Write a carefully organized, double-spaced essay of two to three pages in which you discuss the following topic. Be specific, and be sure that you are using evidence from the story to illustrate the points you want to make.
Do not simply summarize the story. Be sure that your essay has a clear thesis in the opening paragraph and that it uses specific details from the texts to support the points you make. Refer to the information on writing successful essays and the grading criteria for guidance in developing your essay.
Betrayal is rarely easy. Consider what the journey from Emyn Muil to Cirith Ungol must have been like from Sméagol/Gollum’s point of view. Since we are given little direct insight, you will have to rely on carefully considering descriptions of what he says and does for your evidence. Consider his relationship with both Frodo and Sam, as well as the addictive pull of the ring and his promise.
Pay particular attention to the critical episodes when Sam finds him debating with himself over Frodo’s sleeping body outside the gates of Mordor, when Frodo must deceive Gollum in order to save him from Faramir’s men, and when Sam awakens on the Stairs of Cirith Ungol to find him “pawing” his master.