The White Mountains

These two chapters constitute a major episode in Will’s development, particularly as he contemplates the dilemma of Freedom Versus Security. Will quickly finds his life in the castle to be a comforting and enjoyable one. Unlike earlier parts of his journey, which required Will to undergo danger or pain in search of a higher goal, this part of the narrative focuses on Will’s struggle to forgo a life of ease and comfort in pursuing freedom from the Tripods’ domination. In so doing, Will gains valuable insight into social factors that facilitate the Tripods’ ongoing control. Specifically, he realizes that the upper classes and nobility take advantage of the imbalanced social structure created by the Tripods to maintain their own prosperity. This contrasts with his life in Wherton, where fear was the predominant emotion among the lower classes.

In this context, the reasoning behind Christopher’s decision to echo so many aspects of medieval life in a novel set 100 years in the future becomes clear: The Tripods’ totalitarianism is nothing more or less than a new form of feudalism, with the Tripods themselves forming the highest social level. The fact that Will is not bothered by the loss of his watch shows that, for a time, he begins to accept the system as it stands. He is particularly attracted to the possibility of remaining with Eloise, who becomes a love interest. Only when he learns of her mandatory lifelong servitude in the city of the Tripods following her selection as Queen of the Tournament does Will realize the terrible price of the security and stability the Tripods offer. Thus, although the Comtesse and Eloise are kind to Will and leave a favorable impression on him, he ultimately concludes that theirs is an empty existence since they remain at the Tripod’s mercy. The fact that Eloise’s devotion to the Tripods exceeds her loyalty to her own family, as well as her friendship and affection for Will, demonstrates the extent of the Tripods’ power and influence as exerted through the Caps. From Will’s perspective, Eloise’s devotion is illogical and fanatical since she is willing to give up so much for the Tripods while receiving nothing in return.

This section also offers continued insight into the Tripods’ nature. From Will’s encounter with the Tripod, it is implied that the Tripods are capable of strategic planning, as it chooses not to Cap Will yet, instead preferring to track his movements. The Tripods’ technical expertise is also demonstrated by their ability to obscure Will’s memories as well as plant a small but effective tracking device under his skin. Overall, the Tripod that Will encounters in this section comes across as a powerful entity toying or experimenting with humans, which it views as lesser lifeforms. The Tripods’ mandate that Eloise be taken to their city, meanwhile, raises questions about how and why they use people, questions which are not fully explored until the later installments in The Tripods trilogy.

The relationship between Will, Henry, and Beanpole continues to shift in this section, highlighting the ways that social standing can complicate Bonding Through Adversity. From the moment he is functionally adopted into the Comtesse’s household while Henry and Beanpole are relegated to lower positions, a distance begins to develop between them, with Henry and Beanpole deepening their friendship even as Will drifts away from them. The situation is exacerbated over time, as Henry comes to resent Will’s higher status even as Will grows complacent in his lofty position. Although this arrangement tests their friendship, it also provides a chance for them to examine themselves and make any necessary adjustments; Will’s decision to remain loyal to Henry and Beanpole demonstrates his increasing maturity.