The Hobbit - Chapter 14 - Fire and Water - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Bêthberry · 04-24-2006, 07:31 AM

Well now, are we going to discuss whether this little thrush is a deus ex machina like those other avians, the eagles?

I have to admit that, after the fascinating view of Smaug with Bilbo in the earlier chapter, I am a bit disappointed that the dragon is so quickly dispatched. I think this speed does point to other concerns in the story beside those of adventure, but still I can still wish for a bit more dragon lore.

One point which I must niggle at is the distinction between Bard and the Master. This is clearly political dogmatising, from my perspective. Yes, I can see the interesting characterisation of the Master as a man given to business projects--a captain of industry, yet the glorification of monarchy and blood lines is something that doctrinally I don't share and so for me this part of the story stands out as a bit of old style moralising in children's literature. Does one need to share Tolkien's political views to appreciate this part of the story?

04-24-2006, 07:31 AM	#2
Bêthberry Cryptic Aura Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 6,003	Well now, are we going to discuss whether this little thrush is a deus ex machina like those other avians, the eagles? I have to admit that, after the fascinating view of Smaug with Bilbo in the earlier chapter, I am a bit disappointed that the dragon is so quickly dispatched. I think this speed does point to other concerns in the story beside those of adventure, but still I can still wish for a bit more dragon lore. One point which I must niggle at is the distinction between Bard and the Master. This is clearly political dogmatising, from my perspective. Yes, I can see the interesting characterisation of the Master as a man given to business projects--a captain of industry, yet the glorification of monarchy and blood lines is something that doctrinally I don't share and so for me this part of the story stands out as a bit of old style moralising in children's literature. Does one need to share Tolkien's political views to appreciate this part of the story? __________________ I’ll sing his roots off. I’ll sing a wind up and blow leaf and branch away.