# The Two Towers (The Lord of the Rings, Book 2)
## Part I: The Fellowship Divided
- **Book III: The War of the Ring**
- **Gandalf's Return**
- Gandalf returns as Gandalf the White after defeating the Balrog.
- He meets Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli in Fangorn Forest.
- They travel to Edoras to free King Théoden from Saruman's influence.
- **The Battle of Helm's Deep**
- Saruman's forces attack Rohan.
- The defenders retreat to Helm's Deep for a final stand.
- Gandalf arrives with reinforcements, turning the tide of the battle.
- **Isengard Destroyed**
- The Ents, led by Treebeard, destroy Isengard.
- Saruman is trapped in Orthanc.
- Gandalf confronts Saruman and breaks his staff.
- **Book IV: Frodo and Sam's Journey**
- **Gollum's Guidance**
- Frodo and Sam capture Gollum, who becomes their guide to Mordor.
- Gollum leads them through the Dead Marshes.
- The trio reaches the Black Gate, which is heavily guarded.
- **The Forbidden Pool**
- Faramir captures Frodo and Sam but spares them.
- Frodo reveals the One Ring to Faramir, who resists its temptation.
- Faramir allows them to continue their quest.
- **Journey to Cirith Ungol**
- Gollum betrays Frodo and Sam by leading them to Shelob's lair.
- Frodo is stung by Shelob and captured by Orcs.
- Sam takes the Ring and vows to rescue Frodo.
## Part II: Themes and Symbolism
- **Themes**
- **Friendship and Loyalty**
- The bond between Frodo and Sam.
- The loyalty of Merry and Pippin to each other.
- **Good vs. Evil**
- The struggle against Sauron's forces.
- The moral corruption caused by the Ring.
- **Nature vs. Industry**
- The destruction of nature by Saruman's industrialization.
- The Ents' rebellion against Isengard.
- **Symbolism**
- **The One Ring**
- Represents power and corruption.
- A test of character for those who encounter it.
- **The Two Towers**
- Orthanc and Barad-dûr symbolize the dual threats of Saruman and Sauron.
- Represent the looming presence of evil over Middle-earth.
- **Light and Darkness**
- Light symbolizes hope and purity (e.g., Galadriel's phial).
- Darkness represents despair and evil (e.g., Mordor).
## Part III: Character Development
- **Frodo Baggins**
- Struggles with the burden of the Ring.
- Becomes increasingly isolated and weary.
- **Samwise Gamgee**
- Demonstrates unwavering loyalty and courage.
- Steps into a leadership role when Frodo falters.
- **Gollum/Sméagol**
- Embodies the duality of good and evil within himself.
- His internal conflict drives much of the plot.
- **Aragorn**
- Begins to embrace his destiny as the rightful king.
- Shows wisdom and strength in leadership.
- **Gandalf**
- Returns as Gandalf the White, more powerful and wise.
- Guides the Free Peoples of Middle-earth in their fight against evil.