Archimago
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I absolutely loved the suggestion in Lecture 20 that perhaps Sam deliberately allowed himself to be discovered eavesdropping in hopes that he would be given the chance to accompany Frodo. I would love for this to be true, but I think the evidence is rather thin.
First, in favor of the idea, it's notable that Sam's outburst happens just after Gandalf says, "But I don't think you need go alone." What better time to reveal yourself than after that bit of advice? In fact, it's possible that Gandalf's advice is what prompted Sam's decision. And of course, Sam reveals his paramount desire immediately, asking, "Couldn't you take me to see Elves, sir, when you go?" (Interestingly, Frodo seems to miss this point, thinking instead that Sam is going to try to dissuade him from leaving. He'll make the same mistake later with Merry and Pippin.)
Gandalf's reaction is striking (and something I never fully appreciated before): a rare laugh, not to mention the marvelous absurdity of hauling Sam (shears, grass-clippings, and all) through the window. I think he's just realized he's found a companion for Frodo, and it's both a relief and a delight. I also wonder about that smile flickering across his face; is he smiling simply because he's decided Sam's "punishment," or is it because he's guessed Sam's ruse?
Finally, Sam's response to Gandalf's "So you heard that Mr. Frodo is going away?" is interesting. "I did, sir," is the only answer required, but Sam goes on: "And that's why I choked: which you heard seemingly. I tried not to, sir, but it burst out of me: I was so upset." This answers a different, unasked question: "Why did you make a noise?" It sounds rather like the sort of over-explaining you might expect from an inexperienced prevaricator.
But I still feel like I'm having to reach for each of these interpretations. And looming over all these attempts is the undeniable fact that this (potential) ruse of Sam's is never plainly revealed. It's hard for me to believe that Sam's Gildorian deception would be revealed while his earlier fenestral one would not.
Is Sam's allowing himself to be discovered a reasonable possibility, or is it just wishful thinking?
First, in favor of the idea, it's notable that Sam's outburst happens just after Gandalf says, "But I don't think you need go alone." What better time to reveal yourself than after that bit of advice? In fact, it's possible that Gandalf's advice is what prompted Sam's decision. And of course, Sam reveals his paramount desire immediately, asking, "Couldn't you take me to see Elves, sir, when you go?" (Interestingly, Frodo seems to miss this point, thinking instead that Sam is going to try to dissuade him from leaving. He'll make the same mistake later with Merry and Pippin.)
Gandalf's reaction is striking (and something I never fully appreciated before): a rare laugh, not to mention the marvelous absurdity of hauling Sam (shears, grass-clippings, and all) through the window. I think he's just realized he's found a companion for Frodo, and it's both a relief and a delight. I also wonder about that smile flickering across his face; is he smiling simply because he's decided Sam's "punishment," or is it because he's guessed Sam's ruse?
Finally, Sam's response to Gandalf's "So you heard that Mr. Frodo is going away?" is interesting. "I did, sir," is the only answer required, but Sam goes on: "And that's why I choked: which you heard seemingly. I tried not to, sir, but it burst out of me: I was so upset." This answers a different, unasked question: "Why did you make a noise?" It sounds rather like the sort of over-explaining you might expect from an inexperienced prevaricator.
But I still feel like I'm having to reach for each of these interpretations. And looming over all these attempts is the undeniable fact that this (potential) ruse of Sam's is never plainly revealed. It's hard for me to believe that Sam's Gildorian deception would be revealed while his earlier fenestral one would not.
Is Sam's allowing himself to be discovered a reasonable possibility, or is it just wishful thinking?