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The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien - Barron's Booknotes
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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?



Just then, Sam hears the voices of orcs and follows them.
The orcs discover Frodo's body and carry it back to their
tower. Sam realizes that his love for Frodo is greater than
any sense of duty, and he runs after the orcs to die
defending his master. How would you characterize Sam's
act? Is it noble or foolish? How do his actions relate to
Tolkien's theme of the importance of friendship?

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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The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien - Barron's Booknotes
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