It's odd, but the way I see Boromir's situation, his heart was corrupted from the desire for the ring rather than the ring itself corrupting him. It was the result of his own internal pressures. The ring represented to him the chance to save his world, to please his father and gain glory in one action. Not trying to obtain it, meant to be let opportunity pass and perhaps let the enemy gain a most powerful advantage. As I mentioned in another thread, at that point it was obvious that Aragorn would not be going to Minas Tirith. Boromir would return empty handed after a long absence.
Gollum like-wise desired the ring and that lead to his corruption.
Also Saruman.
But Frodo, Aragorn, Sam, Merry, Pippin, Gandalf, etc. did not desire it and Frodo & Sam were not tainted by it until after touching it.
I would think Gandalf would have recognized the ring sooner if he felt its power tugging and drawing people under its influence.
Perhaps it has more to do with the person's character.
[ February 06, 2003: Message edited by: Hilde Bracegirdle ]
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