Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Would knowledge of Shelob have stoped them?

Before Sam, Frodo, and Gollum enter Shelob's lair they make note of how bad it smells. It seems to me that they should have known that there was some sort of creature inside other than an orc. So why wouldn't they press Gollum more strongly about what was in there before they went in? I mean they only mildly muse over what might be in there. Do you think at this point that they had come so far and were so committed that even if they did know what awaited them inside they would have gone in anyway?

7 comments:

Tim said...

I think that that is really a large part of why they just continued on without asking Gollum more about the smells. They are so committed, well Frodo is anyway, that they are willing to do whatever it takes. I think if it was up to Sam though, he would have questioned Gollum at sword point as to what the smells were and then had him leashed when they were walking through the tunnel. But I guess that's why Sam isn't the leader...

Sarah Hoerner said...

I think they wanted to be consistent since they were already committed to continue on. I guess they figured that they gave gone this far so what would stop them now. They've already pretty much been through hell and back. I don't know, thats just my opinion.

mmannin said...

I think that Frodo really believed that Gollum would not do them wrong and that he had loyalty to Frodo. It would be too time costly and difficult for them to go back and find another way. THe best option was to hope that Gollum would not lead them astray

seth swanson said...

Frodo had no other option, just as he has not from the beginning of the trilogy. Nasty smell, dark place, and the eerie silence are only going to make a character proceed and move forward, otherwise what would be the point of the description of the cave. The character always has to know, even if the character is not obligated. The always naive actions of the character during eerie and scary parts are sure to happen. It is obvious that Frodo must trust Gollum because he has been nothing but honest and besides that Frodo does not have a choice. It is just another necessary twist of problems to the progress of the hobbits. Tolkiens way of providing suspense :)

Emily said...

I agree that they are very committed to their journey, but at the same time, they never seem to question Gollum very thoroughly on anything. Once he tells them that they need to go a certain way, they ask if there are others, he says no and they go. There is never really any discussion if what Gollum says is the best option. I realize that they do not know the issue, but by this point they are so close you would think that they couldnt' miss it! I feel that they (Frodo especially) are putting too much faith in Gollum. It definately backfires when they meet Shelob.

MyKeia said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
MyKeia said...

I agree just as those before. Would knowledge of the riders change what was to be done? Would knowledge of the barrow wights have stopped their travel or path or journey? It brings about the consistent subject of pre-destination or fate that we talk about in class. Whether they had previous knowledge or not it would not have stopped them and the relationship that was established between Gollum and Froto was one of supposed trust. Froto has more of a say so in the direction of the journey since he carries the burden.