The Hobbit - Chapter 05 - Riddles in the Dark - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Estelyn Telcontar · 02-12-2006, 01:22 PM

This chapter is absolutely pivotal, not only for Bilbo ("It was a turning point in his career..."), who was able to fulfil his role as a burglar because of the ring (no capital R yet!), but also for Tolkien's Legendarium, which was given a focal point for the events of the Third Age, and indeed for JRR Tolkien himself! 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!

How do Bilbo's and Gollum's characters compare in this chapter? Which are their similarities, which their differences? How do you feel when reading it?

02-12-2006, 01:22 PM	#1
Estelyn Telcontar Princess of Skwerlz Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: where the Sea is eastwards (WtR: 6060 miles) Posts: 7,500	The Hobbit - Chapter 05 - Riddles in the Dark This chapter is absolutely pivotal, not only for Bilbo ("It was a turning point in his career..."), who was able to fulfil his role as a burglar because of the ring (no capital R yet!), but also for Tolkien's Legendarium, which was given a focal point for the events of the Third Age, and indeed for JRR Tolkien himself! 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! How do Bilbo's and Gollum's characters compare in this chapter? Which are their similarities, which their differences? How do you feel when reading it? __________________ 'Mercy!' cried Gandalf. 'If the giving of information is to be the cure of your inquisitiveness, I shall spend all the rest of my days in answering you. What more do you want to know?' 'The whole history of Middle-earth...'