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Bêthberry · 07-09-2002, 09:05 AM

Child,

You are correct. Frodo did not appoint Sam 'doorkeeper.' It was Gandalf who gave Sam his role, initially when Sam said he wanted to see elves. But part of Sam's character is that very fearful attitude toward the world which Hannah represents. Witness his fear when Gandalf catches him at the window, "Mr. Frodo, sir!... Don't let him [Gandalf] hurt me, sir! Don't let him turn me into anything unnatural!" Sam is called "Master Samwise" in the Grey Havens chapter. Is he in the early first chapters?

I take your point about asking questions in defense of children. Yet concern for their wellbeing also includes strategy. In the cases you name, simply asking about the context is sufficient; nor does it imply casting any wrongful aspersions; it is rather just a desire for information.

Other strategies are also called for on other occasions. Gandalf the Grey's point about wishing to keep his hands free is just such a case of strategy. To keep to your context of parenting, there are ways of addressing schools and principals about teacher's treatment of children which antagonize the principal and teacher and other strategies which whill lead the officials to listen to the concerns.

It is this use of strategy which is preeminently Gandalf's strength. He is good, but not naive.

Bethberry

07-09-2002, 09:05 AM	#22
Bêthberry Cryptic Aura Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 6,003	Child, You are correct. Frodo did not appoint Sam 'doorkeeper.' It was Gandalf who gave Sam his role, initially when Sam said he wanted to see elves. But part of Sam's character is that very fearful attitude toward the world which Hannah represents. Witness his fear when Gandalf catches him at the window, "Mr. Frodo, sir!... Don't let him [Gandalf] hurt me, sir! Don't let him turn me into anything unnatural!" Sam is called "Master Samwise" in the Grey Havens chapter. Is he in the early first chapters? I take your point about asking questions in defense of children. Yet concern for their wellbeing also includes strategy. In the cases you name, simply asking about the context is sufficient; nor does it imply casting any wrongful aspersions; it is rather just a desire for information. Other strategies are also called for on other occasions. Gandalf the Grey's point about wishing to keep his hands free is just such a case of strategy. To keep to your context of parenting, there are ways of addressing schools and principals about teacher's treatment of children which antagonize the principal and teacher and other strategies which whill lead the officials to listen to the concerns. It is this use of strategy which is preeminently Gandalf's strength. He is good, but not naive. Bethberry __________________ I’ll sing his roots off. I’ll sing a wind up and blow leaf and branch away.