Write a summary-analysis of your chapter in Book VI of the LOTR: RK. Then write two questions on your assigned chapter. Make sure to respond to 1 question posted by a peer as well. Turn in on-time in Blackboard, too!
Chapter 1: Alexis R.
Chapter 2: Dominic
Chapter 3: Hugh, Aaron
Chapter 4: Jaysin
Chapter 5: Nickolas
Chapter 6: Matt
Chapter 7: Mark
Chapter 8: Alyssa A., Hannah
Chapter 9: Kate
Appendix A: Alina, Justine
Mythology of J.R.R. Tolkien 
-Appendix A
The Appendix, which comes at the end of the book, is a section packed full of little details about the rich history of Middle Earth and its rulers. There are specific mentions to the line of Isildur, as well as to the practice of Stewards in Gondor and even the lives of Durin’s Folk. Many intricacies that would not have fit into the story are thoroughly detailed within the contents of the appendix, adding dimension after dimension to Tolkien’s world. It is hard to really ‘analyze’ an appendix since it is more of an index containing snippets of historical information than an actual chapter; this being said, I found reading the segment on Aragorn and Arwen’s relationship to be very worthwhile. I have read the books before, but did not read the appendixes and thus missed out on such a pivotal part of Aragorn’s past. The romantic relationship between Aragorn and Arwen is more prominent in the movies rather than the books, and getting a chance to see and to understand their history without the distraction of an ongoing Quest to defeat a great evil gives both Aragorn and Arwen more depth as characters. Aragorn’s past is not brought up too often in the books aside from being related to Isildur; in the appendix, Tolkien describes Aragorn’s childhood raised by Elrond and his first meeting with Arwen, which is incredibly sweet: “… Aragorn had been singing a part of the Lay of Lúthien which tells of the meeting of Lúthien and Beren in the forest of Neldoreth. And behold! there Lúthien walked before his eyes in Rivendell… For a moment Aragorn gazed in silence, but fearing that she would pass away and never be seen again, he called to her crying, Tinúviel, Tinúviel! even as Beren had done in the Elder Days long ago. Then the maiden turned to him and smiled, and she said: “Who are you? And why do you call me by that name?” ‘And he answered: “Because I believed you to be indeed Lúthien Tinúviel, of whom I was singing. But if you are not she, then you walk in her likeness.” “So many have said,” she answered gravely. “Yet her name is not mine. Though maybe my doom will be not unlike hers. But who are you?” “Estel I was called,” he said; “but I am Aragorn, Arathorn’s son, Isildur’s Heir, Lord of the Dúnedain”; yet even in the saying he felt that this high lineage, in which his heart had rejoiced, was now of little worth, and as nothing compared to her dignity and loveliness. (p. 371-372)” Their story starts off romantic but the tragedy of their very natures is what tears them apart, making it bittersweet more than anything. After she loses Aragorn, Arwen wastes away just as Elrond had warned, and even outlives Galadriel before succumbing to her grave.
1) By behaving reciprocally toward Arwen despite knowing that loving a mortal would doom her in the end, can Aragorn be blamed for Arwen’s slow and sad death? Or does the blame rest on Arwen herself for not trying to forget him and save herself?
2) What parts of the relationship between Aragorn and Arwen might have been inspired by the relationship between Tolkien and his wife Edith? Is it significant that Tolkien designed their relationship to fail (a mortal and an immortal), and if so, how?
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I think the blame rests on both of them. They both knew loving a mortal would doom Arwen and continued to see each other.
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Chapter 9: The Grey Havens
Summary:
In this chapter Frodo, Sam, Pippin, and Merry are trying to rebuild the destroyed Hobbiton. Sam is at the forefront of the group trying to bring Hobbiton back to its former glory. Through his actions of helping others Sam remembers the gift that Lady Galadriel gave him, his box that would help his garden grow. Sam decides that he doesn’t want to use what is in the box just for himself, he then sets to using the contents all over Hobbiton; and it regrows with a quickness that leaves people in amazement for years. While Hobbiton is re-growing, the lives of the four hobbits are changing. Pippin and Merry are known as the “lordly”, which was fitting after the services they had sworn; Sam married Rosie and moved into Bag End with Frodo. Sam and Rosie welcomed their first child into the world Elanor, named after the sun-star a golden flower that grew in the grass of Lothlorien. As Sam was still consumed with re-growth and rebuilding the land Frodo became sick at various times, almost as if he forgot where he was, and at times spoke of the precious. It soon becomes September and Frodo tells Sam that Bilbo’s birthday is upon them and that he will pass the old Took. Frodo asks Sam to go somewhere with him one more time and that he will not be gone for long. Before they set forth on this final journey Frodo gives the deed to Bag End to Sam along with a very special book, “My Diary. My Unexpected Journey. There and Back again. And What Happened After. Adventures of Five Hobbits. The Tale of the Great Ring, compiled by Bilbo Baggins from his own observations and the accounts of his friends. What we did in the War of the Ring.” (The Return Of The King, 1004) Sam notices that the book looks unfinished and Frodo explains to him that the last few pages are for Sam to finish, this is his story just as much as Bilbo’s and his. As both hobbits ride out they are met with Gildor, Galadriel, Elron, Bilbo, Gandalf, and many other Elven folk. At this moment Frodo tells Sam that he is leaving for the Havens, he will not be coming back to the Shire, Frodo wishes many blessings on Sam and wishes him to find wholeness again. Pippin and Merry come riding up and say their good-byes as Frodo sets sail to his final home. Merry, Pippin, and Sam ride back together in silence before they part for Buckland and the Shire. The journey has now ended, and Sam is back home.
Analysis:
In this chapter there are many different new beginnings as well as endings. Hobbiton is being rebuilt, Sam has gotten married and started a family, Merry and Pippin both have their own little adventures and errands within Hobbiton; however, Frodo is the only one that is looking for his ending. Most of this chapter we see that Sam keeps saying he is torn between serving Frodo and living his own life, this feeling of two halves not being whole has carried on through the entire journey, the desire to be home, and the desire to be with Frodo. Frodo at first tries to rectify Sam’s feelings and welcomes Rosie into his home so that Sam does not have to choose. As time goes on Frodo is not well, ghosts of his past haunt him and wounds still not healed ail him, the end has come for Frodo, it is time that he and Bilbo leave for their final rest, the Haven. There is a sadness in knowing that Frodo will be leaving Sam, Merry, and Pippin, after everything the four hobbits have endured saying goodbye will be the hardest. This ending was significant to the thought that even in disaster, war, death, and violence, something beautiful could be born, friendship and new life. New life can be seen in the trees, flowers, and children, and the friendship has never ended, all four hobbits are together to say their goodbyes in the end. The bond of friendship was the strongest bond there was, and with this all were able to overcome the evils of the world.
Questions:
1. Why do you think it was so significant that Sam was the central focus not only in these final chapters but in the last chapter particularly?
2. Do you think that Sam will one day go on to join Frodo and Bilbo in the Havens, or do you think that Merry, Pippin, and Sam have earned their spot among the elves for their dedication to the destruction of the ring?
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With the Ring destroyed, the Black gate crumbles and Mordor’s power crumbles. The evil creatures fall into chaos. Gandalf leaves the clean up to Aragorn and rides Gwaihir, the leader of the Eagles, to Mount Doom. Frodo and Sam make their way down the Mountain now that their mission is complete. They get stuck on a hill because the Volcano is erupting and lava surrounds them. They are saved by Gwaihir and two other Eagles. They take Frodo and Sam to Ithilien. Gandalf says the King of Gondor has changed the New Year to the day Sauron fell and the King wishes to speak to them, but requests they come in the garb they wore into Mordor. Frodo and Sam are heroes now, Aragorn has been crowned King, they are reunited with Pippin and Merry, and they can return home to the Shire.
This chapter is laden with the themes of Nature vs. Technology. Sauron and Mordor have represented technology for most of these books, and Frodo throwing the Ring into the volcano symbolized nature destroying technology.
Questions:
Why does Sam still call Aragorn Strider?
What’s the significance of Sam and Frodo wearing the clothes they wore in Mordor to Aragorn’s feast?
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Why does Sam still call Aragorn Strider?
– I think that Sam calls Aragorn Strider because that was the first name he associated him to. On multiple occasions even Pippin and Merry call him Strider. I think it is almost a term of endearment now.
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-What’s the significance of Sam and Frodo wearing the clothes they wore in Mordor to Aragorn’s feast?
Being involved in a war, Tolkien experienced firsthand the horrors that war has to offer. World War I especially was one of the bloodiest and most traumatizing wars in recent history. He returned from the war and coped with the weight of that experience through his family and his passion (writing, teaching, etc.), but one never truly forgets something like that. All the friends that he lost, all the suffering that he must have undergone, the immense guilt of surviving when others did not: those are things that stick with someone for their whole life. No amount of therapy or meditation can ever truly cleanse someone of the tragic effects that war can have on a person. It is why many returning veterans commit suicide and others lose touch with reality. By having Frodo and Samwise wear the clothes that they wore in Mordor to Aragorn’s feast, Tolkien may be alluding to the trauma that follows them even after the ring has been destroyed and their Quest has been completed. Frodo and Samwise have both been through a tremendously difficult journey and experienced near-death countless times. Though they feast and talk and smile like the rest of the people around them, their clothes are silent reminders of the struggles that they have endured and the hardships they have faced. Clothes are not permanent; not like scars, or tattoos, which cannot be removed. Their clothes could have been changed, but were not. This is an important detail. Frodo and Samwise wore the same clothes to Aragorn’s feast that they wore during their darkest moments in Mordor, which represents their state of mind: they are stuck in Mordor, inwardly reliving the trauma that they have been subject to whilst presenting an outward façade of normality. It was in those clothes that they almost died. Wearing the exact same clothes to Aragorn’s feast signifies that their memories will haunt them for the rest of their lives.
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Lord of the Rings Book 6
Chapter 7 Summary/ Analysis
The Hobbits were closely approaching their home. A year has past since Frodo’s situation in Weathertop, Gandalf inquires about Frodo’s condition. With him answering that he had a knife wound as well as other worries that were plaguing him. A day passes, and Frodo recovers a bit and they continue their trek forward. They make it to Bree, and talk to Barliman Butterbur. He accommodates them in his inn since he aided them earlier in their adventure. After a while, Barliman asks Gandalf about one of the more dangerous regions referred to as “Deadman’s Dike”. Gandalf assures him that the rightful king will be returning to that area in order to bring prosperity. Making sure to mention that Aragorn was the king, which surprised Butterbur.
The next day, business started to boom. And many visitors came to see Gandalf and the rest of our heroes. After a while, the company set off, but Gandalf tells the hobbits that he will not be returning to them to the Shire. With Frodo feeling relieved that his adventure has now come to an end.This chapter in a sense matches with a theme of growing up. To clarify, it is more like a reflection of Frodo’s growth . Being hardened and made more wise by the Journey of the ring.
Questions:
1) Compare Frodo’s growth and recovery to Bilbo’s. What is the same and what do you think is different?
2) Do you think that Gandalf’s departure has some sort of symbolism/significance? Why or why not?
Peer Answer:
*Why does Sam still call Aragorn Strider?
Most likely because that was the name he was most familiar with. So referring to him with the name Aragorn may be a bit unusual to him.
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2) I think Gandalf’s departure does have significance as it showcases the Hobbits. The Hobbits before relied so much on Gandalf for safety and the Hobbits were always seen as fragile to everyone. But after the task was completed, the Hobbits were seen as different, not as fragile. By Gandalf leaving them I think it signifies the new strength and independence the Hobbits have. They no longer need the aid Gandalf constantly provides.
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Chapter 3: Mount Doom:
Chapter three consists of Sam and Frodo making their way further into the depths of Mordor, through the now empty plains of Gorgoroth and into Mount Doom. Frodo is physically and emotionally weakened the closer he and Sam get to Mount Doom; Sam cares for Frodo, feeding him and giving him water to help replenish his strength. The intimidating sight of Mordor and Mount Doom, along with the vastly low amount of food and water, makes Sam realize he and Frodo will not be returning from their journey alive. All Sam and Frodo can do now is press forward into the vacant lands that lead to Mount Doom. Days pass and Frodo continues to lose strength, Sam worries for Frodo and even offers to carry the ring, but Frodo cannot give it up for its hold on him would surely destroy him if he were to give it away now. After reaching the base of Mount Doom, the exhausted hobbits crawl and move up the mountain any way they physically can. At one point, Sam carries Frodo as far as he can up the mountain with whatever strength he can muster. At the halfway point up the mountain, Frodo sees a glimpse of the eye of Sauron and is overcome with fear and begs Sam for help. Sam once again carries Frodo up the side of Mount Doom, just then Gollum arrives to take the ring because he knows Frodo wishes to destroy it. Sam tells Frodo to continue up the mountain while he takes care of Gollum, but in this moment Gollum whimpers and Sam takes pity on him and hurries to catch up to Frodo. Sam reaches Frodo in the Sammath Naur, the hall that leads into Mount Doom, where Sam finds Frodo who then refuses to give up the ring and puts in on. Sam is then dazed when hit from behind by Gollum, Gollum then attacks Frodo as Sam looks on at Gollum attacking an invisible foe. Gollum bites off Frodo’s finger and takes the ring, but in his celebration of obtaining the ring he falls over the edge and into the depths of Mount Doom. A great quake from the mountain shakes the Mordor landscape, and Frodo and Sam exit the Sammath Naur and finally Frodo returns to his pre-ring-bearer self.
Analysis:
Chapter 3 had heavy themes of friendship and perseverance. Sam and Frodo are faced with an insurmountable task of crossing the empty lands towards Mount Doom, all without the proper provisions and with plenty of emotional and physical stress. Sam knows he cannot carry the ring for Frodo, but Sam does whatever he can to help Frodo complete this task. Sam has displayed so many moments of true friendship to Frodo throughout their journey, but Sam’s ultimate display of friendship is included in this chapter. When Sam realizes that the end of this journey will claim their lives, he does not run away or leave Frodo to destroy the ring on his own. Sam physically and emotionally carries Frodo to the final lengths of destroying the ring of power. Sam’s displays of friendship are greater than any other in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The commitment of going to the ends of the earth to aid Frodo in not only destroying the ring, but also saving Frodo from the ring’s poisonous possession of him, shows the lengths Sam is willing to go for friendship. Frodo was so overcome with the weight of the ring, the betrayal of Gollum and the physical exhaustion of the journey, that without Sam there would have been no possible way of succeeding. The greatest display of Sam’s friendship, is when he physically carries Frodo. Sam knows he cannot carry the ring for Frodo, so he instead carries Frodo. This is a representation of true friendship, because friends cannot carry the burdens of others, but they can help lift them up in any form that they can. Sam is by far the greatest encompassing of friendship at its truest core.
Questions:
Even after all that Gollum has done in all of the Lord of the Rings books, Frodo ends the chapter telling Sam they should forgive him. Does Gollum truly deserve forgiveness?
Sam tries to use the Phial of Galadriel to see in the pitch black of the Sammath Naur and reach Frodo, but the phial does not work in the darkness. Could this be foreshadowing of Frodo’s claiming of the ring and its eventual destruction by Gollum?
Peer Question: (justine)
By behaving reciprocally toward Arwen despite knowing that loving a mortal would doom her in the end, can Aragorn be blamed for Arwen’s slow and sad death? Or does the blame rest on Arwen herself for not trying to forget him and save herself?
I would not say there is essentially a blame to put on either character, Aragorn and Arwen both know the repercussions to their love and their actions. Beren and Luthien knew all too well the consequences to their actions, especially Luthien, and they chose a different life than what could have been. Aragorn and Arwen are not at fault or blame, but they do choose a more difficult and potentially saddening end to their lives. Their sacrifices show the depth of their love for one another and the lengths they would go to in order to be with each other.
Film and Book Differences:
The scenes from Jackson’s film and the differences of the chapter were not all that far apart. While Jackson used more emphasis on the eye of Sauron and its gaze around the lands surrounding Mt. Doom, the film does portray the chapter very well. Jackson had the extra suspense of having Frodo and Gollum tussle for the ring before they both fell over the edge, before Sam pulls Frodo up and they escape to the threshold of the mountain. Tolkien really emphasizes the bond between Frodo and Sam, as well as the struggle of reaching Mount Doom, and Jackson equally captures these moments. Overall Jackson did a great job capturing the chapter onto film, even adding more moments of suspense. The destruction of the ring is arguably the climax of the story and Jackson did an incredible job at portraying the chapter into film.
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Even after all that Gollum has done in all of the Lord of the Rings books, Frodo ends the chapter telling Sam they should forgive him. Does Gollum truly deserve forgiveness?
I truly believe that he does deserve forgiveness. The ring has evil powers beyond their comprehension. Just as in Genesis 3, Eve was corrupted by evil. She did not really know fully the consequences for eating the fruit. Given Tolkien’s faith, it is only fair that Gollum be a fallen hero. We cannot discredit the fact that he did commit murder, but it is not for us humans to harbor such feelings of hate towards another for doing things that were ultimately out of their hands. Prior to this chapter, I had thought Gollum an evil and hateful being; yet, he does deserve pity and it is not for me to condemn him. Harboring and focusing on the bad in life only leads to wasted time and energy. I am reminded of the Saint Francis of Assisi prayer where it states: “…it is by pardoning that we are pardoned…” (16). It is with this attitude that the hobbits can now focus on the good that they have accomplished versus choosing to focus on the bad.
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LOTR: ROTK BK 2 CH.8
Summary:
The hobbits arrive at Brandywine Bridge, there they find it’s locked on both sides with a large spiked gate. Timid hobbits/gatekeepers apologize to them and let them know that the Chief at Bag End has ordered them not to let anyone enter the gate. Frodo assumes the Chief is his cousin, Lotho. The hobbits jump the gate, make way for Hobbiton, and run into Hobbit Shirriffs who then try to arrest them. The hobbits laugh it off but before they leave the Shirriffs’ informs them that the Chief has many working for him. Along the way the Hobbits encounter a group of men who do not follow under Lotho but instead Sharkey. The men try to threaten Frodo but his companions draw out their swords and the men flee. Sam goes to meet Tom Cotton, the oldest Hobbit in the area, in efforts to round up a team against the Men. With short battle, the Men surrender against the entire village. After the battle Tom lets them know the Lortho has brought land and has caused a food shortage in Hobbiton. The next morning rises with the Battle of Bywater, this war is created by one hundred men and the battle begins. 70 of the men died in this battle and the battle itself is in other words landmarked. After the battle Frodo and his companions set forth to the Chief. But at the gate they find Saruman who plot twist turns out the be the “Sharkey” they been hearing about! Saruman puts a curse on all Hobbits who dare to harm him. Frodo lets his companions know that Saruman has no power but even without his power and weaker state, they can not harm him. Saruman still as the bitter self he is, he attempts to stab Frodo but Frodo’s Mithril Coat protects him. Even with this attempt Frodo still does not let them harm Saruman and this act just angers Saruman more. He tells Frodo that he sent his servant, Wormtongue to kill Lotho in his sleep. Wormtongue rebuttals that Saruman ordered him to do so. Saruman kicks Wormtongue and he responds by stabbing the old wizard. Wormtongue screams and tries to run away but it stopped by the arrows shot into his back; and alongside laid Saruman as a gray mist blows off from his body.
Analysis:
I think an important thing to take away from this is that corruption can come from everywhere. Hobbits has always been shown to live in peaceful hobbit holes with little to none events. But as the Four hobbits journey back they find just the same as everywhere else, a corruption of power and war that they have to defeat. This highlights that even with the illusion of peace that it may not be there. Hobbits are seen as this wholesome cute race but in reality they are the same and are able to be corrupted by evil. I believe this as a whole just pushes forward the true colors that hobbits are other than a hungry race who loves tea.
Questions 1) Frodo’s mercy to Saruman in bodies the characteristics of a true hero, is this characteristic of strength rather than fear a result of the Ring being destroyed and the darkness lifted or is it a result of the action of the journey with the many heroes among him?
Question 2) What does the Battle of Bywater represent? How does this war reflect the start of the new age?
Peer’s Question:
Mark’s question 2) Do you think that Gandalf’s departure has some sort of symbolism/significance? Why or why not?
Answer: I think Gandalf’s departure does have significance as it showcases the Hobbits. The Hobbits before relied so much on Gandalf for safety and the Hobbits were always seen as fragile to everyone. But after the task was completed, the Hobbits were seen as different, not as fragile. By Gandalf leaving them I think it signifies the new strength and independence the Hobbits have. They no longer need the aid Gandalf constantly provides.
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Chapter 3: Mount Doom
Summary:
This chapter begins with Frodo and Sam brilliantly escaping from the orcs without being noticed as hobbits. They have disguised themselves well enough to slip away unscathed. Sam utilizes his “grey robe of Lorien” to keep themselves hidden so as they can rest a bit before venturing closer to their destination: Mount Doom! (912). As they continue onward to complete their mission, Sam realizes that the burden of the ring is becoming increasingly agonizing for Frodo. He reluctantly offers to carry the ring for a while, but Frodo shows anger toward Sam for having suggested this. Frodo admits that he would “go mad” even if Sam were to try to take it from him by force (916). Frodo is unwillingly to allow such a suggestion to happen, saying that “It is mine, I say. Be off!” (916). However, they do agree to free themselves of unnecessary weight as they peel away orcish weaponry, Sam’s pots, pans, et cetera. Sam begins to go a bit mad himself at this point. He has conversations with himself much like Sméagol does with Gollum. Sam is successful at keeping Frodo safe during the start of this chapter, yet he begins to have doubt and a loss of hope becomes evident within the confines of his psyche. Eventually, Sam comes to his senses and decides that he will do whatever it takes to get the ring and Frodo to Mount Doom, even if it costs his life. He begins to realize that they may never return from this adventure. He is literally hopeless, but continues on nonetheless. Sam shows incredible strength and carries Frodo when he cannot go on any longer. They stumble upon “Sauron’s Road from Barad-dur to the Sammath Nar, the Chambers of Fire” (920). Finally, they begin to see hope! Frodo starts to crawl, for he notices Sam is worn out. As the Eye was distracted looking toward the west, they thought their time had run out and that they had been spotted. Luckily, Gandalf’s decision to fight Mordor head on proved to distract the Enemy long enough so that they were not actually spotted at this point. Nonetheless, they pressed on as if they had been. At this point Gollum creeps out and attacks them, for he believes the ring is about to be destroyed. Sam almost kills him but takes pity on him knowing what the burden of the ring entails. He allows Gollum to turn away and thinks that he had, but he really had not done so. Frodo makes his way to “…[the] very Crack of Doom…” and is about to destroy the ring, but when Sam presses him to do so he cannot (924). The ring has corrupted Frodo beyond wanting it to be destroyed and he puts it on claiming it for himself. It is at this point that the Enemy and all his soldiers realize where the ring is. In a frantic panic, they all rush toward Mount Doom, but Gollum bites the ring off Frodo’s finger. As he is celebrating having took the ring back, he carelessly falls into the exact fire he was trying to save the ring from. The ring is destroyed, but sadly so is Gollum. Both hobbits agree that Gollum deserves forgiveness, for without him the ring would have never been destroyed and their quest would have been a failure.
Analysis:
Two major themes in this chapter are forgiveness and friendship. If it were not for Sam taking pity on Gollum, ultimately forgiving him for his corrupt behavior, then Gollum would have not been able to come back to destroy the ring. Albeit this was not Gollum’s intention, he can not be discredited for being the one who destroyed the ring. Sure, they all played a part in the matter but without Gollum, Sam and Frodo would never have gotten to this point. Frodo does well to point out: “But do you remember Gandalf’s words: Even Gollum may have something yet to do? But for him, Sam, I could not have destroyed the Ring. The Quest would have been in vain, even at the bitter end. So let us forgive him!” (926). With this forgiveness, the hobbits can rest assured that they did the right thing by taking pity on Gollum. Frodo reiterates the importance of friendship as he says to Sam, “For the Quest is achieved, and now all is over. I am glad you are here with me. Here at the end of all things, Sam” (926). Although Frodo does not specifically tell Sam at this point that he could not have done it without Sam as well, he has in previous chapters and it is implied via his words. Without friendship and forgiveness, Sam could have easily killed Gollum during their last encounter; yet, this most certainly would have certainly proved detrimental to their Quest. Tolkien loves using friendship as a mechanism for success, as well as forgiveness and pity. These are characteristics of Tolkien’s faith and prove to be worth having in one’s life.
Questions:
1) If Sam were to have killed Gollum, do you think the ring would have been destroyed in another fashion? If yes, then how so?
2) All three of the main characters within this chapter have been noted as being “mad” at one point or another. How do you think that these characters (Frodo, Sam and Gollum) were able to complete their Quest? Could it be that the evil was destined to destroy itself regardless of their efforts?
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The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King: Book VI Chapter 8
Summary:
In chapter eight, the Hobbits have reached the Shire, but things have changed for the worse. To start things off, they aren’t allowed entrance to the Shire through this new gate and it’s keepers. Eventually after some heated discussion, the Hobbits force their way in by scaring away some of the gatekeepers climbing over the gates. They learn from some of the Hobbits they knew that there is a new Chief in the Shire, as well as ruffians and the “Chief’ Big Man”, called Sharkey, who are creating more and more Shirriffs and laws that limit consumption of goods. One of the first things the boys do is break one of those laws and burn more wood than they are supposed to. Shortly after that they are arrested, although not quite as they finagle their way out of being held in custody and continue their way to Bag End in search of the Chief. Once they arrive to meet the Chief they are stopped by a group of ruffians who try to heckle and pretty much bully them into submission, but once the Hobbits have had enough of the ruffians not believing what they’ve been off doing, they reveal their swords and allegiances chasing the men away. The Hobbits then begin to plan an uprising, not against the Chief but against the ruffians who are clearly only using the Chief as a puppet. Frodo’s one rule however is not to kill any Hobbits on either side of the battle no matter how far gone they are. Sam runs through the village along with am older Hobbit named Tom Cotton calling for the people to take arms and a good portion of them respond right away, some Shirriffs quickly throwing down their feathers while others slink off to hide in the shadows. They quickly win the battle, and it is explained to the Hobbits that soon after they left on their journey, Lotho caused a food shortage by buying up the Hobbits’ farmland, allowing for the ruffians to eventually take control of the weakened Shire. The following day, a large group of men appear outside of the Shire, and more Hobbits join the fight. In the end of the battle, 70 men die. They decide to go to Frodo’s house afterward to discuss how to go about the new Chief. Upon arrival, they find Saruman, who reveals himself to be Sharkey, just outside of Bag End. Saruman threatens to curse the Shire, even to he has no power, if any hobbit harms him and then stabs Frodo as he walks past. After revealing that he is okay as a result of his armour, Frodo once again shows mercy on Saruman which only angers the wizard further. When Frodo asks about Lotho Saruman tells him he had Wormtongue kill him while he slept. Wormtongue then calls out that he made him do it before stabbing Saruman and making a run for it only to be shot down with arrows before he could get too far. As Saruman lay dying, a grey mist leaves his body.
Analysis:
There is honestly a lot that goes on in this one chapter of Book VI. In this chapter we are shown Tolkien’s idea that greed can lead to corruption in government. With the greed over land and supplies then drawing in the ruffians and Saruman, we see how the one act of greed that seems simple enough can turn into a whole system of corruption. Rotting the system from the inside out. By doing this, he shows that corruption on the individual level can lead to the corruption of others and that one simple act of greed or evil can affect the lives of those around you in subtle to major ways.
Question:
Why do you think Tolkien used Saruman to be revealed as ‘Sharkey’ instead of introducing a simple new character?
What do you think was the biggest take away from this chapter? What bigger picture do you think Tolkien was trying to get his readers to see?
Peer’s question and response:
Why does Sam still call Aragorn Strider?
Sam calls Aragorn Strider because that was the first name Aragorn gave when he met them. I think it just symbolizes how far the journey has been for all of them and it brings them back to the beginning to show just how far they have gotten together and how close they’ve gotten since then.
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Summary Book VI Chapter One: The Tower of Cirith Ungol :
The chapter opens up on Sam who wakes up outside the Orc stronghold, trying to recollect what happened. The doors are shut and Sam creeps up to them to listen in; he faintly hears orcs clamouring. He steadies himself and decides that he will save Frodo or die trying. He makes his way along in Shelob’s tunnel thinking about what time of day it was, what had happened, and what the others were doing. He continues on through an outlet in Shelob’s tunnel that still had some of her web; he carefully crept out of the tunnel and looked up towards the orc tower. He sees only one course to take: enter the tower and save Frodo; but Sam is experiencing immense fear and sits down for he feels that once he takes that step forward, he can never take it back. Then for no real reason, Sam puts on the ring and his hearing sharpens while his eyesight wains. He hears Shelob’s sounds of misery as well as the clash of metal nearby; Sam presses himself against the wall along the road and immediately realized that the orc cries came from the Tower above. He tries to force himself to move and while listening to conflict, realizes that Shagrat and Gorbag has come to blows which gives him hope about Frodo. The only thought in Sam’s mind is “I’m coming Mr. Frodo” as he runs forward to the climbing path and forward into Mordor. Sam takes off the ring as he thought that he should be able to see more clearly now that he’s in enemy territory. He observes Mount Doom and turns to his left to see the Tower of Cirith Ungol in its entirety; he realizes that Mordor was created not to keep others out but to keep them in and this was created by Gondor before Sauron changed it to suit his needs. Sam feels a strong pull from the ring that hangs around his neck which gives him images of him being a Hero and his own huge garden- all he had to do was claim the ring as his own. Sam, however, driven by the love he has for his master as well as his simple hobbit core is able to reject the rings temptation. Sam continues on but as he’s about to cross the gate, he’s stuck by the watchers who prevent his entry and his escape. He reaches for the phial of Galadriel and lets out a light that allows him to spring past the watchers and continue on his journey. He passes the dead bodies of orcs and continues down the stairs. Sam continues on until Snaga hears him and mistakes him for Frodo. The confrontation ends with Snaga following though the floor and Sam finding Frodo,
Analysis:
This chapter really emphasized the theme of friendship and love as the love Sam has for Frodo actually helped him overcome the rings temptation at one point. The love and loyalty Sam has allowed him to push back against his fear into a situation that he thought he was going to die in and he truly didn’t think twice about that. There’s also this underlying trauma that Sam has a result of all the battle he’s seen as when hit with the stench of Shelob and he’s at the place where Frodo is captured as well as near the tower he’s kept at, Sam is so overcome with fear that he sits down and puts on the ring. These are PTSD like symptoms, Sam is triggered by past memories and succumbs into corruption. This is shown again when he passes the orcs body but doesn’t want to look too close. There’s a contrast of hope and hopelessness with Sam gaining hope only for him to lose it a couple scenes later- continuing this trend from book five into this book.
Questions:
Why do you think Sam puts on the Ring in the first part of the chapter?
Why do you think Tolkien has Sam save Frodo than focus only on Frodo? Why didn’t Tolkien write about how Frodo freed himself?
Peer Question:
Why does Sam still call Aragorn Strider?
I think all the Hobbits call Aragorn “Strider” because it’s how they first met him and knew him. I also think it’s a nickname for Aragorn and to show the strength of their friendship that despite everything they’re still friends with elements like a single name from the first book still being present in the last book. I also feel that it gives more insight on how simple and friendly the Hobbits, especially Sam, are where despite everything Aragorn is still Strider and Sam is still Sam.
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Summary of Chapter 2: The Land of Shadow
At the beginning of this chapter, Sam and Frodo make a desperate escape from the tower of Cirith Ungol. They eventually climb down off a cliff and into the valley. Although Mount Doom lies to the east, they travel northward in hopes of avoiding any more groups of orcs on their way. While they travel they note that they are low on the provisions that Faramir gave them. Eventually, they find a stream to fill their water bottles which gives them some comfort. After travelling to the north for about three days, Frodo and Sam decide to take an eastbound road, but are soon met with trouble. After travelling several miles, a group of orcs approaches Sam and Frodo from behind, eventually overtaking them. Luckily, the leader of this group of orcs mistakes the two hobbits for orcs due to the darkness and commands them to fall in line with his company. The two hobbits travel under this guise for hours as Frodo’s struggle to carry the ring grows more difficult with every step. After some time, they reach a crossroads where the company of orcs meets another and, in the confusion, Sam and Frodo crawl away from the road and into cover. Exhausted, the two hobbits lay in a pit that opens up for them resting.
Analysis of Chapter 2:
This chapter’s main focus is on how crucial Sam is on the journey to destroy the ring. With Frodo having to carry the increasingly heavy ring, Sam must step up and be the guide and protector of him. This chapter emphasizes the main themes of love, loyalty and friendship. I think that Tolkien is trying to show that Sam’s love for Frodo is the driving force that helps them continue on in their tedious journey. In fact, if it were not for Sam and his actions on this very dark and serious quest, they might not make it to Mount Doom. Sam never gives up hope or his sense of humor, which is why I think Sam is one of the most important heroes in the whole novel and this chapter proves that. One thing that I thought was funny was how the orcs accept Sam and Frodo into their company. It must be something about the hobbits having such a general and unrecognizable appearance that the orc leader allows them into his company, along with the growing darkness making it hard to see. I think this reflects the idea that in the quest for the ring the weak and the small are just as likely to succeed as the strong and more knightley characters. It also might explain why the hobbits are the ones to carry the ring to Mount Doom, as they are the only race that could go unnoticed in the land of shadow and stealthy make their way towards their goal.
Question for Chapter 2:
Would Frodo have ever been able to make this Journey on his own, without the help of Sam?
What aspects of Sam’s character and personality allow him to persevere on the quest through the land of shadow?
Peer Question (Kate):
Why do you think it was so significant that Sam was the central focus not only in these final chapters but in the last chapter particularly?
Response:
I think that Sam is the focus of a majority of the chapters in book six because he exemplifies all of the most important themes and lessons that Tolkien wants to teach his readers. Sam is the embodiment of true loyalty and friendship. Were not for his unconditional and unwavering love of Frodo, the ring would never have been destroyed and their quest never fulfilled. I think Tolkien’s most important purpose for writing these novels was to teach the world the importance of friendship and love. Tolkien wanted to show everyone that a deep love for those closest to you can overcome even the darkest of times. Much like, I assume, his love for his wife and children got him through the darkest time in his life, the trenches of WWI.
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LOTR VI – Appendix A
Summary:
In Appendix A, the history of Middle Earth and its rulers is recounted. The history of Aragorn and Arwen’s romance is also provided. This appendix includes detail that adds depth to the whole story of Middle Earth. It has stuff that could not be included in the main story because it would have slowed the progress down a lot. However, it is still important enough to note in the appendix. It is not necessary to enjoy the original story, but it makes for a better understanding of even more details. Appendix A is called ‘Annals of the Kings and Rulers’ and is broken into three main parts: The Numenorean Kings, The House of Eorl, and Durin’s Folk. In the first part, The Numenorean Kings, information about the realms in exile, the Heirs of different parts, and the tale of Aragorn and Arwen are recounted/explained. In the Aragorn and Arwen tale, their deaths are explained and some of the gaps in this romantic subplot are filled in. In part two, the history of Rohan and the Kings of Mark are explained. In the third part, the focus is on dwarves, and includes a family tree. The appendix basically includes parts of history that wasn’t able to be told in time in the main story. It includes a lot of relevant information to the whole world that Tolkien created.
Analysis:
The analysis of Appendix A is that it is basically an extension of the main story, with several important factors such as family trees and historical events. It also recounts a particularly important story, which is the story of Aragorn and Arwen. This story alone represents many of the themes within the Lord of the Rings series, such as loyalty, love, and persistence. They first meet each other when they’re twelve, while he is singing about the tale of Beren and Luthien. I think this detail was pretty funny/ironic. Aragorn mistakes Arwen for Luthien because of how beautiful she is, and vows to love only her forever. It is interesting because he is only twelve, and he already fell in love. When he is told that their love can’t be, because they are different races, he is still determined to love Arwen anyways. This shows the themes mentioned above, and their difficulties and trials in love are explained. Their death is also explained, though it is a sad part of the Appendix. Then the other parts are talked about, which are important because they add more texture to the overall plot of the LOTR. Overall, the analysis of the Appendix A is that it adds both depth and understanding to the main story, and offers significant insight to many characters and blood lines.
Questions:
How does the whole story of Aragorn and Arwen affect the overall understanding of the LOTR series?
What do you think the significance of an Appendix does for the overall Tolkien world? Why do you think this information was not included as a prefix of some sort?
Peer Question:
Do you think that Gandalf’s departure has some sort of symbolism/significance? Why or why not?
Peer Answer:
I think that Gandalf’s departure is important because Gandalf himself is usually a physical sign in the turn of events. When he first arrived from the dead, it signified the turn of events, in that the war was going to be won. He was a symbol of hope for everyone. In this book, he was a symbol of the Hobbits no longer needing to be helped. This is significant as well because it shows how much character development has been added to the Hobbits throughout the entire series. They no longer needed to rely on the wizard, because they garnered strength and a sort of respect from the other races.
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Summary
The chapter starts with Eowyn deeply troubled by the fate of Aragorn and her brother in Mordor. She feels guilty about not being able to fight with them and speaks with Faramir, who is now the steward of Gondor, to see if he has information regarding the war. Faramir does not know any more than she does, but becomes enamored with Eowyn’s beauty and proposes they spend the rest of their days together should Aragorn fail in his quest. The lady of Rohan, however, is unmoved by his proposal as the weight of her grief and hopelessness outweighs his declaration of love. An eagle flies over Gondor as they speak and tells the people to rejoice for Sauron has been defeated. A few days later Faramir tries once again to gain Eowyn’s love. However, he finds she is still in love with Aragorn who had pitied her. Faramir tells her that he pities her as well, yet would love her no matter how she felt and would even follow her to Rohan if she let him. Eowyn finally accepts Faramir’s love and the two kiss under the sun. Aragorn and company return a few days later and Faramir greets him with a crown from the last king of Gondor. Aragorn chooses to have Frodo deliver the crown and have Gandalf bestow it upon his head due to the roles they played in the war. The king then pardons all the men who fought under Sauron and releases the Dark Lord’s slaves. He also appoints Beregond to the White Company and arranges for Theoden’s body to be returned to Rohan. Aragorn asks for the council of Gandalf, unsure of him status as king given that his kingdom is in ruins. The wizard disappoints Aragorn by explaining how he must leave as his purpose has been fulfilled but points to a sapling in the former battlefield. Gandalf explains that it is the offspring of the White Tree of Gondor and replaces the old withering tree in the courtyard as the symbol of Gondor and Aragorn’s bloodline.
Analysis
The themes of this chapter are healing and forgiveness. Many things have been damaged by Sauron’s crusade such as Eowyn and Gondor itself, but find themselves starting to heal in this chapter. Eowyn’s physical wounds are healed, but is damaged by guilt, rejection and hopelessness. Despite all that she has been through, Faramir finds the capacity to love her and helps her comes to grip with the pain she has been through. Gondor has been physically destroyed, however the return of its king prompts the offspring of the White Tree of Gondor to finally grow. While the old tree withered and died, a new one grows where it once stood. This symbolizes the healing process of Gondor and the new reign of the king. It ties back to the title of the story, Return of the King, as the king has “healing hands” which begin to restore Gondor to its former glory following his return. The first part of the healing process for Aragorn and Gondor is forgiveness, which I believe Tolkien purposely put as Aragorn’s first kingly action. Aragorn pardons all the men who fought against him and appoints Beregond to the White Company despite committing a crime. Tolkien lived through both World Was and saw the damage that being unforgiving to Germany caused. He wanted to emphasize the importance of forgiveness after war by making it Aragorn’s first action as king of Gondor. Forgiveness is as important as healing in any situation as hate can only breed more hate, which only ever leads to more damage.
Questions
If Tolkien thinks that he is most like Faramir of all his characters, can Eowyn be compared to his wife?
Do you think it is significant that Aragorn’s first action as king was to pardon those who fought against him, and pardon Beregond?
Peer Response
– If Sam were to have killed Gollum, do you think the ring would have been destroyed in another fashion? If yes, then how so?
No, I do not believe that the ring would be destroyed. Gollum was given mercy many times despite never really deserving it which leads to believe it was destiny that saved him. Gandalf said the Gollum still had a part to play, so I believe that it was Gollum’s destiny to destroy the ring. Perhaps it was also punishment for his obsession and treachery to get the ring, as he was the one who ultimately destroyed what he loved most.
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