Post on 25-Mar-2016
description
The Hobbit
Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
Basic plot: It is the prequel of the lord of the rings,
Gandalf sets up a quest for the 13 dwarves to
reclaim their treasure-filled mountain---Erebor,
which is guarded by Smaug the dragon. But they
need a burglar, the dwarves end up with Bilbo, a
hobbit.
In the misty mountains, Bilbo finds a ring… an
event that changed the fate of Middle Earth.
Important chapter: Riddles in the dark (Chapter 5)
This chapter is absolutely pivotal, not only for Bilbo
("It was a turning point in his career..."), who was
able to fulfill his role as a burglar because of the
ring, which was given a focal point for the events
of the Third Age, His life was changed as a result,
some things for the better, such as increased
finances later on, and some things for the worse,
as far as his personal privacy was concerned.
On a side note, the title of this chapter made it
into the LotR movie, as one of the phrases Gandalf
muttered to himself in Bag End.
Though Bilbo is completely out of the picture
concerning his quest and companions, we see him
growing into the person he is to become. The
Elvish blade provides both light and defense,
helping him take an active role, and his decision to
go forward is brave!
He (and the readers) meets Gollum here. Do you
remember your impressions of him the first time
you read the book? Did he scare you? Did any of
you read the original version of this chapter first,
the one that was published before it was revised to
fit in with LotR? Perhaps those of you who have a
copy of the original
version can briefly
summarize the
differences for us. One
question that occurred
to me - was Bilbo foolish
to name his real name in
a situation like this?
What do you think of the riddle contest? What
about Gollum's promise if Bilbo won? It's lucky for
Bilbo that Gollum has developed the habit of
talking to himself, thereby giving the hobbit some
important information about the ring.
Then comes what is perhaps the most important
part - Bilbo's pity and understanding for Gollum.
This has an enormous effect on the later story of
the LotR. He escapes both Gollum's and the
goblins' attacks, though not without a sacrifice - his
brass
buttons!