read the books and have at least one month after reading before viewing. I looked – I own the first two movies in the extended dvd version. We do not own the last movie so I must change that and purchase it…or maybe put it on my Christmas wish list.
I think you’ll find that changes over time with the hobbits.
I certainly like watching the films in fall/winter. And you should give yourself a bit of time, although not too much, between the books and the films. That way you can compare the two better.