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Shade of Carn Dûm
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<img src="http://www.barrowdowns.com/images/posticons/onering.jpg" align=absmiddle> Re: Bilbo cheated?
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Quote:<hr> Interesting that this discussion was triggered by the offhand comment of a seven year old.<hr></blockquote>
The eyes of the innocent see through shades of grey.
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Quote:<hr> To me this indicates that Bilbo's "pocket" question was not itself influenced by the Ring.<hr></blockquote>
Initially,I'd say so also (in the original text). However; with the revision the text makes it clear that the Ring has ulterior motive and affects a person.
This does not change Bilbo's manner of question instead of riddle (or the honor therein).
The original text makes it clear (not to Bilbo though; correct) that Bilbo feared wrongly. The revised text just adds additional undertones.
In each case, the question instead of the riddle vs. the question is the issue: WAS IT CHEATING? Adding in the shade of grey concerning personal safety is a cloud on the issue, as is having foreknowledge of Gollum's honor. You're looking for a black and white answer; not a middle ground of grey. This is concerning BILBO's honor and sense of fair-play.
Bilbo 'taking advantage' (as you say) lends even more weight to the answer. When taken in context with Gollum's cries of 'Not fair! not Fair!' and the earlier (and far clearer view of his ethics before loss in revision). I think the answer is self-evident, and through the eyes of a 7 year old the truth is glaring, WITHOUT this historical study, even when the nature (revised or otherwise) of Gollum in KNOWN to the 7 year old.
He may not have intended it, but he COMMITTED to it.
Only later in revision, is a darker answer 'possible'.
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