I get really interested in the story line with Aragorn and co. when I'm suddenly reading about Frodo and Sam again. It takes me a few pages before I have grudgingly accepted that there's no going back to the other story (to exagerate a little)
One part of this chapter that I remember distinctly is the incident with the elven rope. It is one of those small moments that explains a lot about elves and their magic. It seems subtle, their magic is not very showy but happens in a lot of small ways like the rope coming loose when Sam didn't want to leave the rope behind. Its not like some magic that authors describe in their own books, things like fire bolts etc.
I like it how Tolkien keeps the magic subtle and only makes it seem big at a few moments in the course of LOTR. (Compared to some other authors who make magic huge;not that I mind)
Quote:
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Far away ---the Anduin, that had gleamed fitfully in sun-breaks during the day,was now hidden in shadow.
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After this image Frodo and Sam don't see any light till Ithilien. This certainly sets a darkening mood. And it isn't just because of the setting it also makes it clear that the story has become much more serious.There are also several other thing that make the story darker such a the Nazgul that flies over Emyn Muil.
Plus the entrance of Gollum,who helps the hobbits but who also will turn dangerous. There is a bit of foreshadowing for this already because immediatly upon meeting Gollum we see that he quickly switches from one position. When he swears not to hurt Frodo and Sam he changes his mind several times on who/what to swear. This could also be seen as a way of trying to please Frodo and sam but it also shows that he quickly changes his mind all the time.It also shows suspicion which proves to be dangerous later on at Henneth Annun when he thinks Frodo is responsible for his capture.
Thus with all these gloomy prospects all the light and hope is slowly dissapearing for Frodo and Sam.
This is especially for Frodo who feels the ring growing heavier and heavier the closer they get to Mordor. But I think the ring makes it easier for Frodo to loose hope as well.This always makes me anxious and when I read the chapter I want things to go faster before Frodo can't go on any longer.
This is one of the reasons why Frodo and Sam become so closely connected. They find what they need in order to survive this journey, in their relationship. With their friendship they are able to pull through their ordeal.
At first while they were still with the fellowship they could relie on Gandalf or aragorn. Now however, they have to depend on each other and their friendship which has begun to grow now comes into full bloom.