[Jessica Jade]

I agree that Frodo's case with Gollum was indeed a special one. Frodo, with the Ring on his finger, is able to comprehend the nature of Gollum's damnation, because his own fate is very nearly the same. With this insight into Gollum's soul, he is able to see him for what he really is- a ruined hobbit, and is better able to show pity and mercy toward the wretched creature. I also agree that Gollum was no serial killer, and it was all about the ring. When they're in Mordor, Frodo says to Sam,
No tast of food, no feel of water, no memory of tree or grass of flower, no image of moon or star are left to me. I am naked in the dark Sam, and there is nothing between me and the great Wheel of Fire. I begin to see it even with my waking eyes, and all else fades.
Frodo speaks for himself, Gollum, and even the Ringwraiths when he makes this chilling statement. So...Frodo's case with Gollum was very unique. In ordinary situations here on earth, we as humans would not be able to possess Frodo's understanding about our enemy.

I would personally have a very hard time killing someone, even in self-defense. The thought of murder just sickens me. I guess you could look at it this way-- the goal is to make better, not to make worse. I believe that revenge is useless, because it would only perpetuate evil, hatred, and anger. In the scenario of the serial killer...would letting a serial killer go make anything better? Perhaps so. Perhaps witnessing such compassion and forbearance shown to him will change him and make him want to repent and maybe he will not kill you or anyone else again, seeing that he is in your debt. It is also very likely that he will continue murdering more innocent victims. If you kill the serial killer, then you put an end to the possibility that he will hurt anyone again. But would you be able to live with yourself after that, knowing that you are alive because you killed someone else? I think that eventually, one might come to terms with it because it would not be a cruel thing to do, to kill someone who nearly killed you and would have killed many had you not stopped him.

I do believe that nobody is completely evil, and that all humans do have chance do make themselves better. However, most people who have strayed too far from the "light" need serious help to find themselves again. Whether or not they seek that help is up to them. Even if you let someone go in mercy, giving their good side a chance to re-grow, they have to really want to get better in order to really do so. Somewhere in the Arthurian legend, King Arthur says something to the effect of, "One cannot be evil and have happiness." I agree one hundred percent. Humans have a tendency toward the good. I don't think anyone could say that a serial killer is happy. Theoretically, even serial killers, deep down, desire to make themselves better in order to be happy, right?

I'm sure you all remember that scene in Cirith Ungol, when Gollum, seeing Frodo and Sam asleep, gently touches Frodo's knee. The way Frodo treated him-with such kindness and compassion, was so unexpected that Gollum regrets the path he has taken in life and nearly repents. I wonder: if one were to show mercy to an evil person, do you think that mercy would make a big impression on someone evil? Do you think that it would make them want to repent, sensing such unexpected compassion and forbearance?

[ June 23, 2002: Message edited by: Jessica Jade ]