Posted by Nogrod
Quote:
Looking at Gaffer Gamgee one easily finds a servant venerating his master who in turn is "very polite" to him. Even if the relation between the two have been described as somewhat informal with a few examples (Bilbo calling Gaffer "Master Hamfast" etc.) one gets a relation of a servant and a master - however benevolent the master is towards his servant - and the servant is acknowleding his place however the master asks for advice from him.
But could you imagine a similar relationship between Frodo and Sam? In a sense, in the beginning of the journey, their relationship is something reminding one of that and Tolkien indeed keeps on reminding us of it throughout the story, oftentimes in Sam's lines and reactions.
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I really don't see the Shire society, and especially the Gamgees, as
socially and politically rigid as many seem to. After the quest,
Frodo virtually adopts Sam, has Sam inherit Bagend, and Sam
(if he is indeed considered lower class socially) rises to the top
political (and social?) post in the Shire. And the Gaffer seems economically
on a par with Bilbo (not counting Bilbo's Excellent Adventure gold and
silver). To me, the Shire is, by far,in "feel", closest to present times.
Of course, I must say I side with Tolkien, and against just about everybody
else-including a young Rayner Unwin, in quite liking "Hobbit talk,"
and not minding a bit more.
