What caused Frodo to finally give in to the power of the Ring and claim it?

[Marileangorifurnimaluim]

Frodo just uses him (Gollum) for his own benefit

Now there's thought. Do you think so? He protects Gollum so often, from Sam, from Faramir, and genuinely pitied him. I think he understood Gollum better than even Gandalf. Understanding is the foundation for compassion (just like dehumanizing the enemy is essential for war).

If Gollum weren't shadowing him, was headed in a different direction and got roped into servitude I would see your point. But there was no getting rid of him. It was probably the most pragmatic and ruthless we'd seen Frodo, but remember Sam advocated killing him, or tying him up and leaving him in the wilderness. It was startling to see both of them so tough, but I guess that makes it more believable that they could actually handle this task.

I agree with El. with a slight modification: you're right, he did enjoy the command, the power. But there's a difference between ambition and desire for power, and just enjoying and using it when you have it: Frodo evinced no power-lust, no desire for more than what he already had. He relinquished authority easily (see later events in the Shire) - a lot more easily than the ring!

He is more dominant then submissive, but that appears in his independence. He was wise enough to realize that with power comes the ropes of responsibility.

[ December 15, 2001: Message edited by: Marileangorifurnimaluim ]