Post by MajahTR on Jan 17, 2009 0:23:05 GMT -6
Jerseyshore expressed an interest to track the character development of Sam. I believe she would like to be responsible to post her findings. Anyone may comment to the posts and if you feel something has been forgotten, please feel free to post it yourself.
DA
Sam is the youngest son of Ham Gamgee, who had tended Bilbo's garden for forty years. They live just below Bag End and the connection with Bilbo is strong and long-lived. From the time Sam was a "little lad" he had been exposed to Bilbo's tales, and this exposure had made him long for adventures of his own.
Sam's a gregarious fellow. He gives out the news on the party, including the facts that everyone will be invited, that there will be presents for all, and that fireworks are planned. He loves to talk and to listen to other's news. In the Green Dragon he discusses the news he has heard about dragons, about his cousin seeing a tree walk on the North Moor, about "queer folk" crossing the Shire or being turned back at its border. He divulges the fact that he has seen an Elf and wants strongly to see more. Even Sandyman's little jest about dragons can't quelch his belief in the strange old tales.
Sam is working in the garden, first cutting the grass, then clipping with the shears as Gandalf begins to tell Frodo the history of the ring. I can see his ears perking up as he catches mention of "dragons", "enemies", "fiery mountains" until he can't resist moving closer and closer to the open window so he can hear the whole story. And when Gandalf mentions that Frodo should consider a companion for his journey, he is beside himself with excitement.
When Gandalf put the ring into the fire, he closed the shutters and drew the curtains, shutting out the warm sunny day where "Everything looked fresh, and the new green of Spring was shimmering in the fields." The room became dark and silent as he told of the ring's history. Sam is a part of the natural world--the world of sunlight and green growing things. He is shut out when the curtains are drawn, but brings light and hope back into the discussion with his enthusiasm for a journey which Frodo dreads. Sam is a symbol of nature with its constant rebirth and growth.
jerseyshore
Sam was described as a simple hobbit by J.R.R.T, As Jerseyshore said Sam was a symbol of the natural world and was the warm sunny side of the dark seeting set by the room in bag end.
Throughout the quest, Sam was the happier more optimistic fellow and seemed always to quote his gaffer in even the darkest places ME.(although he didn't have the massive weight of the ring on his mind).
Sam's biggest dream was to be a simple hobbit in the shire with his own patch of garden to tend his vegtables and such. While Sam bore the ring briefly outside Cirith Ungol, he fantasized of ruling the world and having gardens burst out of the ground where he pleased and have his slaves tend to it.......then he remembered he was no match for the might of Sauron and discarded the thought.
So in the end, Sam is the beacon of hope in the whole of LotR. He attempts to keep Frodo protected and tries to keep spirits high and despair low. Sam had started a simple gardener for Frodo at Bag End but he would grow to become so much more.....
Tuor
I think that without Sam the quest would not have been accomplished. in the beginning of the novel, i don't think Sam realizes his full potential, or indeed his purpose, only to serve Frodo and help him. but he never gave up this purpose no matter how hard it was
i also think that Tolkien uses Sam the most to describe the ring's effect on the bearer's thoughts. he is the only ringbearer whose thoughts are described to the reader. he thinks, as Tuor has stated, about garden's popping up everywhere, but he realizes that he only wants his little patch. He also thinks about becoming "samwise the strong" etc.
Shelob
On the down-hominess of Sam.
Somewhere, sometime, (someone help me with a reference) I read that Tolkien stated that Sam was inspired by a Sergeant who served under him in WWI. Solid, loyal, reliable, humble, with plenty of common sense.
Megn1
Just an aside--and re a long ago discussion with Bill Fuller on this board--but I wonder if the walking tree that Sam saw on the North Moor was one of the entwives?
MusicMom
Hmmm....you may raise a good point there Musicmom about their being entwives in the north moors of the shire. Treebeard seemed to be very interested with Merry and Pippen's description of the shire and thought of it to be a nice place that the Entwives would like to settle by. Quite possibly, it may have been an entwife walking around the north of the shire bringing life and happiness along with it.
Then again, Sam was prone to imagining things in hyis youth. Bilbo's tales about his quest in the east had left him desperate to find a dragon or an elf. A theory, could be that Sam's runaway mind may have been playing tricks on him and he was just seeing things.
It could've also just been an ent itself, far north of where most ents lived. A sad remainder of the mighty ents who lived in the great forests of Eriador in the FA and SA.
Tuor
MusicMom and Hal, I think I should remind you that it was not Sam who saw the walking tree, but his cousin Hal.
-Tha Shadow of the Past, Sam with Ted Sandyman at The Green Dragon
Illadria
Thank you for reminding me Illadria, I had forgotten all about that. I guess I was being 'hasty' and forgot.......
Tuor
Sam's a quizzical character, all right. He's presented as supremely loyal and simple-minded. In the Arda website, it says that Samwise means half-wise, which is a polite way of saying half-stupid! Yet I agree with Shelob that, without Sam, the quest would never have been completed. When I first read LotR, that thought didn't occur to me until they were near the Orcs' lair in Mordor. Reading it for the second time, I notice little things.
Originally, I thought Sam listened in on Frodo and Gandalf's conversation in ch. 2 because he was a nosy busy-body. But soon it's revealed that he was doing his part in the consiracy of friends.
Sam has wonderful insight and down-to-earth wisdom. On the second page of ch. 4, Frodo notices that Sam's face and voice are the same, yet somehow different. Then, in answer to Frodo's offhand question as to whether he still likes the High Elves, Sam comes out with this asounding insight: 'They seem a bit above my likes and dislies, so to speak It don't seem to matter what I think about them. They are quite different from what I expected -- so old and young, and so gay and sad, as it were.' Could Freud have done better? :-)
In the Old Forest, as they near Old Man Willow, Sam is the only one not affected by the sleeping spell, and thus is able to save their lives.
A much more complex character than we're first led to believe!
Diana
Megn1, what I remember is that Sam was like a composite of the regular soldiers who had those qualities, as opposed to the officers.
Shelob, about Sam being the only one to describe the effects of the Ring, very good! But why, do you think? Does his earthiness include a keener awareness of his body? Or after seeing what the Ring did to Frodo and the Nazgul, was he the one most afraid when he put on the Ring, and he was waiting for heaven-knows-what to happen? Well, who knows. Your observation jump-started my brain this morning, and now I'm wide awake!
Diana
Sam has always been my favourite LoTR character, perhaps because, like him, I wouldn't count myself among The Wise.
Sam's character developes quite quickly as the Hobbits undertake their journy to Rivendell and the attitude of Frodo, Merry and Pippin changes towards him at the same time.
To start with, Sam is just a gardener who revered Bilbo and was happy with his servant/master relationship with Frodo. Frodo likes Sam but can be condesending towards him. When Frodo speaks to Sam after Gandalf catches him eavesdropping, he uses noticably different language than he uses with those he considers his equals. Even after Sam is appointed to accompany Frodo to Rivendell, he's still treated as a servant. For example, Sam isn't present when Frodo and his friends share a last meal at Bagend and at The Prancing Pony, when Merry and Pippin are introduced as Mr Brandybuck and Mr Took, Sam isn't introduced as Mr Gamgee, but as Sam Gamgee.
We see Sam's fierce loyalty towards his master growing long before Frodo seems to appreciate it. At first, Sam just jogs along following the others, keeping his thoughts to himself. The only time he speaks his mind in the early chapters is to voice his suspicions of Strider when he feels that Frodo is being put in danger.
To me, a turning point comes when Sam, unprompted, sings of Gilgalad near to Weathertop. This clearly shows Sam's growing confidence. I'm sure he would sing with his mates in the pub back in The Shire, but to put himself forward and sing, unasked, in the presence of his master and his social superiors, Merry and Pippin, shows that he, at least, now sees himself as one of the group, not just a servant and follower.
Selmo.
I fell a little behind on my reading this week, so I have a few observations from chapters 3,4,5 to catch up.
When everyone is packed and ready to leave the Shire, Sam returns from taking the key to the Gaffer with his heavy pack hoisted on his shoulders and a tall shapeless felt bag on his head as a hat. " In the gloom he looked very much like a dwarf." Is this supposed to remind us of Bilbo setting out on his adventure with the group of dwarves?
Also, Sam volunteers to take some of Frodo's load, although his own is quite heavy. Even at this early stage, he is ready and willing to help the ringbearer with his burden--as later he carries the bearer and his burden into Mordor.
Sam is tuned to his surroundings. Several times it is he who sees or hears the Black Riders before the others do.
At one point Frodo considers leaving the others behind. Sam says the Elves have told him not to leave Frodo ever. This made me think of the end of the Fellowship when Sam refuses to let Frodo sneak off alone.
But Sam is distrustful of Maggot because he's from another part of the Shire, and as the time comes to leave all that is familiar behind, he "had a strange feeling ...his old life lay behind in the mists, dark adventure lay in front...he had a passing wish that Mr. Frodo could have gone on living quietly at Bag End." So Sam, the one who was most anxious to see the world, is beginning to realize that adventure can also mean dealing with the unfamiliar, the foreign, the frightening as well as the wonderful.
When the group of hobbits enter the willow-wood, Sam, the one most in tune with nature, seems to feel the "uncanniness" of the area. After a brief spell of drowsiness, he is least affected by the big tree--perhaps because he moves away to check on the ponies. He is skeptical about Frodo's account of the tree throwing him into the water. He seems to have good practical suggestions about how to free Merry and Pippin, but they backfire because this is not nature as Sam understands it. Sam is competent to deal with reality, not with magic.
He is the only one who does not dream in Tom's house. Why?
After the episode of the Barrow-wights, Sam's biggest concern is the loss of his clothes. He doesn't seem to grasp the danger they had just escaped.
Sam was sorry to see the end of Tom Bombadil, but looks forward to the Prancing Pony. He hopes it will be like the Green Dragon. He is longing for the familiar.
Jerseyshore
Yes, I myself never noticed the down-to-earth attitude that Sam possesses. I myself never really noticed Sam in these chapters for he played a minor role. Sam always seemed to be the most careful of the four in FotR, never really wanting to get into danger. He leaves that to his comrades....
Sam was lead into a lot of problems in the Shire and the areas just to the east of it. Sam never really took much attention to the danger of the situation just as Jerseyshore had said. Moreso I believe Sam was just one not to complain in that style thus, showing his true faith to Frodo and his comrades. Sam was the one who kept his cool and looked forward to the less important parts of their quest like looking forward to seeing Elves when they set out, the pub in Stock(best beer in the East Farthing), getting to Frodo's temporary home in Crickhollow and then the Prancing Pony in Bree.
Sam is one unique character in this story and I still cannot believe some of the things he goes through so calmly, Sam is one complicated character.
Tuor
Yes, Sam is a complicated character but the other hobbits don't see it in the early chapters, even Frodo who has known Sam for many years.
They don't see Sam's hidden depths because they don't look for them. They see Sam as a competant, aimiable, but dull and not very bright. They expect loyalty and obedience from their servants. They don't expect any intellectual ability, so they don't see it when it appears.
Tolkien is commenting on the society he grew up in. With his strange up-bringing, he could look the English way of life as something of an outsider and recognise the stereotyping that must always go with a divided society, whether it's divided by race, nationallity, religion, wealth, education or class.
Sam suffers from stereotyping. He's held back from achieving his full potential by it. It's not until the hobbits are outside The Shire and must depend on each other for their survival that the class-based stereotype breaks down and they begin to see Sam as he realy is.
Selmo.
Interesting comments, Selmo. I think you may be right about Tolkien's comments on his own society.
In this section Sam continues to long for the familiar. "He had imagined himself meeting giants taller than trees & other creatures even more terrifying...but at the moment he was finding his first sight of Men and their tall houses quite enough." His first impression of the Prancing Pony disappoints Sam because it is not the familiar place he had expected. He asks if they can't find a friendly hobbit to take them in. But he is soon soothed by the good beer of the inn, and chatted with the fellow patrons quite comfortably.
That Sam is suspicious of Strider is not surprising. We've already seen that he is rather xenophobic--he distrusted Farmer Maggot just because he came from a different part of the Shire. Sam warns against Strider because he comes out of the Wild, and even challenges him,"How do we know you are the Strider Gandalf speaks about?...You might be a play-acting spy..." Strider has to show him a little of his commanding presence before he is overawed. Even then he continues to seem a little suspicious--naturally enough since his primary concern is protection of Frodo.
I liked the little episode of Sam chucking an apple at Bill Ferny, and then muttering, "Waste of a good apple." It seemed a strange thing to see Sam do, but rather endearing.
By the time they reach Weathertop, Sam has accepted Strider, but says,"You do make me feel uncomfortable and lonesome." That seems a strange choice of words. Is he sensing a lonesomeness in Strider, the Ranger who has wandered for years without companion?
Sam has a surprise for the others in the song of Gil-Galad. He explains that he learned it from Bilbo, who also taught him to read and write. Characteristicly, Sam learned only the beginning of the song, preferring not to dwell on the darker section which "gave him the shivers."
Sam again shows his sensitivity to atmosphere as they camp on the side of Weathertop. "I don't like this hole: it makes my heart sink somehow." He begs Strider for stories of the Elves to help them forget how the "dark seems to press round so close." He "suddenly felt afraid...felt that something was creeping up the slope." When the Riders advance on them, Sam shrinks to Frodo's side. He seemed to know that Frodo was in great danger, and was ready to defend him.
Sam is beginning to assert himself. His own discomfort is secondary to his concerns for Frodo, and that concern governs his actions.
The end of Book 1 and beginning of Book 2 show very little new in the character of Sam.
He is continuing to have doubts about Strider. I thought it was interesting that Strider took him aside to discuss the Black Riders. Was this only an attempt to win his confidence or did he see that Sam is dedicated to keeping Frodo safe and wanted him to understand exactly what he was up against?
Dale Ann has already mentioned Frodo's comment about Sam at the Stone Trolls: "I'm learning a lot about Sam Gamgee on this journey. First he was a conspirator, now he's a jester. He'll end up by becoming a wizard or a warrior!" Sam says he doesn't want to be either. He still sees himself primarily as Frodo's servant and protector.
Sam spends his first days in Rivendell sitting by Frodo's bedside, watching over him. As soon as he knows the danger is past (for now anyway), his old excitement returns and he enthuses about elves and music and songs. There was a moment when he strokes Frodo's hand and then blushes and turns away. He cares deeply about the well-being of his master, but is embarrassed by his emotion.
Sam has recovered some of his enthusiasm and sense of wonderment here in Rivendell, now that the pressure seems to be off and safety reached. He's as inquisitive as ever, following Frodo to the council even though he wasn't invited. He dares to speak up and ask Elrond if he plans to send Frodo off alone on his mission. Elrond seems to have known he was there all along and is not angry to hear from him. He smiles and acknowledges that separating Sam from Frodo does not seem possible. "A fine pickle we have landed ourselves in, Mr. Frodo!" sounds as if Sam, despite his misgivings about the task ahead, has had time to recover some of his eagerness to see new sights. He's been refreshed by the stop, and is once again the Sam who longed to see Elves, mountains and dragons
It is Sam's idea to take the pony along--lest it pine away from missing him. He gives great thought to the items they will need on their journeys, packing a number of things Frodo has forgotten. He foresees the need for rope just a little too late to include it in the pack. Despite his planning, Sam still has no concept of the immense journey that lies ahead. Only a few days out of Rivendell, he thinks they should be in sight of the end of the Road. "these strange lands seeemed so vast that he was quite out of his reckoning."
The difficulties of the journey make Sam testy, He spends his time urging along the little pony as he complains about the snow ("I like to be in bed when it's falling."), the lack of real shelter, and finally the decision to enter Moria. (He had brightened momentarily when Gandalf said they had no choice but to go on or return to Rivendell.) Still he expresses his trust in Gandalf, especially after the wizard repels the wolves.
Sam is very upset at the thought of leaving the pony behind when they enter Moria. "I won't have it, and that's flat." He goes so far as to burst into tears, and goes after the beast when it runs away. But Sam has a greater responsibility than Bill, the pony, and he returns, "weeping and cursing", when Frodo cries for help. With a wizard and two sturdy men close at hand, how ironic it is that little Sam is the brave one who slashes the tentacle of the water creature, and pulls Frodo to safety!
Sam is not particularly impressed by the great halls of Moria, but enjoys Gimli's song, as he has enjoyed every song he has heard so far. Sam is a very musical hobbit!
In the battle by Balin's tomb, Sam receives a slight scalp wound, but also kills his orc. "A fire was smouldering in his brown eyes tha would have made Ted Sandyman step backwards, if he had seen it." Wehn Frodo is attcked by the orc chieftain, Sam is again the one who comes to his aid, hacking a the spear that pins Frodo to the wall.
When Gandalf falls, Sam weeps again.
He will not tell anyone what he saw in the Mirrormere. Any ideas what he did see?
Lothlorien is a very special place for Sam. Again he meets the Elves he so longed to find. He is relaxed enough to sleep in the tree, but very nervous about the makeshift bridge they must cross. Sam says Lothlorien is like being inside a song. He seems to have a lot to do and say in this chapter. Galadriel gives him a lot of attention. First he feels as if she tests his loyalty, and then she shows him the vision of the Shire.
There's a speech in this chapter that seems to be Sam at the most talkative we've seen him. Frodo has asked him what he thinks of Elves now. He says they aren't all the same ( a profound statement about any group of creatures), fancies that they could do magic even better than Gandalf and regrets that they must leave. But "it's the job that's never started as takes longest to finish."
Sam's vision in Galadriel's mirror upsets him. "I wish I had never come here and I don't want to see no more magic." He doesn't see the ring on her finger, but thinks she should take Frodo's ring. That would certainly be an easy way out and free the hobbits to go home to the Shire
In the last few chapters of FoTR, we see Sam's discomfort in boats--a feeling that initially goes back to the Shire prejudice against water sports, but changes to a discomfort based on the cramped positions for long periods of time.
He blushes when Galadriel presents him with a gift--he is still in awe of Elves, especially the beautiful Galadriel.
Since Sam is not allowed to paddle, he has time to be conscious of his surroundings again. He spots the "log with eyes" that Aragorn has already become aware of, and he notices that the phases of the moon indicate a longer time was spent in Lothlorien than they were aware of.
Sam feels that Frodo is not really indecisive about his future path. He knows where he must go. He's just terrified to take the first step toward the East. Sam also knows that Frodo will wish to go alone--his is the burden and he will not want to endanger the others. But Sam is determined not to be left behind. His loyalty to Frodo overwhelms all other feelings--his fear of water, his longing for the familiar sights of home, his discomfort with the rigors of travel. Nothing matters more than his commitment to the protection of his Master. And at the end of the book, he asserts himself again and insists that he not be left behind.
From a simple natural hobbit who loves songs and tales of adventure has come a staunch companion willing to face anything to protect not just his master, but
his friend. At least three times he has physically challenged danger for Frodo, and has borne hardship innumerable times. His suspiciousness, his sensitivity to nature, and his common sense have been valuable assets to the fellowship. He is worthy to be squire to his knight.
Jerseyshore
Sam is my favorite character from Tolkien's works. His singleminded devotion to Frodo saves them from many dangers. He grows from being Frodo's gardener to being Frodo's friend and protector. He's very humble and realistic. He's the voice of reason for the hobbits (especially in Bree).
From a simple natural hobbit who loves songs and tales of adventure has come a staunch companion willing to face anything to protect not just his master, but
his friend. At least three times he has physically challenged danger for Frodo, and has borne hardship innumerable times. His suspiciousness, his sensitivity to nature, and his common sense have been valuable assets to the fellowship. He is worthy to be squire to his knight.
I totally agree with you, jerseyshore. I couldn't put it better myself.
Ingeborg
Thanks for bringing this thread back to the top Ingeborg. I always miss something the first go around. And many members joined after this study so surely would've missed all of it, unless they delve in as you have done.
Illadria
DA
Sam is the youngest son of Ham Gamgee, who had tended Bilbo's garden for forty years. They live just below Bag End and the connection with Bilbo is strong and long-lived. From the time Sam was a "little lad" he had been exposed to Bilbo's tales, and this exposure had made him long for adventures of his own.
Sam's a gregarious fellow. He gives out the news on the party, including the facts that everyone will be invited, that there will be presents for all, and that fireworks are planned. He loves to talk and to listen to other's news. In the Green Dragon he discusses the news he has heard about dragons, about his cousin seeing a tree walk on the North Moor, about "queer folk" crossing the Shire or being turned back at its border. He divulges the fact that he has seen an Elf and wants strongly to see more. Even Sandyman's little jest about dragons can't quelch his belief in the strange old tales.
Sam is working in the garden, first cutting the grass, then clipping with the shears as Gandalf begins to tell Frodo the history of the ring. I can see his ears perking up as he catches mention of "dragons", "enemies", "fiery mountains" until he can't resist moving closer and closer to the open window so he can hear the whole story. And when Gandalf mentions that Frodo should consider a companion for his journey, he is beside himself with excitement.
When Gandalf put the ring into the fire, he closed the shutters and drew the curtains, shutting out the warm sunny day where "Everything looked fresh, and the new green of Spring was shimmering in the fields." The room became dark and silent as he told of the ring's history. Sam is a part of the natural world--the world of sunlight and green growing things. He is shut out when the curtains are drawn, but brings light and hope back into the discussion with his enthusiasm for a journey which Frodo dreads. Sam is a symbol of nature with its constant rebirth and growth.
jerseyshore
Sam was described as a simple hobbit by J.R.R.T, As Jerseyshore said Sam was a symbol of the natural world and was the warm sunny side of the dark seeting set by the room in bag end.
Throughout the quest, Sam was the happier more optimistic fellow and seemed always to quote his gaffer in even the darkest places ME.(although he didn't have the massive weight of the ring on his mind).
Sam's biggest dream was to be a simple hobbit in the shire with his own patch of garden to tend his vegtables and such. While Sam bore the ring briefly outside Cirith Ungol, he fantasized of ruling the world and having gardens burst out of the ground where he pleased and have his slaves tend to it.......then he remembered he was no match for the might of Sauron and discarded the thought.
So in the end, Sam is the beacon of hope in the whole of LotR. He attempts to keep Frodo protected and tries to keep spirits high and despair low. Sam had started a simple gardener for Frodo at Bag End but he would grow to become so much more.....
Tuor
I think that without Sam the quest would not have been accomplished. in the beginning of the novel, i don't think Sam realizes his full potential, or indeed his purpose, only to serve Frodo and help him. but he never gave up this purpose no matter how hard it was
i also think that Tolkien uses Sam the most to describe the ring's effect on the bearer's thoughts. he is the only ringbearer whose thoughts are described to the reader. he thinks, as Tuor has stated, about garden's popping up everywhere, but he realizes that he only wants his little patch. He also thinks about becoming "samwise the strong" etc.
Shelob
On the down-hominess of Sam.
Somewhere, sometime, (someone help me with a reference) I read that Tolkien stated that Sam was inspired by a Sergeant who served under him in WWI. Solid, loyal, reliable, humble, with plenty of common sense.
Megn1
Just an aside--and re a long ago discussion with Bill Fuller on this board--but I wonder if the walking tree that Sam saw on the North Moor was one of the entwives?
MusicMom
Hmmm....you may raise a good point there Musicmom about their being entwives in the north moors of the shire. Treebeard seemed to be very interested with Merry and Pippen's description of the shire and thought of it to be a nice place that the Entwives would like to settle by. Quite possibly, it may have been an entwife walking around the north of the shire bringing life and happiness along with it.
Then again, Sam was prone to imagining things in hyis youth. Bilbo's tales about his quest in the east had left him desperate to find a dragon or an elf. A theory, could be that Sam's runaway mind may have been playing tricks on him and he was just seeing things.
It could've also just been an ent itself, far north of where most ents lived. A sad remainder of the mighty ents who lived in the great forests of Eriador in the FA and SA.
Tuor
MusicMom and Hal, I think I should remind you that it was not Sam who saw the walking tree, but his cousin Hal.
-Tha Shadow of the Past, Sam with Ted Sandyman at The Green Dragon
Illadria
Thank you for reminding me Illadria, I had forgotten all about that. I guess I was being 'hasty' and forgot.......
Tuor
Sam's a quizzical character, all right. He's presented as supremely loyal and simple-minded. In the Arda website, it says that Samwise means half-wise, which is a polite way of saying half-stupid! Yet I agree with Shelob that, without Sam, the quest would never have been completed. When I first read LotR, that thought didn't occur to me until they were near the Orcs' lair in Mordor. Reading it for the second time, I notice little things.
Originally, I thought Sam listened in on Frodo and Gandalf's conversation in ch. 2 because he was a nosy busy-body. But soon it's revealed that he was doing his part in the consiracy of friends.
Sam has wonderful insight and down-to-earth wisdom. On the second page of ch. 4, Frodo notices that Sam's face and voice are the same, yet somehow different. Then, in answer to Frodo's offhand question as to whether he still likes the High Elves, Sam comes out with this asounding insight: 'They seem a bit above my likes and dislies, so to speak It don't seem to matter what I think about them. They are quite different from what I expected -- so old and young, and so gay and sad, as it were.' Could Freud have done better? :-)
In the Old Forest, as they near Old Man Willow, Sam is the only one not affected by the sleeping spell, and thus is able to save their lives.
A much more complex character than we're first led to believe!
Diana
Megn1, what I remember is that Sam was like a composite of the regular soldiers who had those qualities, as opposed to the officers.
Shelob, about Sam being the only one to describe the effects of the Ring, very good! But why, do you think? Does his earthiness include a keener awareness of his body? Or after seeing what the Ring did to Frodo and the Nazgul, was he the one most afraid when he put on the Ring, and he was waiting for heaven-knows-what to happen? Well, who knows. Your observation jump-started my brain this morning, and now I'm wide awake!
Diana
Sam has always been my favourite LoTR character, perhaps because, like him, I wouldn't count myself among The Wise.
Sam's character developes quite quickly as the Hobbits undertake their journy to Rivendell and the attitude of Frodo, Merry and Pippin changes towards him at the same time.
To start with, Sam is just a gardener who revered Bilbo and was happy with his servant/master relationship with Frodo. Frodo likes Sam but can be condesending towards him. When Frodo speaks to Sam after Gandalf catches him eavesdropping, he uses noticably different language than he uses with those he considers his equals. Even after Sam is appointed to accompany Frodo to Rivendell, he's still treated as a servant. For example, Sam isn't present when Frodo and his friends share a last meal at Bagend and at The Prancing Pony, when Merry and Pippin are introduced as Mr Brandybuck and Mr Took, Sam isn't introduced as Mr Gamgee, but as Sam Gamgee.
We see Sam's fierce loyalty towards his master growing long before Frodo seems to appreciate it. At first, Sam just jogs along following the others, keeping his thoughts to himself. The only time he speaks his mind in the early chapters is to voice his suspicions of Strider when he feels that Frodo is being put in danger.
To me, a turning point comes when Sam, unprompted, sings of Gilgalad near to Weathertop. This clearly shows Sam's growing confidence. I'm sure he would sing with his mates in the pub back in The Shire, but to put himself forward and sing, unasked, in the presence of his master and his social superiors, Merry and Pippin, shows that he, at least, now sees himself as one of the group, not just a servant and follower.
Selmo.
I fell a little behind on my reading this week, so I have a few observations from chapters 3,4,5 to catch up.
When everyone is packed and ready to leave the Shire, Sam returns from taking the key to the Gaffer with his heavy pack hoisted on his shoulders and a tall shapeless felt bag on his head as a hat. " In the gloom he looked very much like a dwarf." Is this supposed to remind us of Bilbo setting out on his adventure with the group of dwarves?
Also, Sam volunteers to take some of Frodo's load, although his own is quite heavy. Even at this early stage, he is ready and willing to help the ringbearer with his burden--as later he carries the bearer and his burden into Mordor.
Sam is tuned to his surroundings. Several times it is he who sees or hears the Black Riders before the others do.
At one point Frodo considers leaving the others behind. Sam says the Elves have told him not to leave Frodo ever. This made me think of the end of the Fellowship when Sam refuses to let Frodo sneak off alone.
But Sam is distrustful of Maggot because he's from another part of the Shire, and as the time comes to leave all that is familiar behind, he "had a strange feeling ...his old life lay behind in the mists, dark adventure lay in front...he had a passing wish that Mr. Frodo could have gone on living quietly at Bag End." So Sam, the one who was most anxious to see the world, is beginning to realize that adventure can also mean dealing with the unfamiliar, the foreign, the frightening as well as the wonderful.
When the group of hobbits enter the willow-wood, Sam, the one most in tune with nature, seems to feel the "uncanniness" of the area. After a brief spell of drowsiness, he is least affected by the big tree--perhaps because he moves away to check on the ponies. He is skeptical about Frodo's account of the tree throwing him into the water. He seems to have good practical suggestions about how to free Merry and Pippin, but they backfire because this is not nature as Sam understands it. Sam is competent to deal with reality, not with magic.
He is the only one who does not dream in Tom's house. Why?
After the episode of the Barrow-wights, Sam's biggest concern is the loss of his clothes. He doesn't seem to grasp the danger they had just escaped.
Sam was sorry to see the end of Tom Bombadil, but looks forward to the Prancing Pony. He hopes it will be like the Green Dragon. He is longing for the familiar.
Jerseyshore
Yes, I myself never noticed the down-to-earth attitude that Sam possesses. I myself never really noticed Sam in these chapters for he played a minor role. Sam always seemed to be the most careful of the four in FotR, never really wanting to get into danger. He leaves that to his comrades....
Sam was lead into a lot of problems in the Shire and the areas just to the east of it. Sam never really took much attention to the danger of the situation just as Jerseyshore had said. Moreso I believe Sam was just one not to complain in that style thus, showing his true faith to Frodo and his comrades. Sam was the one who kept his cool and looked forward to the less important parts of their quest like looking forward to seeing Elves when they set out, the pub in Stock(best beer in the East Farthing), getting to Frodo's temporary home in Crickhollow and then the Prancing Pony in Bree.
Sam is one unique character in this story and I still cannot believe some of the things he goes through so calmly, Sam is one complicated character.
Tuor
Yes, Sam is a complicated character but the other hobbits don't see it in the early chapters, even Frodo who has known Sam for many years.
They don't see Sam's hidden depths because they don't look for them. They see Sam as a competant, aimiable, but dull and not very bright. They expect loyalty and obedience from their servants. They don't expect any intellectual ability, so they don't see it when it appears.
Tolkien is commenting on the society he grew up in. With his strange up-bringing, he could look the English way of life as something of an outsider and recognise the stereotyping that must always go with a divided society, whether it's divided by race, nationallity, religion, wealth, education or class.
Sam suffers from stereotyping. He's held back from achieving his full potential by it. It's not until the hobbits are outside The Shire and must depend on each other for their survival that the class-based stereotype breaks down and they begin to see Sam as he realy is.
Selmo.
Interesting comments, Selmo. I think you may be right about Tolkien's comments on his own society.
In this section Sam continues to long for the familiar. "He had imagined himself meeting giants taller than trees & other creatures even more terrifying...but at the moment he was finding his first sight of Men and their tall houses quite enough." His first impression of the Prancing Pony disappoints Sam because it is not the familiar place he had expected. He asks if they can't find a friendly hobbit to take them in. But he is soon soothed by the good beer of the inn, and chatted with the fellow patrons quite comfortably.
That Sam is suspicious of Strider is not surprising. We've already seen that he is rather xenophobic--he distrusted Farmer Maggot just because he came from a different part of the Shire. Sam warns against Strider because he comes out of the Wild, and even challenges him,"How do we know you are the Strider Gandalf speaks about?...You might be a play-acting spy..." Strider has to show him a little of his commanding presence before he is overawed. Even then he continues to seem a little suspicious--naturally enough since his primary concern is protection of Frodo.
I liked the little episode of Sam chucking an apple at Bill Ferny, and then muttering, "Waste of a good apple." It seemed a strange thing to see Sam do, but rather endearing.
By the time they reach Weathertop, Sam has accepted Strider, but says,"You do make me feel uncomfortable and lonesome." That seems a strange choice of words. Is he sensing a lonesomeness in Strider, the Ranger who has wandered for years without companion?
Sam has a surprise for the others in the song of Gil-Galad. He explains that he learned it from Bilbo, who also taught him to read and write. Characteristicly, Sam learned only the beginning of the song, preferring not to dwell on the darker section which "gave him the shivers."
Sam again shows his sensitivity to atmosphere as they camp on the side of Weathertop. "I don't like this hole: it makes my heart sink somehow." He begs Strider for stories of the Elves to help them forget how the "dark seems to press round so close." He "suddenly felt afraid...felt that something was creeping up the slope." When the Riders advance on them, Sam shrinks to Frodo's side. He seemed to know that Frodo was in great danger, and was ready to defend him.
Sam is beginning to assert himself. His own discomfort is secondary to his concerns for Frodo, and that concern governs his actions.
The end of Book 1 and beginning of Book 2 show very little new in the character of Sam.
He is continuing to have doubts about Strider. I thought it was interesting that Strider took him aside to discuss the Black Riders. Was this only an attempt to win his confidence or did he see that Sam is dedicated to keeping Frodo safe and wanted him to understand exactly what he was up against?
Dale Ann has already mentioned Frodo's comment about Sam at the Stone Trolls: "I'm learning a lot about Sam Gamgee on this journey. First he was a conspirator, now he's a jester. He'll end up by becoming a wizard or a warrior!" Sam says he doesn't want to be either. He still sees himself primarily as Frodo's servant and protector.
Sam spends his first days in Rivendell sitting by Frodo's bedside, watching over him. As soon as he knows the danger is past (for now anyway), his old excitement returns and he enthuses about elves and music and songs. There was a moment when he strokes Frodo's hand and then blushes and turns away. He cares deeply about the well-being of his master, but is embarrassed by his emotion.
Sam has recovered some of his enthusiasm and sense of wonderment here in Rivendell, now that the pressure seems to be off and safety reached. He's as inquisitive as ever, following Frodo to the council even though he wasn't invited. He dares to speak up and ask Elrond if he plans to send Frodo off alone on his mission. Elrond seems to have known he was there all along and is not angry to hear from him. He smiles and acknowledges that separating Sam from Frodo does not seem possible. "A fine pickle we have landed ourselves in, Mr. Frodo!" sounds as if Sam, despite his misgivings about the task ahead, has had time to recover some of his eagerness to see new sights. He's been refreshed by the stop, and is once again the Sam who longed to see Elves, mountains and dragons
It is Sam's idea to take the pony along--lest it pine away from missing him. He gives great thought to the items they will need on their journeys, packing a number of things Frodo has forgotten. He foresees the need for rope just a little too late to include it in the pack. Despite his planning, Sam still has no concept of the immense journey that lies ahead. Only a few days out of Rivendell, he thinks they should be in sight of the end of the Road. "these strange lands seeemed so vast that he was quite out of his reckoning."
The difficulties of the journey make Sam testy, He spends his time urging along the little pony as he complains about the snow ("I like to be in bed when it's falling."), the lack of real shelter, and finally the decision to enter Moria. (He had brightened momentarily when Gandalf said they had no choice but to go on or return to Rivendell.) Still he expresses his trust in Gandalf, especially after the wizard repels the wolves.
Sam is very upset at the thought of leaving the pony behind when they enter Moria. "I won't have it, and that's flat." He goes so far as to burst into tears, and goes after the beast when it runs away. But Sam has a greater responsibility than Bill, the pony, and he returns, "weeping and cursing", when Frodo cries for help. With a wizard and two sturdy men close at hand, how ironic it is that little Sam is the brave one who slashes the tentacle of the water creature, and pulls Frodo to safety!
Sam is not particularly impressed by the great halls of Moria, but enjoys Gimli's song, as he has enjoyed every song he has heard so far. Sam is a very musical hobbit!
In the battle by Balin's tomb, Sam receives a slight scalp wound, but also kills his orc. "A fire was smouldering in his brown eyes tha would have made Ted Sandyman step backwards, if he had seen it." Wehn Frodo is attcked by the orc chieftain, Sam is again the one who comes to his aid, hacking a the spear that pins Frodo to the wall.
When Gandalf falls, Sam weeps again.
He will not tell anyone what he saw in the Mirrormere. Any ideas what he did see?
Lothlorien is a very special place for Sam. Again he meets the Elves he so longed to find. He is relaxed enough to sleep in the tree, but very nervous about the makeshift bridge they must cross. Sam says Lothlorien is like being inside a song. He seems to have a lot to do and say in this chapter. Galadriel gives him a lot of attention. First he feels as if she tests his loyalty, and then she shows him the vision of the Shire.
There's a speech in this chapter that seems to be Sam at the most talkative we've seen him. Frodo has asked him what he thinks of Elves now. He says they aren't all the same ( a profound statement about any group of creatures), fancies that they could do magic even better than Gandalf and regrets that they must leave. But "it's the job that's never started as takes longest to finish."
Sam's vision in Galadriel's mirror upsets him. "I wish I had never come here and I don't want to see no more magic." He doesn't see the ring on her finger, but thinks she should take Frodo's ring. That would certainly be an easy way out and free the hobbits to go home to the Shire
In the last few chapters of FoTR, we see Sam's discomfort in boats--a feeling that initially goes back to the Shire prejudice against water sports, but changes to a discomfort based on the cramped positions for long periods of time.
He blushes when Galadriel presents him with a gift--he is still in awe of Elves, especially the beautiful Galadriel.
Since Sam is not allowed to paddle, he has time to be conscious of his surroundings again. He spots the "log with eyes" that Aragorn has already become aware of, and he notices that the phases of the moon indicate a longer time was spent in Lothlorien than they were aware of.
Sam feels that Frodo is not really indecisive about his future path. He knows where he must go. He's just terrified to take the first step toward the East. Sam also knows that Frodo will wish to go alone--his is the burden and he will not want to endanger the others. But Sam is determined not to be left behind. His loyalty to Frodo overwhelms all other feelings--his fear of water, his longing for the familiar sights of home, his discomfort with the rigors of travel. Nothing matters more than his commitment to the protection of his Master. And at the end of the book, he asserts himself again and insists that he not be left behind.
From a simple natural hobbit who loves songs and tales of adventure has come a staunch companion willing to face anything to protect not just his master, but
his friend. At least three times he has physically challenged danger for Frodo, and has borne hardship innumerable times. His suspiciousness, his sensitivity to nature, and his common sense have been valuable assets to the fellowship. He is worthy to be squire to his knight.
Jerseyshore
Sam is my favorite character from Tolkien's works. His singleminded devotion to Frodo saves them from many dangers. He grows from being Frodo's gardener to being Frodo's friend and protector. He's very humble and realistic. He's the voice of reason for the hobbits (especially in Bree).
From a simple natural hobbit who loves songs and tales of adventure has come a staunch companion willing to face anything to protect not just his master, but
his friend. At least three times he has physically challenged danger for Frodo, and has borne hardship innumerable times. His suspiciousness, his sensitivity to nature, and his common sense have been valuable assets to the fellowship. He is worthy to be squire to his knight.
I totally agree with you, jerseyshore. I couldn't put it better myself.
Ingeborg
Thanks for bringing this thread back to the top Ingeborg. I always miss something the first go around. And many members joined after this study so surely would've missed all of it, unless they delve in as you have done.
Illadria