Compassion and Redemption...

[Lhunbelethiel]

These questions occurred to me as I re-read the Two Towers. What role does Frodo's compassion play in his trusting of Gollum to take him to Mordor? Sam is very much suspicious of Gollum from the beginning, but Frodo reacts differently toward the former Smeagol. Why is this? Is it in Frodo's nature to be trusting, and compassionate-- or is he a fool? He does not kill Gollum as Sam suggested, nor does he act cruelly toward him. Indstead, he is sometimes almost friendly to the miserable creature. Again, is Frodo's compassion just that- pure compassion- or is he simply foolish enough to trust the devious creature?

This brings me to another point. Does Gollum redeem himself of his terrible deeds by doing what he does at Mount Doom? (which I won't give away in case some readers haven't reached that part [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]) Though he goes back and forth between the "slinker" and "stinker" personas, he does indeed do what he promised-- which was to take Frodo into Mordor. Though he still lusted in his heart for the Precious, is his end enough to redeem him for all his wrongs?

Many apologies if these topics have been raised. Even if they have, perhaps some new insights would be interesting. Thanks! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]