Well, it seems I'll have to mention what Mr. Frodo [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] has amzingly not commented on - Sam's unforgiving side. The diabolical drawback to the clingy loyal types is a mammoth disdain for any who dare oppose their side or 'master'. Sam is close to this. Remember how long it took to trust Strider? That was protectiveness to a fault that could have led to trouble. And then of course the most famous of examples - his chiding, demeaning and blindly abusive behavior towards Smeagol.
What would possess him to treat another so callously? He could not forgive him. He could not see past the exterior as could Frodo with the result being a sorrowful sealing of Smeagol's fate. His chance at repentance smashed beyond recall because Sam had to protect his precious master. I am not saying I don't like Sam, I do, Frodo would never have made it without him. But there is always another side to the coin.
I'd be interested to know why exactly they were such good friends. Frodo did not grow up in Hobbiton like Sam did and there were others he knew longer. I think it was some kind of hero worship scenario from early on. Everybody knew Bag-End was the top of the top (it would probably be on MTV Cribs today) and Sam was but an employee. Sam was his gardener, he had a job. What did Frodo do? What did Bilbo do? Were they the rich bachelors living in the lap of luxury that all the 'little people' (pun intended) wanted to be like or with? They throw the best parties and give out the best gifts. Throw on top of that Bilbo's fascinating stories of the Elves and I bet Sam was like a panting little pit bull: protecting his wonderful master, staying by his side, blind to oncoming danger, slow to let go, forgive or trust others.
My favorite part of Sam is his accomplishments after the quest. After he and the other Hobbits came into their own.
TP
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History shows again and again
How nature points up the folly of men
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