Frodo at Sammath Naur

[davem]

Sharon, Lyta, this is effectively saying that Frodo fails the test that both Galadriel & Faramir are shown as passing. He seeks to preserve the old ways, his old life, even being prepared to gamble the fate of Middle Earth & all its peoples. Galadriel will lose all she loves. Faramir will risk all he loves. Frodo wont/can't. His life in the world, his old life with Bilbo in the Shire has too strong a hold over him. Perhaps he can't imagine any other existence.

Is this down to the 'negative' side of his Elvish qualities, as Sharon says - I think so. The Elves don't change, actively avoid it - as does Sauron (quote from a review of Fleiger's A Question of Time:

Flieger contrasts the differences between human and elvish perspectives on the nature of time. The most telling distinction between the two kindreds is drawn through their view of the future. According to Flieger, Tolkien's elves see the future as a period of decline and decay, the opposite of humanity's hopeful approach. This creates a backwards emphasis in the elvish mentality - "men are proceeding into the future, while Elves are receding into it." In this, the Elves and Sauron are much the same (since they are both bound by fate and the Music of Iluvatar). The Elvish rings stave off time and decay just as the One Ring does (though without the negative side effects); representing similar desires on the parts of their makers. The Elves and Sauron are seeking to prevent change, and therefore development and growth. Both lack humanity's potential.

Full review: http://www.greenmanreview.com/a.question.of.time.htm

A question that springs to mind is does Frodo's decision to leave also involve a feeling that he will hold Sam back, that he has to leave so Sam can be free, & is this the 'positive' side of his Elvishness coming out. Frodo is a kind of missing link between the Elvishness of the Third Age & the Age of Man. Sam is part of the Fourth age. The Elves, & the Elvish, have to leave to liberate the Followers. Frodo has become too Elvish to stay. Perhaps, also, this similarity between the outlooks of Sauron & the Elves (& the 'Elvish' like Frodo) is the cause of his inability to destroy the Ring. Frodo is simly too Elvish in the end.