Well now, are we going to discuss whether this little thrush is a
deus ex machina like those other avians, the eagles?
I have to admit that, after the fascinating view of Smaug with Bilbo in the earlier chapter, I am a bit disappointed that the dragon is so quickly dispatched. I think this speed does point to other concerns in the story beside those of adventure, but still I can still wish for a bit more dragon lore.
One point which I must niggle at is the distinction between Bard and the Master. This is clearly political dogmatising, from my perspective. Yes, I can see the interesting characterisation of the Master as a man given to business projects--a captain of industry, yet the glorification of monarchy and blood lines is something that doctrinally I don't share and so for me this part of the story stands out as a bit of old style moralising in children's literature. Does one need to share Tolkien's political views to appreciate this part of the story?