Quote:
Originally Posted by Gordis
The Ring acted not so much on Frodo's own desires, but on Sauron's desires implanted in him.
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If that was the case, why would Gollum, who bore the Ring much longer than Frodo and was more enamoured of evil from the start, not have been similarly affected while he possessed it?
Quote:
(The Ring) could make no further use of him: he was too small and mean; and as long as it stayed with him he would never leave his deep pool again.
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FOTR The Shadow of the Past
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gordis
That's why he felt so empty and broken with the Ring destroyed and could never enjoy the Shire again.
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I don't think that was the primary reason the Shire was no longer what it had been to him.
Quote:
Though I may come to the Shire, it will not seem the same; for I shall not be the same. I am wounded with knife, sting, and tooth, and a long burden. Where shall I find rest?
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ROTK Homeward Bound
I had always considered that statement to Gandalf, coupled with Frodo's guilt about his ultimate failure in not casting away the Ring of his own accord, to be the explanantion of his inability to enjoy the Shire afterward. Certainly the loss of the Ring left a lasting impression upon him, but it is only on the anniversary of its destruction that we see him openly mourning it.