Episode 105 Summary

[Tony Meade]

SESSION 105

Comment on quotations from The Hobbit:

• From within the frame of the text, the quotations from The Hobbit may mark the point at which Frodo takes over as the sole author, with Bilbo having written or contributed text up until then.
• Since we don’t get Bilbo’s point of view on his own actions after this point means that he did not write them up, and the adventure becomes Frodo’s alone.
• If Frodo is now reminiscing about Bilbo’s first experience of Rivendell, then he would be the one who added “east of the Sea”, emphasizing that he would not find rest again outside of Valinor.
• Therefore, “Last” can be taken both geographically and chronologically at the same time.
• The narrative voice of the early chapters seems to be primarily Bilbo, with the tone shifting gradually to the more serious tone by about the time they reach the Marish in Chapter Three.
• Frodo had started out from Bag End with the thought of following Bilbo, and he has followed his path, generally speaking, until reaching Rivendell, but their paths diverge from there.
• Sam says that there are many scattered notes about in Bilbo’s room later, and that they will have to organize those. This may be the point where those notes run out.
• Pippin makes a comment later that Frodo will need to make notes for Bilbo to write it all up.
• Bilbo had probably tried to write the Book One story, but he had not completed any of it, and it is up to Frodo and Sam to finish off Book One and write Books Two to Six mostly on their own.
• The part that would be the most complete on Bilbo’s part is Chapter One, which is clearly told from Bilbo’s point of view, but the reciting of the Eärendil poem is clearly Frodo’s point of view.
• By the time Frodo reaches Rivendell, he knows that he is wound has changed him forever, and it may start to occur to him that the only healing he can find is in the West.
• Even Bag End will no longer be a Homely House for Frodo after he returns to the Shire.
• When Frodo and Sam return from the quest, Frodo will acknowledge all of the things that Bilbo described Rivendell has having, except for the Sea, for which he seems to be longing.
• Importantly, Frodo has never seen the Sea, and yet feels called to go and leave Middle-earth.
• Note: Much like Lothlorien is described as “the heart of Elvendom”, Hobbiton is like the “heart of Hobbitdom” and will even have a mallorn tree at its center, like Lothlorien. Also, much like Aragorn is the last of an old line and the first of a new line, Sam will also be a transitional figure representing the last of the old Shire and the first of the new Shire going forward.

Sam’s glory and trumpets:

• Is “glory and trumpets” a theological exclamation, or a kingly one? This sounds like something having to do with royal imagery, as the trumpets suggest a fanfare.
• This may not seem like usual hobbit language, but it may be a remnant of Sam’s education from Bilbo and the kind of stories that he like to hear.
• The construction of the phrase is hobbit-like, but the two words Sam uses are unusual.
• Note: Sam will use the word “glory” again later, such as at the fields of Cormallen, but it is primarily used in the context of things concerning the works and deeds of Men.
• When Sam uses this phrase, he is expressing the miraculous nature of Frodo’s recovery.
• Trumpets would also not be usual hobbit imagery, as their hunting horns would be probably be from animals. Sam may have seen and heard them at Bilbo’s party, used for merrymaking.
• Sam will not see trumpets again until Gondor, but he may have heard about them in stories.
• Note: There will also be appearances of trumpets at all the major battles and solemn occasions.
• The combination of the words “glory and trumpets” implies the celebration of a great event.
• The dance that Sam does is probably like the dances done at Bilbo’s party on the tables.

Sam takes Frodo’s hand:

• Is Sam blushing because he is being overly familiar? Part of his desire to take Frodo’s hand is diagnostic. He has served as Frodo’s nurse, and is confirming the change and improvement.
• This is not a spontaneous sign of affection; it is out of his surprise at Frodo’s recovery.
• The majority of the time since the Ford, Frodo has been on the brink of death with his arm and hand cold. Gandalf and Elrond had struggled to find a way to cure him, so this is miraculous.
• Sam has probably been holding Frodo cold hand in order to warm it up and do what he can.
• The feel of Frodo’s hand has probably been the primary sign of Frodo’s illness and wellness.
• This does not diminish Sam’s affection for Frodo. He is Frodo’s servant, but also Frodo’s friend, and has felt desperate and helpless, doing his best to nurse Frodo back to health.
• Sam has been holding Frodo’s hand, but Frodo doesn’t know that yet, so he blushes.
• Note: Hobbits tend to be very English in demeanor and submerge their true feelings in jokes. Therefore, Sam’s tears are an example of him being overwhelmed with emotion and relief.
• Physical expressions of affection are very rare in The Lord of the Rings, even among Hobbits.
• Sam’s devotion to Frodo has been shown many times in the story, and Frodo’s relationship with Sam is very different from his friends and peers, like Merry and Pippin, though he loves them all.
• Sam also tends to wear his heart on this sleeve more than other hobbits, even showing vulnerability by expressing his belief in things that other hobbits might find outlandish.
• It’s important to place Sam’s touching of Frodo in the context of his being Frodo’s body servant.
• Sam also seems to be less self-conscious or approval-seeking as some other hobbits, to the point that he sometimes lets his emotions run away with him, including his temper and enthusiasm.
• Note: Sam’s physical affection in taking Frodo’s hand while he was ill is not a display of erotic love. It is more akin to what a parent might do at the bedside of a sick child to comfort them. He will also stroke Frodo’s forehead in Mordor as Frodo becomes weaker and more ill

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[Tony Meade]

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Frodo has his second reunion:

• Frodo replies to Sam in a way that suggests he is not uncomfortable with Sam’s taking his hand.
• There is a sense of humor in Frodo’s response, juxtaposed against Sam’s concern for his health.
• Frodo certainly knows why Sam takes that particular hand and knows what he has been doing.
• Note: Frodo doesn’t usually express affection towards Sam in the same way Sam does to him. He is kind to Sam and is willing to be playful with him and often builds Sam up against Merry and Pippin’s ribbing, but they are not social equals and Frodo doesn’t treat him like one. Frodo, Merry, and Pippin’s playful insults are not something that Frodo will do with Sam.
• Sam’s tears seem to reflect both his memory of Frodo’s suffering and his joy at his healing.
• Sam has also shown a skeptical streak, such as his distrust of Strider, and probably did not believe Frodo was going to get well until he saw it with his own eyes.
• Frodo not only looks well but is well-dressed in Elvish clothing and looks fitter and younger.
• Sam’s shining eyes are almost certainly with tears, as Sam is the character most prone to crying. When he turns away after blushing, it is probably to hide his tears from Frodo.
• Note: At this point in the story, Sam has not shared strong emotions with Frodo, while later, he will be very open about their shared experiences, and their relationship has evolved.
• Sam also wants to conceal his worry from Frodo and how ill he really was, for his health’s sake.
• Note: Often, eyes are shown as shining with emotion, such as joy or desire. One of several instances are Rosie’s eyes for Sam, and another is Quickbeam’s eyes shining as he joins the march of the Ents. Éowyn’s eyes also shine hearing the story of the Battle of the Helm’s Deep. Boromir’s eyes shine when he is about to take the Ring, as a perversion of this kind of emotion.

Sam taken to see the Elves:

• Though Frodo means “group” when he uses the word “party”, there is also an undercurrent of their desire for merriment, the other meaning of “party”.
• Sam is expressing the joy and wonder at having his all of his childhood dreams come true of seeing Elves all around. This is greater than meeting the Elves at Woodhall, as this is in Rivendell.
• As in Woodhall, Sam attempts to cast his impressions about Elves in pairs of opposites. He also seems to be attempting the categorize the Elves using terms he understands.
• It’s possible that he is describing the differences between the Noldor and other kinds of Elves.
• Note: Elrond is described in The Hobbit as being a little of all the things that Sam describes.
• Sam uses two kinds of similes to describe the Elves. The description of them as like kings, is modified by them being terrible and splendid, while their merriment is compared to children.
• Sam is certainly using “terrible and splendid” in their older definitions, with “terrible” meaning “inspiring terror”, and “splendid” meaning “to be full of light”.
• He qualifies his description of the music by emphasizing that he has been caring for Frodo more.
• Frodo takes his words “ways of the place” literally, meaning that Sam knows his way around, but Sam is also talking about the customs and atmosphere and that he is starting to get used to it.
• Sam’s geography has expanded greatly since leaving the short distance outside of Hobbiton.
• Frodo refers back to Sam’s earlier line about corners in asking him to be his guide. Frodo also takes Sam’s arm in an unusual show of physical affection, though not unusual among hobbits.
• Frodo also expresses his wish for Sam to be happy and give him the pleasure of serving Frodo in this way. Frodo shows his appreciation and gratitude for Sam’s loyalty and service.
• Frodo knows that being in Rivendell is Sam’s greatest dream, and he wants Sam to be able to fully enjoy that experience now that the danger has passed.

END OF SESSION