Boromir - An example of a man?

[Inziladun]

Originally Posted by cellurdur

The impression I get is that knowledge is important in being able to resist initially. Isildur was ensnared partially, because he did not know the full extent of what he was dealing with. However, even after we are ensnared we have the choice to reject the ring. Isildur decides to give it to Elrond, Celebrimbor repents from forging the ring and Galadriel finally accepts returning to Valinor.

If the first sentence is true, then Boromir's failure points to his inherent weakness all the more. He had been present at the Council of Elrond, and had gained as much knowledge of the Ring as any on Middle-earth, save perhaps the members of the White Council. Faramir lacked such knowledge, and yet, as he said to Frodo, he was "wise enough to know that there are some perils from which a man must flee".