I loved this chapter - especially the two passages you read. The description of gollum broke my heart. I do think that he is in conflict and it could turn either way at this moment - the thing that follows this passage is that Sam interprets gollum’s tender touch as “pawing” and he accuses him of sneaking around. All those moments harden gollum a bit more against the hobbits. These moments of humanity are stolen from gollum because they (or Sam at least) sees him as nothing but a monster. Last chapter was such a bore - maybe Tolkien kept it in to make us like this one more :)
Maybe the Faramir chapter wasn't about Gollum making up his mind against Frodo in the books--I could go either way--but I absolutely think it's framed as a permanent turning point in the movies. In the movies, Smeagol 'banishes' Gollum, only for him to come back after he's captured by the men. Gollum's next few dialogues with himself revolve around the 'betrayal' (especially when Faramir sees him doing this). So maybe it's a case of people being swayed by the film adaptation's interpretation of things? Though I personally think Tolkien wouldn't have belabored a chapter that long without intending some affect on the characters we're following, and that Gollum used the experience to 'weigh the scales' against keeping Sam and Frodo alive.
I've never understood why people try & turn frodo's & sam's relationship into a gay romance?.. Their love & friendship is the one constant sure thing throughout the book..that kind of unbreakable bond is something anyone would be grateful for. & As annoying as they can be!.. you can't help but feel a happy warmth for the friendship they have.
Yes!!!!! Please continue in March with The Return of the King!!!!
Sam talking about being put into tales is one of my favorite moments. A great chapter!
I loved this chapter - especially the two passages you read. The description of gollum broke my heart. I do think that he is in conflict and it could turn either way at this moment - the thing that follows this passage is that Sam interprets gollum’s tender touch as “pawing” and he accuses him of sneaking around. All those moments harden gollum a bit more against the hobbits. These moments of humanity are stolen from gollum because they (or Sam at least) sees him as nothing but a monster.
Last chapter was such a bore - maybe Tolkien kept it in to make us like this one more :)
Maybe the Faramir chapter wasn't about Gollum making up his mind against Frodo in the books--I could go either way--but I absolutely think it's framed as a permanent turning point in the movies. In the movies, Smeagol 'banishes' Gollum, only for him to come back after he's captured by the men. Gollum's next few dialogues with himself revolve around the 'betrayal' (especially when Faramir sees him doing this). So maybe it's a case of people being swayed by the film adaptation's interpretation of things? Though I personally think Tolkien wouldn't have belabored a chapter that long without intending some affect on the characters we're following, and that Gollum used the experience to 'weigh the scales' against keeping Sam and Frodo alive.
I've never understood why people try & turn frodo's & sam's relationship into a gay romance?..
Their love & friendship is the one constant sure thing throughout the book..that kind of unbreakable bond is something anyone would be grateful for.
& As annoying as they can be!.. you can't help but feel a happy warmth for the friendship they have.