Post by Stormrider on Jan 20, 2009 18:03:26 GMT -6
From: AnnieofTR (Original Message) Sent: 6/22/2003 4:53 PM
Wk13, Bk6, Ch8, DISCUSSION: Frodo Stands Apart
Frodo laid aside his sword when all around him angry hobbits held knives, swords, hay forks, clubs, sticks, and other weapons. His role seemed to be that of peacemaker. He did not draw his sword in the Battle of Bywater. He continually urged caution insisting that no one be killed unless it was absolutely necessary. It was Frodo who surmised that Lotho was a prisoner inside Bag End; he "felt" his fear and wanted to rescue him. He begged mercy for Saruman. Even when the wizard tried to kill him, he insisted that Saruman not be harmed. He invited Wormtongue to stay and rest. It was as if a very great wisdom welled up inside Frodo. As I read this chapter, I became very aware of how much Frodo had changed. But as I think back through his trials, I realized that these qualities had already been awakened. He had trusted Gollum and felt pity for him, encouraging Sam to do the same. What other examples can you think of that revealed his compassion and mercy?
It was not until his homecoming that this became totally apparent to me. What had come over Frodo? How had he acquired such profundity? Even Saruman recognized it and he was filled with wonder and respect but also hatred. "You have grown, Halfling . . . Yes you have grown very much. You are wise and cruel." Why did Saruman think him wise? How had Frodo grown? Was it merely because of the influence of the ring? Or were there other factors that might have contributed to his insightfulness?
What were your impressions of Frodo at this moment? Had your fondness grown or diminished? Why?
It was his detachment that interested me most, not in the sense of apathy or indifference but through a kind of transcendence. He seemed to be able to see or feel or experience things that lay beyond human or hobbit understanding and he seemed impervious to anger and revenge. He lacked the energy and vitality the others had, rather he seemed more reflective and stood apart. I was aware of some of these characteristics before but now they seemed enhanced. Did anyone else sense this? How would you account for this?
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| Detail of Frodo and Saruman Copyright Inger Edelfeldt. All Rights Reserved | Frodo by Shirley Roman |
Wk13, Bk6, Ch8, DISCUSSION: Frodo Stands Apart
". . . But remember: there is to be no slaying of hobbits, not even if they have gone over to the other side. . . No hobbit has ever killed another on purpose in the Shire, and it is not to begin now. And nobody is to be killed at all, if it can be helped. Keep your tempers and hold your hands to the last moment."
Frodo laid aside his sword when all around him angry hobbits held knives, swords, hay forks, clubs, sticks, and other weapons. His role seemed to be that of peacemaker. He did not draw his sword in the Battle of Bywater. He continually urged caution insisting that no one be killed unless it was absolutely necessary. It was Frodo who surmised that Lotho was a prisoner inside Bag End; he "felt" his fear and wanted to rescue him. He begged mercy for Saruman. Even when the wizard tried to kill him, he insisted that Saruman not be harmed. He invited Wormtongue to stay and rest. It was as if a very great wisdom welled up inside Frodo. As I read this chapter, I became very aware of how much Frodo had changed. But as I think back through his trials, I realized that these qualities had already been awakened. He had trusted Gollum and felt pity for him, encouraging Sam to do the same. What other examples can you think of that revealed his compassion and mercy?
It was not until his homecoming that this became totally apparent to me. What had come over Frodo? How had he acquired such profundity? Even Saruman recognized it and he was filled with wonder and respect but also hatred. "You have grown, Halfling . . . Yes you have grown very much. You are wise and cruel." Why did Saruman think him wise? How had Frodo grown? Was it merely because of the influence of the ring? Or were there other factors that might have contributed to his insightfulness?
What were your impressions of Frodo at this moment? Had your fondness grown or diminished? Why?
It was his detachment that interested me most, not in the sense of apathy or indifference but through a kind of transcendence. He seemed to be able to see or feel or experience things that lay beyond human or hobbit understanding and he seemed impervious to anger and revenge. He lacked the energy and vitality the others had, rather he seemed more reflective and stood apart. I was aware of some of these characteristics before but now they seemed enhanced. Did anyone else sense this? How would you account for this?