The Hobbit Chapter Discussions, Chapters 15-19 |
 Jul 6 2008, 12:41 PM
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Loyal Lockhart Fan  Posts: 4,291 Joined: 10:42am February 15, 2005 Location: Embracing my Inner Slytherin   |
Chapter 15 - The Gathering of the Clouds. The birds are gathering, and an ancient Raven by the name of Roac relays the news to the dwarves that Smaug is dead, and that there are many with an interest in his treasure: birds, elves, and lake-men are all planning on claiming a share. The dwarves retreat into the mountain and fortify the entrance. Parties from the Elvenking and Bard himself come to talk to Thorin and to ask for a share of Smaug's stolen treasure. Thorin declares exception to their arms and refuses to discuss the matter, which results in the mountain being put under siege. Chapter 16 - A Thief in the Night. As more dwarves are on their way to aid Thorin, he declares his determination to stand fast, and Bilbo makes a decision. He takes the Arkenstone, takes over Bombur's watch, and sneaks away to visit the camp. He demands that the elves take him to Bard. He gives him the news that Dain and five hundred dwarves are only two days away, and gives him the Arkenstone to use in his bargaining for a share of the treasure. He is then surprised by Gandalf, who cheers his actions, and says that "there is news brewing that even the ravens have not heard." Chapter 17 - The Clouds Burst. A party from the camp. including the Elvenking, Bard and and Gandalf (covered in a cloak) come to Thorin and offer him the Arkenstone. Bilbo immediately admits that he gave it to them, and Thorin shakes him in anger. However the stone is too important to him and he promises that he will give one fourteenth share of the treasure in return for the stone, and casts Bilbo away. Dain's army arrives with many provisions. Bard's messengers return to Thorin but are met with nothing but arrows. As the battle is about to begin, a huge cloud of bats appears and Gandalf declares that the Goblins are coming. Goblins are the enemy of all, and so begins the Battle of Five Armies - Goblins and wolves vs men, dwarves and elves. The battle is fierce and bloody, and the goblins looked to be winning, when the eagles appear. Bilbo is struck and collapses. Chapter 18 - The Return Journey. When Bilbo awakes he is alone. He is discovered and brought to see Thorin, who lies dying. They part as friends. Bilbo learns that the battle was saved not only by the eagles, but also by Beorn who killed the goblin leader. Thorin is buried and Dain becomes King of the Mountain. Bilbo learns that Fili and Kili also died in the battle. Bard is given a fourteenth share of the treasure for the Arkenstone which he share with the elves and lake-men. Bilbo take just two chests; one of silver and one of gold. Bilbo is helped on his return journey by Gandalf and Beorn. Chapter 19 - The Last Stage. After spending time with Beorn, Gandalf and Bilbo continue to Rivendell where they stay with Elrond. Gandalf explains that he had been to a council of wizards who had driven the Necromancer from teh forest of Mirkwood. After a week they continue their journey, finding along the way the buried gold of the trolls, which Bilbo gives to Gandalf. They arrive back in Hobbiton just in the middle of an auction of Bilbo's possessions, of which he has lost quite a few. He is, however, rich and manages to buy back most of them, although the 'legal bother' takes years. He has also lost his reputation amongst the hobbits. Years later Gandalf and Balin visit, and tell Bilbo that Bard has become King of Dale, which is now prosperous again, as is the whole area under the mountain. ________________________ These are questions that occurred to me whilst reading these chapters, but you are of course welcome to discuss any aspect of them you choose. - Did Thorin really object to the fact that the elves and lake-men were armed, or was it an excuse to refuse to share the treasure? - Why do you think Thorin is affected by lust for treasure more than the other dwarves? - Was it bravery or cowardice that prompted Bilbo to hand the Arkenstone over to Bard? - Why are the dwarves, elves and men so quick to forget their quarrels in the face of the goblin attack? - Were you sad when Thorin, Kili and Fili died? Did you expect there to be more casualties? - How important do you think Gandalf's role in the battle was? Did he know the outcome before it happened? - Is the loss of Bilbo's reputation something to be lamented? -------------------- |
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