Hobbit2 - Chapter 05 - Riddles in the Dark

[Galadriel55]

I was very excited for this chapter since I knew the general story as retold in LOTR, and I expected there to be many details that were not mentioned. I was happy that it is very similar, but I was also a bit disappointed that other than the exact words of the riddles there were very few new things.

I think that the most important moment in this chapter is Bilbo's little epiphany about Gollum's life. That moment of pity has a tremendous effect on the plot, not to mention that Bilbo really begins to grow as a character and see the world in its grey shades. Had he realized the importance of that one single instance of taking mercy on someone, he would probably be to frightened of himself to resolve to jump instead of killing Gollum.