It is surprising that life goes on. I remember just after my mother died
stepping out of the hospital into the rain. It was a hot muggy Michigan summer
day and steam was coming off the pavement. Near our car were a couple of
children splashing mud at each other from a puddle in the parking lot. I didn't
even realize it was raining until that moment. Suddenly I felt the rain on my
face, and I realized nothing had changed but me. Life went on... and at that
point it wasn't a very comforting thought. Now I see it differently-- but then
it was like looking through someone else's eyes. As we go over these chapters,
I see more and more why this story moves us. Sometimes touchy-feely questions
like this get us to realize just how gifted a writer Tolkien was not just as a
fantasy writer, but as a writer of human experience.
Sam character development is a wonderful example of this. In this chapter, we
realize how Sam has matured. He's grow gradually through the story and now
through his choices, he does grow up. The way Sam talks to himself echoes this.
He must go on for the good of Middle Earth. First Sam does what he always has--
seeks Frodo's approval-- he talks to Frodo: 'Do you understand'-- Then he
realizes it's up to him alone-- he talks to himself: 'Is that what I've got to
do?'
I think by taking Frodo's belongings he is taking part of Frodo with him and a
bit of the past. Don't we all want to have something from a loved one? What he
is also taking with him is Frodo's burden. The is true
maturity.
When
heart and heat at last have died
And days' last memories reside
Inside a hidden well helpless
Falls--
Down on knees, Oh one!
Soiled
through shin and bone
Done with-- all alone
Calls--
Oh Soul go on and does
Find inside hope for the hopeless.
-- C.A. Jolin
Boromir's Betrayal by
Gullygilly
class web site
Anti-Clown Alliance of America
