Sam and Frodo haven't escaped Shelob yet. She emerges
from her tunnel and attacks Frodo. With great courage and
the help of Galadriel's phial, Sam manages to drive Shelob
back into her tunnel. But when he returns to his master, he
finds Frodo lying pale and lifeless from Shelob's sting.
Believing that Frodo is dead, Sam takes the Ring and
leaves, intending to carry on the quest-the destruction of
the Ring-himself. The Ring is a physical burden, bowing
Sam's head down to the ground. Remember that Tolkien
often manipulates the physical characteristics of things to
signify something different about them-for example,
Gollum's momentary change into an old, tired hobbit to
signify that his gentler personality, Smeagol, was in
control. What do you think is the significance of the weight
of the Ring and Sam's ability to bear it?

As Sam follows the orcs, he overhears their two leaders
talking and learns that Frodo isn't dead, but only paralyzed.
He calls himself a fool; he knew in his heart that Frodo was
alive, but didn't listen. Brandishing Sting, he chases after
the orcs. But the great gates of the fortress clang shut
behind the orcs, locking Sam out.

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