Hope and Hopelessness - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

mark12_30 · 11-04-2002, 08:13 PM

The contrast between Frodo's hopelessness and Sam's perennial cheerfulness and persistant trust has always fascinated me. All the more since, at the Shire and then at the Grey Havens, the gulf between Frodo and Sam widens, even when we want it to narrow and disappear.

Since the rings came up, I'm reminded of Frodo's statement that he is naked in the dark with nothing between him an the wheel of fire. I imagine that the ring-influence was what stripped him of hope more than anything else. Yes, Frodo had a practical outlook on Mount Doom's reaction to dropping the ring in, and that they had no Lembas or water left for the return journey, but even before that, he had left hope behind, I think.

...everybody needs a Sam....

11-04-2002, 08:13 PM	#11
mark12_30 Stormdancer of Doom Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Elvish singing is not a thing to miss, in June under the stars Posts: 4,349	The contrast between Frodo's hopelessness and Sam's perennial cheerfulness and persistant trust has always fascinated me. All the more since, at the Shire and then at the Grey Havens, the gulf between Frodo and Sam widens, even when we want it to narrow and disappear. Since the rings came up, I'm reminded of Frodo's statement that he is naked in the dark with nothing between him an the wheel of fire. I imagine that the ring-influence was what stripped him of hope more than anything else. Yes, Frodo had a practical outlook on Mount Doom's reaction to dropping the ring in, and that they had no Lembas or water left for the return journey, but even before that, he had left hope behind, I think. ...everybody needs a Sam.... __________________ ...down to the water to see the elves dance and sing upon the midsummer's eve.

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