Psychological Analysis of Gollum/Sméagol Nathan Murray Collin College Abstract Sméagol/Gollum is a very strange character to diagnose with a mental disability. In this paper, the diagnosis will take into consideration the many different attributes of the world that he is in to be able to correctly name the ailment that he has. A prime source of information of the hobbit comes from one of the main characters of the movie/book, Gandalf the Wizard. It is known that Sméagol is single, 587 years old, and has no specific home. He shows antisocial behavior, increasing aggression towards the other main characters of the story, and a fixation with the One Ring. Sméagol originates from a very wealthy and influential family, primarily …show more content…
He often displays nihilistic thoughts, thinking of himself as a murderer, thief and liar. There is some basis in fact for this; however, he shows very little to no guilt or remorse for his actions. His entire being revolves around the One Ring. He has constant obsessive thought about it when it is not in his possession, but shows no compulsions, however he would do anything for the ring if it meant he could get it back, or protect it. He is incredibly manipulative towards the Hobbit Frodo, and is hostile towards him due to his status as the ring bearer. He shows paranoid thought, believing that Sauron, or the Eye, is always watching, and that Sam, or the fat hobbit as he calls him, knows. Gollum has difficulty fully controlling his actions and thoughts, which is made worse due to his elongated contact with the ring. However, many of these issues are common in ring bearers, as they are shown in both Frodo and Gandalf when they come into contact with the ring. As for believing that Sauron is always watching, it is somewhat true in his case. Sauron has the ability to see the ring bearer and their location at any point that they put the ring on their finger. Also, Sam does indeed know about his nefarious intentions with …show more content…
He does not desire nor enjoy close relationships, the only relationship he has is with the ring and that isn’t really much of a relationship. The only reason he was adventuring with Sam and Frodo was because they were in possession of the ring, as well as him be under threat of death for a short while. He is never seen in the books having any kind of desire for sexual relations with another. The only activities he enjoys are fishing, killing things and stealing. He has no friends, doesn’t care about praise or criticism and is about as cold and remorseless as they come. The few restrictions on the diagnosis don’t apply to him, he meets none of the criteria for any of the
Bilbo cleverly eluded Smaug’s temptation, spared the life of foul creature Gollum, and demonstrate courage more and more throughout his journey. These exquisite traits made Bilbo into the revered character that was loved and respected for generations of readers. Throughout the book, Bilbo’s character had changed. At first, he was the ordinary hobbit who described adventures as “Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things” (4) but by the end of his journeys stated to Thorin, “I am glad that I have shared in your perils” (290). Bilbo’s ability to fight evil, make new friends, and to look beyond his maps and books enable him to become a hero. As Gandalf once said at the very beginning, “There is a lot more in him than you guess, and a deal more than he has any idea of himself” (19). Gandalf was right. What appeared to be an uneasy hobbit who fainted at the thought of adventures, turned out to be a brave leader, a compassionate friend, and an inspiring
Peter Jackson’s film “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” revolves around a young hobbit by the name of Frodo Baggins and his unique group of companions. They go on a journey to destroy the One Ring of Sauron (the Dark Lord). In short, the One Ring has malevolent powers to whomever wears it.
Within J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, Tolkien uses the character of Bilbo Baggins to reveal to the reader the constant struggle between heroic and anti-heroic qualities within Bilbo and ourselves.
There are a lot of characters in the Hobbit. Most if not all of them
At the beginning of the novel, Mr. Baggins starts out at his comfy little hobbit home, but suddenly a grand, wise wizard shows up. Not long after, 12 dwarves began to appear, one by one at Bilbo’s door, and they have come to carry him off on a life-changing adventure, full of greed. That was the beginning of our hairy hobbit’s transformation from a shy, quiet hobbit, to a strong and bold life-saving hero, who enchants any who come in contact with him. For example of his strength and boldness, would be in chapter 5, when Bilbo rhymes riddles for an unknown creature, who calls itself Gollum. Bilbo would’ve been eaten if he were to have lost, but took his chances, and risked it anyway. After all, it did get him out of that goblin-infested cave.
Through his burden of carrying the ring, Frodo is subject to many new perspectives that make him realize the importance of the group. Without the help of the others, especially Sam, Frodo would have not been able to accomplish the great task he was given. At first Frodo does not want Sam to come along as he feels it’s too dangerous to subject his friend to. This illustrates his perspective in the beginning of the story of being selfish and thinking that his journey can be taken alone, “It would be the death of you to come with me, Sam," said Frodo, "and I could not have borne that.""Not as certain as being left behind," said Sam."But I am going to Mordor.""I know that well enough, Mr. Frodo. Of course you are. And I'm coming with you.” He later learns through new perspectives that without the help of Sam he would not have gotten far in his journey. Frodo is foreign to the harsh reality he is thrust into. Not only is he away from home, he is also burdened with the task of keeping the ring safe. This burden becomes quite a strain on Frodo, “There is no real going back. Though I may come to the Shire, it will not seem the same; for I shall not be the same. I am wounded with knife, sting, and tooth, and a long burden. Where shall I find rest?” J.R.R Tolkien The Lord of the Rings. With the help of Sam and the realization that he is doing this for more than himself,
He is too small to be man or even dwarf. He is even smaller than that, even less important. Even the notion of having a familial trait in the blood that compels one to certain actions is familiar. It exists in today’s society and is seen every time someone tells a person that they walk or move just like their mother or father. But the setting of The Shire as an idyllic countryside is incredibly important as well. It welcomes the reader in. From the very beginning, the reader feels at peace with the surroundings and this sucks them into the world of Middle Earth. Now, they are in Bilbo’s shoes (even though he does not wear any). The reader is now established as a stranger in this land, much like the lands beyond The Shire are strange to
“Yes, sooner or later—later, if he is strong or well-meaning to begin with but neither strength nor good purpose will last—sooner or later the dark power will devour him” (141). This quote from Gandalf shows him warning Frodo about the power of the Ring in The Fellowship of the Ring: Book One. This quote displays J.R.R. Tolkien’s mistrust of unlimited power, which he expresses in each of his books. He served in World War I where he saw the effects of tyrannical leaders with unlimited power firsthand. Tolkien believed that with great power comes corruption. So, no one person can be trusted to wield so much power. He demonstrates this in each character that has a role of leadership of the different groups of Middle-earth. Galadriel, Boromir, and Saruman, all hold positions of power or influence within their various groups. Yet none of them could be trusted to possess the dark power of the Ring, while the simple hobbit named Frodo seems to be able to carry on the
Gollum cannot resist the Ring’s temptation because he has no knowledge of the Ring and no guidance to form good habits and prevent addiction to the Ring. Gollum, originally, Sméagol wanted the Ring because of Its beauty but his friend, Déagol found it first. After Déagol refused to just give the Ring to Sméagol because it was his birthday, “…he [Sméagol] caught Déagol by the throat and strangled him, because the gold looked so bright and beautiful. Then he put the ring on his finger,” (58). But after he found the Ring, he had no guidance to form good ...
J.R.R. Tolkien can be considered the founding father of the genre fantasy. Most of Tolkien’s texts revolve around the same themes. An author will often write about important messages that pertain to society as a whole. His texts often have hidden messages that relate to his themes. In the fantasy novel The Hobbit and novella “Farmer Giles of Ham”, J.R.R. Tolkien demonstrates that possession ears to overconfidence, greed and selfishness.
It is just the thought of power itself that causes this greed to come over him. Although Bilbo in general is a good character, the power of the ring corrupts his ways, showing his thirst for power, which he deserves. Another incident, which portrays this corruption of goodness to evil, is when Boromir approaches Frodo and tries to take the ring from him. Boromir has authority, which is being heir to the throne of Gondor, but not the supreme power that he desires.
Gollum began as a Stoor Hobbit and a once a merry member of the River Folk called Smeagol, who became the stretched, disfigured being once his greediness for the Ring took over. His greed for the Ring was so great, he even killed his cousin Deagol for it. This is a greater representation of ambition and greed because Smeagol wanted the Ring bad enough to kill for it, despite his justifications that it was supposed to be his birthday present.
“His love for Frodo rose above all other thoughts, and forgetting his peril he cried aloud: 'I'm coming Mr. Frodo!” Throughout the Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R Tolkien, one of the most prominent themes present is the life and world changing effects of love. Tolkien reveals the importance of love, and the different types of love; love among brothers, family, lovers, leaders, animals, and of country are all shown. With numerous examples of the different kinds of love responsible for saving Middle Earth, Tolkien is able to convey the significance and impact of love. Sam’s love of Frodo is of the greatest importance.
Aragorn is the most qualified to bear the ring and cast it into the fires of Mount Doom due to his pure, kind heart, and his immense passion and dedication. Lastly he possesses powerful intellect and knowledge. These character traits would aide him on his journey to demolish and destroy the ring making him the most capable and competent member of the fellowship. It is these very honorable qualities that would best assist him in accomplishing his goal and purpose. In J.R.R Tolkien’s The Lord of Rings: The Fellowship of The Ring, Aragorn was initially presented as Strider, a queer, strange, scruffy, and grubby character who produced a suspicious ambiance at the inn in Bree making the Hobbits extremely cautious, for they perceived him as a doubtful, devious and untrustworthy person. But it was beneath this strange exterior that his humble and kind heart hid. He was a mighty, respectable warrior in disguise. It is later validated that he is an outstanding individual with clear, honest intentions. It is with these sincere intentions that Frodo and the entire Fellowship was persistently rescued from lurking dangers and hazards. His outer shell did not define the deep integrity and goodness he withheld.
The Hobbit is a fantasy fiction book and the author is Tolkien. The main idea is how the hobbit, a small creature named Bilbo who is the main character, changes throughout the different adventures becoming an unlikely hero. In fact the hobbits themselves symbolize the modern middle class and therefore allow the reader to identify with the hobbits. The following paragraphs will describe the setting, the characterization, the theme and symbolism.