tell us about the nature of the four hobbits. Sam, much more than Frodo, Merry
or Pippin, is - at least at this point of the story - the quintessential
Hobbit.
As Tolkien said of the Hobbit race:
"Hobbits are just rustic English people, made small in size because it reflects
(in general) the small reach of their imagination - not the small reach of
their courage or latent power."
Sam is lacking in imagination, notwithstanding his interest in Elves and
dragons. As Reverend said below, he is content, he knows his "place", his job.
He is, unlike Frodo, giving no thought to the larger task ahead at this point.
He has traveled beyond the boundaries of his little world. He has met Elves. He
has no dreams left to dream, it would appear.
But that will
change.
