Doesn't this make Frodo's desire to help Gollum too selfish? Can we truly say Frodo showed Mercy to Gollum if He's so focussed on what he himself will get out of it.
I'm uncomfortable with this idea.
I see Frodo's treatment of Gollum as mercy, pure & simple. Unselfish, based on pity. Its symbolic, for me, of Frodo's spiritual growth. Its an unselfish act, a desire to help another being in desperate need. I'm not denying that Frodo feels Gollum will be useful as a guide, but his hope for Gollum's healing is a separate thing. Mercy & pity, which is selfless on Frodo's part, & hence is rewarded at the end by the Authority.
Of course, I may be wrong - I have a tendency to idealise Frodo [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]
|