Compliment... or not? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Gurthang · 09-16-2005, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kuruharan

I think it was both at once.

Sort of "If the shoe fits" principle.

That's about the same as what I was thinking. Although it is a compliment to the 'less than half' that Bilbo feels he should like better, it seems to be somewhat of a slam to the non-'less than half' hobbits. Those hobbits are ones that Bilbo feels he shouldn't have to like more or who he likes more than what they deserve. So it is certainly not a compliment to them.

And seeing how the anti-compliment is directed towards more hobbits(more than half, at least), I'd say that it was almost meant to be more of a demeanor than compliment.

Folwren · 09-16-2005, 11:46 AM

As Kuruharan said, I think. It could be taken as either a compliment or an insult, depending on who you were. I think Sackville-Baggins's should have taken it as an insult, whereas, say, the Bolgers might have taken it as a compliment, although I've now idea what sort of terms Bilbo was with the Bolgers.

But, as several others have said already, compliment or no, I like that line a lot. Though, yes, it is far too overused and well known to use in real life.

-- Folwren

Elladan and Elrohir · 09-18-2005, 01:15 PM

I think it's a compliment, if a rather convoluted one. I was so happy to see this line in the movie; Ian Holm gives it perfectly, and the looks on the faces of the hobbits!

Formendacil · 09-18-2005, 06:02 PM

I've always thought of it as a compliment- and an apology. Bilbo is admitting that he hasn't made the effort to know them as well as he should, and he admits that they would have been worth knowing.

And being Bilbo, he does it in such a way as to completely befuddle them, as I'm sure he intended.

09-16-2005, 11:46 AM	#2
Folwren Messenger of Hope Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In a tiny, insignificant little town in one of the many States. Posts: 5,076	As Kuruharan said, I think. It could be taken as either a compliment or an insult, depending on who you were. I think Sackville-Baggins's should have taken it as an insult, whereas, say, the Bolgers might have taken it as a compliment, although I've now idea what sort of terms Bilbo was with the Bolgers. But, as several others have said already, compliment or no, I like that line a lot. Though, yes, it is far too overused and well known to use in real life. -- Folwren __________________ A young man who wishes to remain a sound atheist cannot be too careful of his reading. - C.S. Lewis

09-18-2005, 01:15 PM	#3
Elladan and Elrohir Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Halls of Mandos Posts: 332	I think it's a compliment, if a rather convoluted one. I was so happy to see this line in the movie; Ian Holm gives it perfectly, and the looks on the faces of the hobbits! __________________ "If you're referring to the incident with the dragon, I was barely involved. All I did was give your uncle a little nudge out of the door." THE HOBBIT - IT'S COMING

09-18-2005, 06:02 PM	#4
Formendacil Dead Serious Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Perched on Thangorodrim's towers. Posts: 3,328	I've always thought of it as a compliment- and an apology. Bilbo is admitting that he hasn't made the effort to know them as well as he should, and he admits that they would have been worth knowing. And being Bilbo, he does it in such a way as to completely befuddle them, as I'm sure he intended. __________________ I prefer history, true or feigned.