Bilbo and the dwarves arrive at the intended destination of the barrels: Lake-town. They're unpacked, and most of the dwarves are uncomfortable following their trip. Thorin tells the town guards who he is, and the party goes into Lake-town. After meeting the "Master", they get some much needed rest and food. That's what happens in Chapter 10. Chapter 11 involves them finding (and then opening) the door into the Mountain, and Chapter 12 involves Bilbo dealing with Smaug (and getting scorched at the end).
Bilbo has now gotten past the "Tests, Allies, and Enemies", and has now begun his "Approach to the Inmost Cave". Previously, Bilbo would have run away from entering a dangerous situation (such as entering Smaug's lair). Now, he actually goes in (wearing his ring) to be a burglar and get his hands on Smaug's treasure. Now, Bilbo will face the most dangerous obstacle so far: the fierce dragon Smaug.
Smaug seems like the ultimate peril that Bilbo has run into as of now. To recap, Bilbo has been caught by trolls, abducted by goblins, chased up a tree by wolves, and threatened to be eaten by Gollum. Now, he risks getting done medium-rare by a dragon! Amazingly, he has the courage to even enter Smaug's lair at this point. And I thought I had it tough with my life! I wonder on how Bilbo and his friends will escape with their lives- a large dragon who hates visitors might reduce their life expectancy by several years.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
Chapters 8 and 9
Bilbo and company are travelling through the forest, and they "forget" Beorn and Gandalf's advice while doing so. They ford the river with black water, Bombur falls into it, and Bombur is out cold. The dwarves and Bilbo get captured by BIG spiders, and later, Wood-Elves snatch the dwarves. Later, Bilbo manages to get the guards drunk on a powerful wine, frees the dwarves, and gets them out by stuffing them in empty barrels that will be sent somewhere else down the river. One uncomfortable barrel ride later, Bilbo and company have eluded the Wood-Elves. Those are Chapters 8-9 for you.
Bilbo is still experiencing the "Tests, Enemies, and Allies" stage of the hero's journey. He has managed to slay a giant spider, but physical combat won't defeat all the spiders. His taunting while invisible saves the dwarves' hides- again. Although the journey to the treasure is coming to a close, the tests will keep coming. He also manages to show maturity in that he isn't bailed out by luck every time he gets in a sticky situation.
I really feel sorry for the dwarves! So far, they've been trapped by trolls, held hostage by hobgoblins, been trapped in trees by wolves, snatched by spiders, and now they've been waltzed away by Wood-Elves! It's amazing they're not giving up on their trip. They have to trust Bilbo now, or they'll never accomplish their goal.
Bilbo is still experiencing the "Tests, Enemies, and Allies" stage of the hero's journey. He has managed to slay a giant spider, but physical combat won't defeat all the spiders. His taunting while invisible saves the dwarves' hides- again. Although the journey to the treasure is coming to a close, the tests will keep coming. He also manages to show maturity in that he isn't bailed out by luck every time he gets in a sticky situation.
I really feel sorry for the dwarves! So far, they've been trapped by trolls, held hostage by hobgoblins, been trapped in trees by wolves, snatched by spiders, and now they've been waltzed away by Wood-Elves! It's amazing they're not giving up on their trip. They have to trust Bilbo now, or they'll never accomplish their goal.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Chapter 7
In Chapter 7, our heroes are worn out from dealing with trolls, goblins, talking wolves, and the like. They stop at the house of Beorn, a man who can change into a bear. Gandalf tells the dwarves to arrive in pairs of two every five minutes, and then he and Bilbo go to the porch. Gandalf tells Beorn the story so far, and the 15 of them stay for a few nights. Beorn gives the party food, weapons, ponies, and advice for traversing the upcoming forest. At the end of the chapter, Gandalf leaves them and takes the ponies back to Beorn.
I liked the chapter very much, because it was a change in pace from the nonstop action and suspense of the previous chapters. Don't get me wrong, I liked the nonstop action and suspense of Chapters 4-6, but I needed some relief from it. I liked the pastoral charm of Beorn's house, and I was fond of Gandalf's plan to allow our heroes to rest there. There is also some witty banter between Bilbo and Gandalf when Gandalf says that Beorn is a "skin-changer", which Bilbo thinks is another term for "furrier".
Bilbo's stage along the hero's journey is "Tests, Enemies, and Allies". He's overcome tests such as Gollum's riddle game, powerful enemies like the goblins, and now he and the dwarves have a powerful new ally in Beorn. Of course, more tests will be in order as Bilbo and company approach the treasure, and the woods they will soon traverse will be a major trial and tribulation, testing Bilbo and his friends as they approach their goal (although I'm sure Bilbo's goal is to get back home in front of a cozy fire and a whistling kettle).
I liked the chapter very much, because it was a change in pace from the nonstop action and suspense of the previous chapters. Don't get me wrong, I liked the nonstop action and suspense of Chapters 4-6, but I needed some relief from it. I liked the pastoral charm of Beorn's house, and I was fond of Gandalf's plan to allow our heroes to rest there. There is also some witty banter between Bilbo and Gandalf when Gandalf says that Beorn is a "skin-changer", which Bilbo thinks is another term for "furrier".
Bilbo's stage along the hero's journey is "Tests, Enemies, and Allies". He's overcome tests such as Gollum's riddle game, powerful enemies like the goblins, and now he and the dwarves have a powerful new ally in Beorn. Of course, more tests will be in order as Bilbo and company approach the treasure, and the woods they will soon traverse will be a major trial and tribulation, testing Bilbo and his friends as they approach their goal (although I'm sure Bilbo's goal is to get back home in front of a cozy fire and a whistling kettle).
Monday, November 29, 2010
Chapters 5 and 6
Chapter 5 picks up immediately after Chapter 4 ends. Bilbo wanders through some tunnels and meets Gollum, an odd creature that lives beneath the goblins' mountain. Gollum (who is tired of eating blind fish and the occasional goblin) is determined to snack on Bilbo. Bilbo also found a ring earlier in the chapter, and it allows him to turn invisible. Bilbo avoids being Gollum's dinner, sneaks by some goblins, and escapes.
Chapter 5 was suspenseful to say the least. The riddle game was an important part of the chapter, partly because it keeps the suspense going, but mostly because it gives us a view of the culture of the universe in which the book is set. Apparently, mental challenges are a major part of this culture. I liked it very much, namely because of the riddles. I like mind games. I had pity for Gollum.
Bilbo is on the "Tests, Enemies, and Allies" stage of the Hero's Journey. Gollum is a powerful foe, and since Bilbo has no way of physically fighting this insane creature, he decides to use his wits. He wins a riddle game by dumb luck when Gollum stumps him on the final riddle (the answer to which is "Time", and Bilbo pleads "Give me more time!"), and he leaps over Gollum while invisible. He has just passed a very important test.
In Chapter 6, Bilbo finds everyone else and sneaks up on them by using the ring he found. After a happy reunion, they keep on travelling until a rockslide blocks the path. Then, some wolves appear, causing Bilbo and company to climb some trees. Gandalf tosses some burning pinecones at wolves, the goblins set fire to the area near the trees, and all seems lost. However, some eagles rescue our heroes. The chapter ends with everyone safe and sound.
Chapter 6 thrilled me with the action. The incident with the wolves, the timely rescue, and the entire scene where everyone is up the nearest convient tree makes this chapter one of my personal favorites.
Chapter 5 was suspenseful to say the least. The riddle game was an important part of the chapter, partly because it keeps the suspense going, but mostly because it gives us a view of the culture of the universe in which the book is set. Apparently, mental challenges are a major part of this culture. I liked it very much, namely because of the riddles. I like mind games. I had pity for Gollum.
Bilbo is on the "Tests, Enemies, and Allies" stage of the Hero's Journey. Gollum is a powerful foe, and since Bilbo has no way of physically fighting this insane creature, he decides to use his wits. He wins a riddle game by dumb luck when Gollum stumps him on the final riddle (the answer to which is "Time", and Bilbo pleads "Give me more time!"), and he leaps over Gollum while invisible. He has just passed a very important test.
In Chapter 6, Bilbo finds everyone else and sneaks up on them by using the ring he found. After a happy reunion, they keep on travelling until a rockslide blocks the path. Then, some wolves appear, causing Bilbo and company to climb some trees. Gandalf tosses some burning pinecones at wolves, the goblins set fire to the area near the trees, and all seems lost. However, some eagles rescue our heroes. The chapter ends with everyone safe and sound.
Chapter 6 thrilled me with the action. The incident with the wolves, the timely rescue, and the entire scene where everyone is up the nearest convient tree makes this chapter one of my personal favorites.
Chapters 3 and 4
In Chapter 3, Bilbo and company enter the Misty Mountains. Before they cross the mountains, the expedition stops at an elf village in a valley. The expedition rests up, gets supplies for the trip, and after a few days, head on out. In Chapter 4, they run into a storm while crossing the mountains, and decide to shelter in a cave. They end up captured by Orcs (or goblins), who take their supplies and their ponies. Gandalf and Thorin fight the enemy using the elven swords, the expedition escapes, but Bilbo falls into the depths of the mountain.
Chapter 3 is a wonderful chapter in that it provides pastoral relief from the events of Chapter 2. It also introduces the dwarves' writing system and the elves. It also gives the sense of a race against time- will they reach their destination on time? The adventure is just starting for the dwarves and Bilbo, and they now have a deadline to meet.
Bilbo has just reached the "Tests, Allies, and Enemies" stage of the Hero's Journey. Although they're simply stopping for supplies in this chapter, the next one will present Bilbo with a major test and many powerful enemies. Even though Bilbo is just beginning his adventure, the tests will begin shortly. Now that they are in the mountains, the adventure will start to take off.
Chapter 4 yanks away from the pastoral relief of Chapter 3 very quickly. The chapter begins with a storm, causing our heroes to take shelter in a cave, which puts them in the hands of the goblins. Chapter 4 kept me on edge throughout. I feared for Bilbo's life when they were all captured. I was also depressed by the ponies' fates - thanks for ruining my life, Tolkien!
Bilbo is still starting with the "Tests, Allies, and Enemies" stage of the Hero's Journey. The goblins are a powerful enemy, and they hate visitors. I was shocked to hear of their interests, and I was saddened by their diet. Luckily, Gandalf and Thorin wiped most of them out, but I once again feared for Bilbo after he fell into the mountain.
Chapter 3 is a wonderful chapter in that it provides pastoral relief from the events of Chapter 2. It also introduces the dwarves' writing system and the elves. It also gives the sense of a race against time- will they reach their destination on time? The adventure is just starting for the dwarves and Bilbo, and they now have a deadline to meet.
Bilbo has just reached the "Tests, Allies, and Enemies" stage of the Hero's Journey. Although they're simply stopping for supplies in this chapter, the next one will present Bilbo with a major test and many powerful enemies. Even though Bilbo is just beginning his adventure, the tests will begin shortly. Now that they are in the mountains, the adventure will start to take off.
Chapter 4 yanks away from the pastoral relief of Chapter 3 very quickly. The chapter begins with a storm, causing our heroes to take shelter in a cave, which puts them in the hands of the goblins. Chapter 4 kept me on edge throughout. I feared for Bilbo's life when they were all captured. I was also depressed by the ponies' fates - thanks for ruining my life, Tolkien!
Bilbo is still starting with the "Tests, Allies, and Enemies" stage of the Hero's Journey. The goblins are a powerful enemy, and they hate visitors. I was shocked to hear of their interests, and I was saddened by their diet. Luckily, Gandalf and Thorin wiped most of them out, but I once again feared for Bilbo after he fell into the mountain.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Chapters 1 and 2 and Into
I have already read The Hobbit, and my first reading was dull, because I had to read on a schedule imposed by my grandmother. However, since I now have the opportunity to read it at my own pace, and to blog about it, I am excited to re-read it. I am now expecting to find more details and to better understand the story. I am also excited because of the various activities tied into this assignment, which will help make my understanding of the book more complete.
The Hobbit starts with Bilbo Baggins, a 50-year old hobbit, enjoying a bit of smoking one morning. The wizard Gandalf soon arrives, and after some time, Bilbo invites him to tea. The next day, 13 dwarves arrive throughout the day, with Gandalf accompanying the last four dwarves. As it turns out, the dwarves think that Bilbo is a burglar (in the story, burglar means "treasure hunter").
The significance of the chapter is that it helps set up the "world" in which The Hobbit takes place. It describes the hobbits, the dwarves, and their respective cultures. Bilbo is very relatable. He's scared, but he has to face his "demons" sooner or later. I sympathize with him: He's going into a world that is much bigger than he is! We all face a world that is bigger than us (literally and/or figuratively) and we all have to face our "demons" sooner or later.
Bilbo's stage on the Hero's Journey is the "Call to Adventure". The call is when the dwarves invite him to go hunting for the treasure held by the dragon. Bilbo's "Refusal of the Call" is when he refuses to go out on the adventure. The poor hobbit is about to go out on an expedition that could get lost, starve and die, be killed by hostile creatures, or the dwarves and Gandalf might make it back, but poor Bilbo would be 6 feet underground somewhere away from home sweet home!
Chapter 2 has a memorable scene involving trolls. The dwarves send Bilbo to find supplies after their reserves of food and the like are lost. Bilbo runs into a trio of trolls, steals a key, gets caught, and the dwarves come to see what's wrong. The trolls abduct the dwarves. After catching the dwarves, the trolls debate on how to cook the dwarves when Gandalf uses ventriloquism to keep them debating so long that they're still out at dawn, at which point they turn to stone. They also manage to get some of the trolls' supplies. If you have read Lord of the Rings, you know that Gandalf could have launched a fireball at one of the trolls, cause the other to be struck by lightning, and dropped a ballet on the last of them.
Bilbo's current stage on the Hero's Journey is "Crossing the First Threshold". He decides to be a burglar and steal a troll's coin purse (it doesn't go well for him). Gandalf is the "Mentor" and teaches him tactics that will help him in being a burglar, and that will work because he's too short to fight directly.
So far, re-reading The Hobbit has been pleasurable, and I look forward to continue reading it a second time. The scene with the trolls was memorable, because it is very humorous and Bilbo learns a lesson from it. I was struck by the fact that such a powerful wizard such as Gandalf used the simple trick of ventriloquism to defeat a powerful obstacle (in this case, a trio of angry trolls). Bilbo learns that you don't need to be powerful to be a good burglar.
The Hobbit starts with Bilbo Baggins, a 50-year old hobbit, enjoying a bit of smoking one morning. The wizard Gandalf soon arrives, and after some time, Bilbo invites him to tea. The next day, 13 dwarves arrive throughout the day, with Gandalf accompanying the last four dwarves. As it turns out, the dwarves think that Bilbo is a burglar (in the story, burglar means "treasure hunter").
The significance of the chapter is that it helps set up the "world" in which The Hobbit takes place. It describes the hobbits, the dwarves, and their respective cultures. Bilbo is very relatable. He's scared, but he has to face his "demons" sooner or later. I sympathize with him: He's going into a world that is much bigger than he is! We all face a world that is bigger than us (literally and/or figuratively) and we all have to face our "demons" sooner or later.
Bilbo's stage on the Hero's Journey is the "Call to Adventure". The call is when the dwarves invite him to go hunting for the treasure held by the dragon. Bilbo's "Refusal of the Call" is when he refuses to go out on the adventure. The poor hobbit is about to go out on an expedition that could get lost, starve and die, be killed by hostile creatures, or the dwarves and Gandalf might make it back, but poor Bilbo would be 6 feet underground somewhere away from home sweet home!
Chapter 2 has a memorable scene involving trolls. The dwarves send Bilbo to find supplies after their reserves of food and the like are lost. Bilbo runs into a trio of trolls, steals a key, gets caught, and the dwarves come to see what's wrong. The trolls abduct the dwarves. After catching the dwarves, the trolls debate on how to cook the dwarves when Gandalf uses ventriloquism to keep them debating so long that they're still out at dawn, at which point they turn to stone. They also manage to get some of the trolls' supplies. If you have read Lord of the Rings, you know that Gandalf could have launched a fireball at one of the trolls, cause the other to be struck by lightning, and dropped a ballet on the last of them.
Bilbo's current stage on the Hero's Journey is "Crossing the First Threshold". He decides to be a burglar and steal a troll's coin purse (it doesn't go well for him). Gandalf is the "Mentor" and teaches him tactics that will help him in being a burglar, and that will work because he's too short to fight directly.
So far, re-reading The Hobbit has been pleasurable, and I look forward to continue reading it a second time. The scene with the trolls was memorable, because it is very humorous and Bilbo learns a lesson from it. I was struck by the fact that such a powerful wizard such as Gandalf used the simple trick of ventriloquism to defeat a powerful obstacle (in this case, a trio of angry trolls). Bilbo learns that you don't need to be powerful to be a good burglar.
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