1. I don't see Sam's hesitation as indecision. In his head he knows what he has
to do and, based on the information he has, it is obviously the right decision.
But he doesn't yet have the heart to begin--to move on to the rest of his life
which can only be far worse than this devastating moment.
2. So the "debate" really is in Sam's heart which refuses to carry out plans
made in his head. His head isn't participating in the debate, having made his
decision. But his heart is tugging him two ways--to die with Frodo or live for
Frodo.
3. I suppose Sam is being tested here, but I don't see anyone (but Sam himself)
doing the testing. Galadriel, Gandalf, the Valar, and even Frodo are far far
away; they've done all they can for Sam and he's completely on his own right
now, for the very first time. It is his heart--his love for Frodo--that tells
him not to seek vengeance against Gollum, because he knows Frodo was not
vengeful and would not have wanted
that.
Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read.
Marx
