This week is the final week of the Hobbit readalong and the questions have been provided by  The Wicked Queen’s Mirror .  I really cannot stress enough that if you haven’t read The Hobbit and are intending to do so then don’t read any further as spoilers are contained within.

Thanks and straight to the Q&A:

1) Throughout the book there are many examples of greed (for both food and treasure). Why do you think Bilbo takes and hides the Arkenstone when he is later happy to ransom it for peace?  Is it simple greed? Forethought? Or a convenient plot device?

Strangely enough I don’t think Bilbo was bothered about any of the treasure.  He was only ever roped into the adventure because of his stubborn pride and he doesn’t really need any extra money as he already has a very comfortable existence.  I think throughout the story Bilbo showed a remarkable ability to think ahead and almost to benefit from a kind of foresight of sorts.  I’m not sure  that he knew himself why he’d picked up the Arkenstone other than that it seemed to be of great importance to Gloin – perhaps he was intending on presenting the stone to Gloin in a flourish, although I think it’s more likely that he’d started to see a different side to Gloin and so was keeping the stone as a bargaining tool.

2) Much has been written of Tolkien’s experiences in World War One and how the Lord of the Rings  shows both the romantic, heroic aspects of war (Aragorn’s journey)but also the stark realities (Frodo’s journey).  What did you think about the way the Battle of Five Armies was described? Did you feel these two aspects of war were represented?

Well, yes, I think both aspects were shown.  You have for example people rushing into the fray without hesitation, you have people and animals taking part, even at great risk to themselves, when they actually really didn’t need to join the battle and then alternately you have the loss of life and the sadness at the demise of Gloin and many others.

3)What did you think about the role of the goblins in the Battle of Five Armies? Was it easy for you to accept their appearance and that the threat they posed would automatically unite the men and elves with the dwarves? Or did you find it too simplistic?

I wasn’t really surprised at the appearance of the Goblins, they are basically greedy creatures and would be naturally compelled by the thought of all the wealth left unprotected after the passing of Smaug.  I suppose it was also fairly natural for the others to unite against the common enemy.  At the end of the day the elves/men and dwarves were not really enemies they were fighting over the gold and what they thought should be their share of of it.  The goblins are the natural enemy to all of them.

4) In ‘The Last Stage’ we are told Bilbo remained very happy to the end of his days. If you had been off on an adventures could you settle back to normal life so easily? Would you be content with only occasional visits to the elves?

I suppose Bilbo’s ‘Baggins’ side came out eventually.  We heard (many) times of his longing for his hearth and a cup of tea.  I think deep down he probably would have still liked something of an adventure but  maybe possession of the ring also changed his feelings.  After all, if he was off on adventures here and there roaming the hills there’d be more chance of him loosing the ring.

I enjoyed this reread and taking part with other readers.  I also feel set up and ready to watch the film now when it’ finally released.

I must confess I was surprised at how quickly Smaug was killed off – it seemed very sudden and I was expecting the dragon to have a bigger part somehow.  I thought the chapter where he met Bilbo and they had their little chat was very entertaining.

Thanks again to Writers’ Bloc for hosting this.