[Dain]

I think I agree with you on most points. I was just illustrating Sam's point of view at the time when he made the most hurtful remarks (accusing Gollum of sneaking when he wasn't, which turns Gollum back to the bad path). He's just very protective of Frodo and can't see Gollum's better side (well, he sees slinker and stinker, but likes neither all that well). I think the revulsion that most people (elves, Faramir's men) feel at the sight of Gollum is an indication of how bad Gollum seems--not just ugly but evil. He's rather cute in some of his funny lines in the book and the film, but really he isn't a very nice peice of work, and that's why Sam (and most) are so repulsed by him. We pity him, and forgive his faults, but we shouldn't forget his bad side. I agree that Sam should have been more accepting, but Gollum had that nagging desire for the ring in the back of his mind, even when he was Smeagol serving "nice master", so his suspicion isn't completely unfounded. Of course, it isn't productive either, and that's the shame of it. Sorry I went all over this again, I think we basically agree on this.

I'm not so sure about Gollum being "saveable," though. I don't know why, but I think even though he might be brought back to 90% of Smeagol and remember how to be partly his old self again, the effects of the ring cannot be completely washed off him. That's not his fault, and I think that saves him in a way, but he can not be brought back, if you see what I mean. It's not very clear what I mean, is it... [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

[ February 17, 2003: Message edited by: Dain ]