A Comprehensive Analysis of Literary Protagonists - Sykalo Evgen 2023

Gollum - “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy” by J.R.R. Tolkien

Gollum in "The Lord of the Rings" Trilogy: An in-depth examination of his character

The characters in J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy are richly varied, each adding a special touch to the epic story. Gollum stands out among them as a fascinating and nuanced character who gives the narrative depth and darkness. We will examine Gollum's static and dynamic attributes, his function in the story, his history, his personality, his motives, conflicts, connections, symbols, and his linguistic subtleties in this in-depth character analysis. We will use textual evidence to bolster our investigation, taking into account both Gollum's advantages and disadvantages. We'll also look at the character arc of Gollum, the cultural and historical background of Middle-earth, and scholarly criticism.

Determining the Type of Character

Throughout the trilogy, Gollum has a tremendous metamorphosis, making him a dynamic character. His personal conflicts throughout the narrative make him a fascinating and changing character.

Examining the Character's Place in the Narrative

Gollum is a crucial figure who has a variety of effects on the story. He is neither the primary hero or antagonist, but he is vital to the One Ring's destiny and the final triumph of the destruction effort. In addition to posing moral questions, Gollum's appearance acts as a warning about the corrupting influence of the Ring.

Analyzing the Past of the Character

Gollum comes from a tragic and corrupt background. He was formerly a hobbit-like creature by the name of Sméagol, but he was corrupted and tortured by the Ring and became Gollum. The finding of the Ring signaled the start of his journey, which was driven by loneliness and obsession into darkness.

Examining Personality Characteristics

Gollum demonstrates a variety of positive and negative personality qualities. On the one hand, his survival in the dangerous Misty Mountains is indicative of his brains and resourcefulness. However, his desire with the Ring causes him to become obsessive, dishonest, and have two distinct personalities, which are represented by his internal monologue between Sméagol and Gollum.

The core of Gollum's persona is his duality. Gollum symbolizes the twisted and evil parts of him that are only motivated by the power of the Ring, while Sméagol stands for the stragglers of his former self, who was compassionate and loving.

Purpose and Objectives

The One Ring is what drives Gollum most of the time. His strong yearning for the Ring is a result of his conviction that it will provide him security and power. His identity is expanded by the Ring, and he goes to great lengths to safeguard and recover it. Much of the plot of the trilogy is driven by this motivation, which also puts other characters in tense situations and moral quandaries.

Disagreement and Difficulties

Gollum is confronted by both internal and external strife. Torn between his true self and the Ring's corrupting influence, he fights the forces of Sméagol and Gollum within. Outside, he faces up against the Fellowship and other monsters vying for the Ring, which results in a number of dangerous meetings.

Gollum's dialogue with himself beautifully illustrates his internal problems and gives insight into the ongoing upheaval inside of him. The battle for dominance and power in Middle-earth is reflected in the exterior conflicts he encounters.

Connections

Gollum has complicated interactions with other people. Any other significant relationships are overshadowed by his possessive and obsessive bond with the Ring. In his interactions with the Ring-bearers, Sam and Frodo, he alternates between trickery, manipulation, and brief flashes of vulnerability.

The relationship between Sam, Frodo, and Gollum is a microcosm of the trilogy's larger themes of treachery and trust. Gollum's incapacity to establish sincere relationships highlights how alienating and distorting the Ring is.

Archetypes and Symbolism

Gollum is a symbol of both the corrupting effect of power and the potentially disastrous nature of unbridled desire. Gollum becomes a sad figure tormented by his own obsessions as a result of the Ring, a symbol of ultimate power. The duality present in Gollum highlights the recurring topic of moral uncertainty and mirrors the internal conflicts that the characters experience throughout the trilogy.

Storyline of Character

Gollum's storyline is among the most moving in "The Lord of the Rings." His journey demonstrates the intricacy of moral decisions and the possibility of redemption even in the most sinister of characters. It begins with the hobbit-like monster Sméagol and ends with the twisted Gollum devoured by the Ring and the redemptive sacrifice at Mount Doom.

At Mount Doom, Gollum's obsession with the Ring and his lingering humanity collide, marking a turning point in his story. His unintentional but significant contribution to the Ring's destruction emphasizes both the possibility of atonement and the victory of a lingering sense of self against the Ring's all-consuming might.

Speech and Conversation

Gollum's unique speech patterns and vocabulary help to define his persona. His speaking habits highlight the psychological tension between Sméagol and Gollum, as evidenced by his usage of the first person plural ("we" and "us") while referring to himself. His dialogue's duality reflects how fragmented his identity is.

In addition, Gollum's speech has a sibilant, hissing tone that emphasizes his link to the dark and serpentine sides of his personality. This linguistic decision not only distinguishes him from other characters but also highlights his dark undertones.

Historical and Cultural Background

The cultural and historical background of Middle-earth is intricately woven into the character of Gollum. The backdrop for Gollum's personal adventure is the tumultuous history of the One Ring, the ascent and fall of Sauron, and the larger struggle between good and evil. His terrible destiny is entwined with the wider Middle-earth story, highlighting the connection between personal decisions and the fate of the entire planet.

Analytical Viewpoints

Scholars and literary critics have interpreted Gollum's persona in a variety of ways. Some see him as a figure that warns against the perils of unbridled desire, while others highlight the possibility of redemption in his last deed. Examining these opposing viewpoints helps us comprehend Gollum's character in all its intricacy and depth.

Arranging the Exam

This analysis's logical organization enables a thorough examination of Gollum's personality. By going through each phase in turn, we can provide a detailed and in-depth analysis by going into each area methodically.

Presenting Proof

It is crucial that we cite specific passages and instances from the book to bolster our views and keep the analysis rooted in the original work. Relying on particular examples of Gollum's deeds, speech, and relationships with other characters serves to confirm the accuracy of our conclusions.

Final Thoughts

In summary, Tolkien's epic story becomes more intricate as Gollum develops into a multifaceted figure whose path from Sméagol to Gollum and, finally, to a redeeming act at Mount Doom. His place in the story, as well as his relationships, personal struggles, and symbolic meaning, all contribute to

The Lord of the Rings' depth in themes. We are able to comprehend Gollum's character and his significant influence on the main plot better through a thorough investigation.