The Sympathetic Nature of Gollum in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings

In the creations of J.R.R. Tolkien, the character of Gollum plays a pivotal role in both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Many readers and critics often question to what extent Gollum can be considered a sympathetic character. This article explores the varying facets of Gollum's character and the demonstration of sympathy towards him in both books.

Introduction to Gollum’s Character

One of the primary reasons Gollum can be seen as a sympathetic character in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings lies in the emotional connections that are established between the characters and Gollum. In these stories, Gollum is not inherently sympathetic, but certain characters exhibit sympathy towards him, as we will explore further.

Sympathetic Elements in The Hobbit

One of the most significant instances of sympathy towards Gollum is the kindness displayed by Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit. Bilbo’s interactions with Gollum are driven by a sense of pity and understanding. Bilbo, by wearing the Ring, creates a situation where Gollum is at a severe disadvantage. However, out of pity, Bilbo decides not to kill Gollum, which is a crucial moment in their relationship and sets the tone for future interactions.

In The Hobbit, the Ring is a simple invisibility device, and this parallels with Bilbo's compassionate decision. This small act of kindness shows Bilbo's capacity for empathy, a quality that remains relevant in later stories as well. This episode serves as a stepping stone for Frodo Baggins, who follows Bilbo's example in his own encounters with Gollum in The Lord of the Rings.

Further Sympathetic Developments in The Lord of the Rings

In The Lord of the Rings, Gandalf recognizes the importance of Bilbo's past treatment of Gollum. Gandalf's admiration for Bilbo’s decision serves as a moral lesson for Frodo, who later steps into Bilbo's shoes. Gandalf’s message emphasizes the value of compassion and the potential for change, even in the most hardened of individuals.

While the additional backstory provided in The Lord of the Rings offers a more complex understanding of Gollum, it does not necessarily make him a sympathetic character in the traditional sense. Gollum's actions, driven by the influence of the One Ring, are dark and evil. However, his transformation is deeply rooted in the corruption caused by the Ring, which is a key theme in Tolkien's works.

Modeling Frodo's Behavior after Bilbo

Frodo's relationship with Gollum is slightly different from Bilbo's. Frodo is initially more kind towards Gollum, modeling his behavior after Bilbo. Gollum responds to this kindness with moments of reciprocation, especially evident in the chapter "The Taming of Smeagol." These moments of kindness and understanding bring a spark of sympathy to the relationship.

However, Gollum's dark nature and desire to regain the Ring often override these moments of sympathy. As Gollum becomes more determined to use Shelob to get the Ring away from Frodo, he loses the sympathy he may have felt towards Frodo. This shift highlights the internal conflict within Gollum, struggling between his corrupted nature and his longing to escape his fate.

The Final Redemption: Gollum’s Sympathetic Moment

In the final moments of The Lord of the Rings, Gollum regains some sympathy when his actions inadvertently aid Frodo in destroying the Ring. Fate ultimately determines that Gollum must die so that the Ring is destroyed, and Sauron is defeated. The symbolism of Gollum's death as necessary for the eucatastrophe (a technique in literature) is poignant. Even as a wicked character, Gollum's actions ultimately serve a greater good, which brings a glimmer of sympathy to his character.

Although Frodo would have preferred that Gollum acted more like Samwise Gamgee, Gollum's misadventures and eventual death contribute positively to the outcome of the quest. This final act of redemption, albeit forced, marks a turning point in Gollum's portrayal in the story.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Gollum's character in both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings is not inherently sympathetic. However, the acts of kindness and moments of compassion shown towards him by Bilbo and Frodo, along with the story's use of Gollum's actions to drive the plot and achieve a greater good, create an intriguing and multi-faceted character that invites readers to reflect on compassion, redemption, and the complexity of human (or hobbit-rat) nature.

Through a mix of historical context, emotional depth, and the thematic significance of the authors' choices, the journey of Gollum's character provides rich material for analysis and discussion in the literary world, as well as a compelling narrative in the context of Good vs. Evil tales.