1. While this passage could be read as silly, or even ironic, I was
moved at how surprised Sam was that life went on, that though his world had
just come crashing down, the physical world continued. How did this
passage affect you? I don't know if this is appropriate, but if you think
it is, can you think of a time when this type of thing happened to you?
Many years ago a close friend of mine committed suicide. I remember in the days
following having to feed the cat, wash dishes, etc., all with a sort of
incredulous amazement that these humble chores still existed in the blackness
of the hour.
2. I've always thought that Sam's true transformation—his coming of
age, so to speak—began in the chapter we're discussing, yet now I'm reminded
that he actually grew up a bit before this, after speaking to the Elves and
beginning to realize the seriousness of the undertaking. When did Sam’s
journey toward…adulthood? Becoming a whole hobbit? Becoming
"global" vs. "local" in his thinking? Begin? And now that I've had
trouble describing it, what is it Sam learns—how is he changed?
Sam's learning to accept responsibility at a level most folks (of any 'race')
rarely experience. It's been happening gradually (including the
conversation recalled here). But he's been comfortable accepting Frodo's
leadership, so that his responsibility was to take care of Frodo and Frodo
would take care of the quest. Now the entire burden has come crashing
down on him.
It isn't really fair to speak of it as "adulthood" or "wholeness" in my
opinion, because the overwhelming majority of fully adult, whole people are
never placed in a situation even remotely this challenging. Maybe a
better term would be "learning to be a hero."
3. By taking on Frodo's things, is Sam taking on a bit of Frodo?
Or is it taking on the Elves, since these were wrought by them and have special
powers associated w/ the Elves? Or both/neither?
Both, I think. It's important to be able to carry "a bit of Frodo" for
consolation and encouragement and as reminders of his committment (one of my
favorite moments in the FotR movie was when Aragorn put on Boromir's vambraces
for similar reasons). But also Sam has seen how powerful the phial is,
for example, and he needs to take everything that might possibly be
helpful. I'm a little surprised that he didn't take any food, but I guess
he had already taken as much as he could carry.
4. Sam speaks aloud to Frodo the whole time, even asking him questions
("Do you understand, Mr. Frodo? I've got to go on." Earlier, as he
compares his options, he says "Or go on….Go on? Is that what I've got to
do? And leave him?") Who is Sam talking to? Why is he
speaking out loud in a place where silence is safer?
Sam desperately needs to hear the sound of a voice, even his own. And I
think the fragile fantasy that he is speaking to Frodo helps (vestiges of
denial hanging in there). Also, it's clear that he is distinctly
uncomfortable "putting himself forward," and explaining helps relieve the
guilt.
Poor
Sam.
