'Its about death, the inevitability of death' - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

03-08-2003, 01:15 PM

The illustration that mosts strikes me in relation to "hope without guarantees" and "the end justifies the means" is Sam's decision at Cirith Ungol to go back for Frodo rather than continue on alone. He knew his place was beside his master, and he returned for Frodo because he felt in his heart that was the right thing for him to do (despite his doubts), even though the big picture perspective indicated otherwise. To Sam, a betrayal of Frodo would have been a betrayal of the cause for which Frodo had suffered. Sam's actions were quite the opposite of Saruman's in that Sam chose to make the "right" choice according to the situation at hand rather than winning at any cost in the grand scheme of things. Sam's hope in a (pretty much) hopeless circumstance was rewarded. Just one illustration of the way that theme played out in Tolkien's work.

Just a few thoughts, rather off the cuff. ::Mimosa tosses her tuppence in:: [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

[ March 08, 2003: Message edited by: Mimosa Took ]

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03-08-2003, 01:15 PM	#1
Mimosa Took Guest Posts: n/a	The illustration that mosts strikes me in relation to "hope without guarantees" and "the end justifies the means" is Sam's decision at Cirith Ungol to go back for Frodo rather than continue on alone. He knew his place was beside his master, and he returned for Frodo because he felt in his heart that was the right thing for him to do (despite his doubts), even though the big picture perspective indicated otherwise. To Sam, a betrayal of Frodo would have been a betrayal of the cause for which Frodo had suffered. Sam's actions were quite the opposite of Saruman's in that Sam chose to make the "right" choice according to the situation at hand rather than winning at any cost in the grand scheme of things. Sam's hope in a (pretty much) hopeless circumstance was rewarded. Just one illustration of the way that theme played out in Tolkien's work. Just a few thoughts, rather off the cuff. ::Mimosa tosses her tuppence in:: [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] [ March 08, 2003: Message edited by: Mimosa Took ]