Do you wish gollum had lived?

[Sauron999]

Its like, couldnt Frodo have helped Gollum? If he was given enough kindness, wouldnt he have turned from the darkness?

No i don't think that Frodo could have helped Gollum. Gollum was nearly completely evil. He hated everything, the ring, himself, and Frodo too. I don't think that this could be cured by all kindness and love in the world. Gollum only desired the ring, it was occupying all of his mind.
Let's say that Frodo could throw the ring into the fire and Gollum came "too late", then i think he would kill Frodo and Sam in his wrath and desperation, or at least try to. After that he would probably cast himself down into the fire.
Or he wouldn't even try to kill the two hobbits, but in a madness jump after the ring to safe it.

Anyway, if he was saved and the ring was destroyed, he would die soon. Bilbo only possessed the ring for .... I think 60 years, and after he had given the ring away, age took effect on him pretty quickly. (at least i think so [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] )

I don't think that Sam being kinder to Gollum would have changed anything. Maybe Gollum would have a guilty conscience for sending the two to Shelob, but he isn't very sad when he sees Shelob attacking Frodo while he is trying to kill Sam. He has just promised (Stinker to Slinker) not to hurt Frodo, but he doesn't mind sacrificing Frodo to Shelob, so why should he mind sacrificing Sam too, even if he would have been kinder to him?

Of course, Gollum is a very tragical character and i also pity him at some parts of the story, but all in all he is downright evil. Nevertheless, Frodo would not have succeeded without his help. Poor wrench!