LotR -- Book 4 - Chapter 06 - The Forbidden Pool

[Estelyn Telcontar]

This relatively short chapter deals primarily with the issue of Gollum and his continuing role in Frodo and Sam's journey. A good deal of it is dialogue between Frodo and Faramir, discussing whether and why he should be spared. Gandalf's lines about pity come to mind; though they are not quoted, Frodo's thoughts about the wizard and what he would have decided suggest to me that they were present in his consideration.

The time is late night, or rather early morning - does that suggest a symbolic dawn to you? There are wonderful descriptions of the location.

At this rereading, I noticed that Faramir speaks of Gollum as if he were an animal, using "it" as a pronoun for him. When does this change? Later, he is treated as a servant.

Though Frodo is doing something good in saving Gollum's life, it looks to him like he has been betrayed, and Frodo feels miserable about his seeming treachery. What alternatives did he have, besides letting Gollum get killed, of course? Frodo's reasons are not clear to him, though he knows he is doing the right thing. Why do you think he does it anyway?

Frodo and the readers get another brief history lesson from Faramir, this time concerning Minas Morgul and the Ringwraiths.

Do you think that Faramir's warning changes anything for Frodo and Sam? Do they see him differently, or is the warning just a confirmation of what they already know and feel?

There are many questions that are raised by this chapter, and I look forward to a lively discussion!