|
Post by Stormrider on Jan 19, 2009 12:14:30 GMT -6
From: Annie2 (Original Message) Sent: 5/18/2003 8:51 PM The picture was Lost--It was a picture of Frodo and Sam in Mordor by Ted Nasmith
Wk9, Bk6, Ch2, DISCUSSION: Sources of Strength
The Journey is long and hard and they are suffering from exhaustion, hunger and thirst. Many times Frodo feels too tired to go on.
What are the Ring Bearers’ sources of strength? How are they able to continue in the face of such adversity? How are they sustained? What do they do, use, or find that assist them to combat the exhaustion they feel? What about hunger and thirst?
You may wish to consider these questions from the perspective of Sam and Frodo individually.
|
|
|
Post by Stormrider on Jan 19, 2009 12:15:50 GMT -6
From: Alaere_Dûnhilien Sent: 5/27/2003 1:00 PM The most obvious sources of strength, for both of them, are of course their steadily diminishing supplies of food and water, and especially lembas. Apart from that, I suspect that eachother's encouragements have something to do with it too. Especially Frodo needs Sam to keep him going; while the motive that keeps Sam going seems to be the care for his master. The phial Galadriel has given them, with the Light of Eärendil, also seems to give them strength; sometimes they can use in the fight against their enemies (Shelob!), at other times, just touching it seems to be reassuring enough (when they were in the Morgul Vale, before they climbed the stairs). It also helped Sam to get across the Watchers.
Whenever they encounter something good, it raises their spirits again, such as the wind that was changing, the light and the water Sam asked for, and, I suppose I may say this now, the feeling of responsability for their task. This latter source I came across in the beginning of Chapter 7 (), where we also find that Sam at one point, looking over the plain that still lays ahead of them, loses all hope, but his loss of hope steels his will. I think in this way, it is also a source of strength: he grows more and more resolute about finishing the quest, even if he and Frodo are going to die. I know there is probably more, but I shall have to reread this chapter again for the details I've overlooked, and besides, I still need to leave some for the others . Alaere * * * From: Merlin the mad Sent: 5/27/2003 5:35 PM This is jumping the gun only a little bit: but you asked a question that applies right up to the end. More and more, they realize that they are never getting back. And once they pass (voluntarily) the point of no return, the main thing that sustains them both is the knowledge that everybody in the wide world and into the future is depending on only two little Hobbits. That has to be an enormous burden as well as motivation to give your all even though it kill you. MtM * * * From: Ruscosenda Sent: 5/29/2003 9:54 AM I'm not sure I can add anything, but I agree that there was a tremendous burden of responsibility on Frodo. I believe that is what kept him going along with a lot of encouragement and help from Sam. Sam's motivation was different. What kept him going was the love of his master. Frodo wanted to give up several times, but Sam encouraged him to continue. Had Frodo decided to quit, I don't think Sam would have continued without him. Sam also had support, possibly from Galadriel or Elbereth, in the form of water and light. -- Rusco
|
|