[Marileangorifurnimaluim]

I don't think it's specific examples like that that raise eyebrows, but Sam's worshipful attitude overall. The persistent pattern, the unadorned love and admiration, that confuses some without a context for the Master/Manservant distance.

As far as examples, I've heard all kinds. There's Cirith Ungol:
"it seemed to Sam he (Frodo) was clothed in red flame"
and Frodo in his lap..
"he could lie there in endless happiness, but it was not allowed. It wasn't enough to find his master..";
the nap on the stairs up to Shelob's Lair
"rest your head in my lap Mr. Frodo"; holding Frodo's hand in Rivendell
"it's warm.. begging your pardon sir, but your hand was so cold.." and blushing;
the line about
"like a small creature defending its mate"
in the fight against Shelob is the one my English teacher cites..
Then there's after the Scouring of the Shire and Sam feeling "torn in two" once he's married, a conflict not resolved until Frodo has him move in.

The cure for hypothermia is the same, BTW. And the closeness caused by extreme conditions is heightened by the fact that Frodo and Sam live in two different worlds that wouldn't ordinarily get so close.

[ February 11, 2002: Message edited by: Marileangorifurnimaluim ]