September 17, 2003

LotR as World War 2?
Bob Praz

You bring up an interesting point, Haldir. When you think about it, The Two Towers (especially) is somewhat reminiscent of World War 2. Maybe it's not deliberate, yet I think that PJ did draw some inspiration from World War 2 history and movies.
Indeed, the TTT review in my local newspaper mentioned at one point that the scene of Saruman talking to his army in Isengard resembled the "fascist and obedient cohorts of Nuremberg", and I agree. So you're not alone in thinking this, Haldir. Saruman does give you an impression of a fascist ruler (in fact, I think Christopher Lee himself may have said something like this, but I can't remember where).
The Osgiliath sequence, in fact, is really just a world war 2 battle adapted for Middle-Earth. I mean, let's face it, just look at the mood and the various elements: there are ruins of war everywhere (like the french or german towns that we often see in movies devastated by constant and long-term bombardment), and allied forces (gondorians) are firing volleys into the enemy lines while artillery (in this case, stones from catapults) rains down on them, causing buildings to burst into debris. Even the Winged Nazgul seem to represent enemy planes sweeping down on an attack run, while the allied captain yells to his men to take cover.

So, sound familiar? There are probably other sequences that could be stated as such examples, but right now I can't think of anything else really significant. In the end, LOTR has many war-related themes, and it's only natural that Tolkien AND Peter Jackson would explore these themes (though I won't start now a rather long discussion on them; you all know what you think). The good professor claimed that his novel was not an allegory for WWII, and I agree, but there are nonetheless elements that can be interpreted that way.
What do you think?

PS: Haldir, I think I'm beginning to agree now on your theory of why Wormtongue was crying. I won't state another arguement for or against it, but I'm waiting now to see what will happen in ROTK before I come to a conclusion on this matter. (By the way, welcome to the forum!)