2006-11-20 21:10:08 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Mythology & Folklore
There certainly is a lot of 'queer theory' (that is genuinely what it's called) which says that Frodo and Sam show all the hallmarks of being in a homoerotic relationship. However, I think we need to look a little closer at the context. Tolkien, the author, came from a time, and a class, when men simply didn't mix in the same way with women. Most of a man's close friendships were with other men, as at both school and even university level they were educated separately.
The female characters like Galadriel, and the romantic relationships, such as Aragorn and Arwen, are highly idealised, and even called 'infantile' in their description by critics. Is this not a merely result of Tolkiens own lack of experience with the female sex?
While perhaps the society that Tolkien was part of allowed for a more open expression of non-consumated male eroticism and desire, I don't think this makes Sam and Frodo 'nice cowboys' as you put it. Tolkien didn't intend them to seem gay, that's for sure, and who are we to try and dictate what might have been going on in his subconscious?
2006-11-20 21:23:18 · answer #1 · answered by SaltWater 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
In the book (and the cartoon to a certain extent) the relationship portrays SAM more like Frodos pet dog, he follows his master everywhere , he doesn't have the intelligence to do anything on his own.
take the bit at th end of the first book and film where Frodo crosses the river, SAM follows him in but Frodo tells him he is going on the rest of the journey alone and Sam replies "i know that's why im going with you" i think alot of people didn't quite get this if they just watched the film.
The guy hasn't got the IQ to realise that frodo doesn't want him.
The only reason Frodo agrees to take Sam with him is to be his proverbial "Joey" this guy does everything for frodo and never argues about it, he does the hunting and cooking and also takes the first watch.
2006-11-21 07:31:41 · answer #2 · answered by imstilldadaddy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hahaha
Just read that there are "Frodo/Sam" fanzines. LOL Star Trek has had the "Kirk/Spock" thing going on for many years In my opinion, both scenarios are completely unfounded.
Frodo and Sam grew to love each other, yes, but not in a sexual way. In fact, there is very little sexuality at all in Tolkien's book. Peter Jackson added some to make a good movie.
2006-11-21 09:17:34 · answer #3 · answered by Ara57 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One of the things that Peter Jackson did when he made the movies was to change the relationship between Frodo and Sam. In the book, it's definitely a master-servant relationship, whereas in the movie they were much more equal.
To a certain extent, the books represent Tolkien's idealised vision of people accepting their place in the world. Frodo is the master - part of the land-owning class - and Sam is his devoted servant. At one point, when Sam is tempted by Galadriel, he rejects the vision of power she gives him by thinking that it's not meant for the likes of him.
2006-11-21 05:26:49 · answer #4 · answered by Daniel R 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The relationship was written as that between a master and a servant (a soldier and his batboy, I believe, but I can't remember where I read/heard that). Frodo is supposed to be a LOT older than Sam (and also a lot older than Merry and Pippin) and the "leader" of their little band. In the movie, yeah, it does look like they are a little fruity, but it's based on a different time period and different social strata than we have now.
2006-11-21 15:11:08 · answer #5 · answered by Gevera Bert 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No because Sam marries a female hobbit as soon as he gets back to the shire - a girl he'd professed his love for to Frodo as they lay exhausted - no, not for THAT reason - after finally ensuring the destruction of the ring
2006-11-21 05:19:36 · answer #6 · answered by big pup in a small bath 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not in Tolkien's original conception of them, but for a laugh, do a Google search on "Frodo Sam slash fanfic." There's a whole cottage industry of fan-fiction writers who've recast the story in just the way you suggest.
2006-11-21 05:13:32 · answer #7 · answered by Rusting 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Im not sure but i think Sam gets far less recognition for his part in the quest then he deserves. if it wasnt for him Frodo would have never survived. Its really funny youve asked that. (i just finished watching return of the king.)
2006-11-21 05:21:49 · answer #8 · answered by eightieschick70 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately thats how they were portrayed in a few ways. I don;t know why they had to make them both so fruity for no reason when in the cartoon they were cool. Frodo was a badass in the cartoon when he wore the ring. In the movie, he's just timid, weak, emtional, and asexual.
2006-11-21 05:14:52 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
not Frodo and sam put i thought the other two little Hobbits were Merry and ?(cant remember his name and i just watched the movie the other day!!)
2006-11-21 06:07:59 · answer #10 · answered by life_vamp 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋