is the one who is elevated, Elanor seems to me more of a kindred spirit
to Sam than Rosie.
someone here earlier mentioned themes between Rosie and Goldberry, and Sam and
Tom ... but I see it as much more Sam and Elanor as the spirit of the Shire,
the two hobbits that can see (or wish to see) elvish beauty
Elanor actually seems to possess or embody some of it
... but then thats a whole other topic :)
from your qoutes its plain to see why Merry and Pippin might want to rejoin
thier old friends and leave the rustic Shire
Does it ever seem that Tolkien, like his Frodo has a bittersweet attitude
toward the rustic? On one hand seeing the value and quaintness of it while at
the same time wishing for as you say a broader understanding of its
inhabitants?
