[Aratlithiel]

Ugh! It's my night to disagree with H.C. - sorry, but since I agree with you most of the time, I guess the law of averages saw this coming.<P>I had the opportunity to view the 1st movie with a Tolkien non-reader and she did not see hopelessness and despair - she saw fear and cowardice which made the later act of bravery at the Council seem out of place and out of character. Her thoughts were that if she were Aragorn and had witnessed Frodo's behavior @ Weathertop and then saw him volunteer for the Quest, she would have told Elrond to pick someone else.<P>You will never get me to believe that Frodo dropping his sword was the right decision - it completely changed the tone and personality of this character. When we move on to RotK, the scene at Sammath Naur should leave the audience shocked and horrified - with this Frodo, I think it will almost be expected.<P>Sad, sad, sad.