Sam and Smeagol

[Samwise Gamgee]

I think what you have to understand about Sam is that he is emotional, and not very cerebral. HE loves with all his heart, but he hates with all his heart also. He was mean to gollum, but not a big bully. His whole heart, his whole being, really, was wrapped up in concern for Frodo during the quest. Gollum was quite plainly a threat to Frodo's well-being. Frodo can accept Gollum, because he understands the ring. I think it is also important to note that after he wore the ring, Sam also had pity on Gollum. He had it fully in his power to kill Gollum, and Gollum had proved himself utterly faithless and wicked, yet Sam did not kill him. Sam was mean to Aragorn, because he did not trust him, and Aragorn rather than rebuking Sam, told him (I'm paraphrasing) "you were right to misdoubt me." Sam had to accept Aragorn on faith, (and his master's bidding) but he never let down his guard. He said much more that was undeserved to Aragorn than to Smeagol, but Smeagol WAS bad so he turned out bad. There was the instance in Cirith Ungol, but that was a fluke for Gollum. Remember that the last time Sam saw Gollum "pawing at his master" had been before the gates of Mordor, where he was clearly meaning to take the ring from him during his internal debate. The last thing I would point out is that Sam had pity on Gollum in the end without a long inspirational speech from Gandalf, and a REALLY long time of ring ownership - so how can we say that he was any worse than Frodo. (ie: imagine if frodo met gollum at the time of "Shadow of the Past."