Jacob's analysis focuses on how Frodo has changed -- gone is the deferential hobbit, replaced now by a person who is Faramir's equal. I agree. I noted in my last chapter analysis how Faramir seems to bring out excellent character development in Frodo. I think the change Jacob questions is a good thing, for the simple reason that a character change is necessary as the story progresses. As Frodo nears Mordor, so too will his power grow, distrust rise -- and conversely his will weakens.
Ben comes at this chapter from a different angle. He argues that the chapter presents a forced dilemma onto the reader that is contrived solely for plot purposes. He observes there were other reasonable ways out of the dilemma, thereby making it a conjuration to serve plot.
I didn't particularly feel that way when I was reading it. To me, Tolkien establishes Faramir as a man who will do the right thing. In this case, doing the right thing means following the law and killing Gollum.
Perhaps there were better ways to more tactfully approach the situation. But I think what Ben overlooks is that Faramir is not intimately familiar with this Gollum creature like we are. From Faramir's perspective, who cares if Gollum is offended? Neither Faramir, nor Frodo, are aware of the consequences of their actions as we readers know from previous viewings of the story. Hindsight is 20/20.
Frodo's dilemma furthers sheds light on his character change. For the first time in the story, he does not tell the truth and intentionally tricks another character (aside from his Mr. Underhill ruse). Of course, he does so to save Gollum's life. The moral ambiguity of this chapter is ultimately what makes it so compelling.
My beef with the chapter is that Faramir knows that Gollum is associated with Frodo. Yet he does not come clean with him from the beginning; instead he chooses to catch him off guard with Gollum's presence and sends him down to deal with him, alone, not telling him exactly what will happen once Frodo lures Gollum from the pool. This is a sudden reversal of their rapport built in the last chapter. It feels out of character after the previous growth.
ReplyDeleteAlso Frodo should know exactly what would happen if he lied to Gollum in this way. He of all people should be aware of the razor's edge Gollum is treading by helping the hobbits.
Just my two cents; of course YMMV when it comes to pivotal plot moments like this one.
What did YMMV mean?
ReplyDeleteYMMV = Your mileage may vary; i.e. folks will see it differently. What works for one may not work for another.
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