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Old 06-16-2003, 06:51 PM   #30
aragornreborn
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Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: U.S.A.
Posts: 182
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Sting

I'm a particular fan of Sam and Rosie's marriage. In my opinion, we get the best look at their marriage (before, during, and after) and can understand it and enjoy it the most.

(all quotes and information taken from Return of the King - scouring of the shire, the grey havens, and appendix B)

Rosie loved Sam before the quest but refrained from manipulating Sam into staying. She could have told Sam that if he
wanted her, he would have to stay put. But she didn't. Sam had not committed himself to her and Rosie was willing to let Sam do
what he thought he had to do without her manipulating him out of her own desires. Likewise, Sam put off his own interest in Rosie for the higher good. Yes, he loved Rosie and could have stayed with her. But the two wouldn't have lasted long. Frodo would have been caught somewhere along the road to Mt. Doom and Sauron's rule would have soon killed Rosie and Sam, and Sam would have died knowing that he could have tried to help but didn't.

Estelyn Telcontar said (referring to another marriage)

Quote:
Both are aware of their own intrinsic worth and of the worth of the other.
That is the key element to a successful marriage. If you've got that, you're set. And that's what Sam and Rosie had for each other. It is never stated, but through their treatment of one another, it is obvious that Sam and Rosie believed in their own worth and in the worth of the other.

When Sam returns to the Shire, his first words (ignoring the situation at hand) to Mr. Cotton are:

"What about Mrs. Cotton and Rosie?" said Sam. "It isn't safe yet for them to be left all alone."

Following that and with Farmer Cotton's blessing, Sam rushed to the house where Rosie was at and greeted both Mrs. Cotton and Rosie. He asked them how they both were doing and thus expressed interest in their welfare. They were worth his time, attention, and protection. The dialogue closes after Rosie tells Sam to rush back after he's done.

"I think you look fine, Sam," she said. "Go on now! But take care of yourself, and come straight back as soon as you have settled the ruffians."

Rosie was proud of Sam's exploits and she loved him and cared for him. The Cottons housed Sam until Bag End was ready. When everything finally settled down, Sam and Rosie married after having been kept apart for quite some time.

And from the date of their first child, it appears Sam and Rosie waited to tie the knot, first. They had enough love and respect for the other's worth to hold out for the other alone and for matrimony.

And Sam truly loved Rose. He complimented her even when she was not around. His love for her moved him to speak

about her reverently no matter who he was with. When speaking of his new daughter, Sam could not help but sing praises of his wife.

"as pretty a maidchild as any one could hope for, taking after Rose more than me, luckily."

Finally, after Rose died, Sam went to the Grey Havens. He stayed in Middle Earth only as long as she was alive. She was his reason to live.

In my opinion, Sam and Rosie had it down. Their marriage was a beautiful one.
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