money in middle earth

[Formendacil]

Originally Posted by Lalwendë

The Shire is not feudal, it is more advanced. It is more like turn of the century (19th/20th, not 20th/21st!) Britain, but without a Government and all the machinery of State.

I agree that it is not feudal- hence my attempt to suggest that Frodo's position as chief landlord in the Hobbiton area- if the case at all- is more of a lingering effect of the once more-feudal Baggins homeland. All that would be needed is for Frodo to own a few substantial farms and maybe a Bagshot Row or three, and someone as modest in needs as he was would probably be set.

What difference does it make if Frodo comes by these "investments" as you call them, through the investment of money or through his inheritance?

And call the Bagginses middle-class stereotypes if you like, but to me Bag-End smacks more of a manor house suited to a beknighted peer than something truly middle class.