[Mithalwen]

Interesting... I don't know if events would have conspired to force his hand had he refused but he, like Bilbo seems tohave felt the force of destiny and is compelled by it. And he is not alone - Boromir starts his journey long before Frodo and about the same time Gollum escapes from Thranduil's guard and so is the catalyst for Legolas' journey. "Fate" is drawing the fellowship together. I don't think Frodo had much of a choice about leaving the Shire, perhaps more interesting is his choice to proceed from Rivendell. Maybe the Ring had already taken hold or perhaps, his near death had meant there was already no turning back. I remember speculating about that in the chapter by chapter discussion years ago - must look again.