Silent Commands? Frodo and Gollum at the Cracks of Doom

Analyzes the key scene at the Cracks of Doom, which the reader sees through Sam’s viewpoint, for hints as to the powers of the bearer of the Ring and his ability to command others. Considers similar scenes from the Bible, Beowulf, and Chanson de Roland. Concludes that Frodo issued Gollum a “silent command” to throw himself into the pit with the Ring