Part 7/9:
Saruman's erratic behavior escalated into a surveillance of Gandalf’s movements, reflecting a sense of insecurity. He disguised himself to spy on Gandalf’s visits to the Shire, driven more by pride and vanity rather than outright malice in the beginning. Notably, Saruman even mocked Gandalf’s fondness for pipe-weed while secretly indulging in it himself, showcasing a deeper complexity to their relationship. Through these actions, we see a blend of rivalry, envy, and a form of twisted admiration.
Gandalf, on the other hand, was aware of Saruman’s clandestine observations but chose not to confront him, demonstrating his preference to avoid publicly shaming others, opting instead for a more patient approach.