Flies tick me off!!!

When I first started reading the chapter, “A Knife in the Dark”, I assumed that Frodo and the others would be attacked by the Nazgul. I was really surprised that it was actually Fatty Bolger that was attacked by the Riders. Then as I progressed through the chapter, I realized that the “knife” could actually mean the Ring.

In case some of you don’t understand what I mean, here’s my explanation. At the end of the chapter when Frodo and the others were surrounded by “figures in the dark”, the Ring called to Frodo to put it on. It was as if a knife was stuck in him and he reacted to it by putting on the Ring. I could be wrong however. I would like to hear your opinions on this.

Also, as a pleasant side note, it was nice to see reference to the Silmarillion in this chapter with Strider telling the tale of Gil-galad and Tinuviel. It was also nice to see the realism of the journey portrayed in the form of Middle-earth mosquitoes and black-flies. It really ticks me off when you’re trying to do something outside and you’re swatting bugs left and right.

Anyway, the next chapter looks interesting, to say the least. We’ll see where Frodo’s folly takes him and the others. I think that it’s also time for Gandalf to show up. He always comes through in a jam.

Just some food for thought,

James