Bilbo's Beginnings
This is the reason Bilbo wants nothing to do with adventure
What is valuing comfort and predictability?
Bilbo’s choice not to kill Gollum marks a turning point because it shows this new quality.
What is moral compassion?
The barrel escape demonstrates Bilbo’s growing strength in these two areas.
What are courage and leadership?
Bard’s role in killing Smaug highlights this theme of lineage and fate.
What is destiny and heroic lineage?
Bilbo hides during the battle because he values these things more than glory.
What are survival and perspective?
Gandalf's choice to include Bilbo on the quest highlights this major theme
What is "small individuals can change great events?"
The Eagles’ rescue emphasizes this theme about unexpected help.
What is the role of unexpected allies?
The Master of Lake-town welcomes Thorin mainly because he hopes for this.
What is political and economic profit?
Thorin’s obsession with the Arkenstone demonstrates this corrupting force.
What is greed?
Thorin’s final words to Bilbo show he feels this about his earlier greed.
What is regret?
Bilbo’s attempt to pickpocket a troll reveals the tension between these two sides of his personality.
What are Tookish courage and Baggins caution?
Beorn’s character reflects Tolkien’s interest in this force that exists apart from civilization.
What is nature’s independence from civilization?
Smaug’s conversation with Bilbo reveals that the dragon’s greatest weapon is this.
What is intelligence and psychological manipulation?
Bilbo giving Bard the Arkenstone shows he values these principles above loyalty to Thorin.
What are peace and fairness?
Bilbo’s return to the Shire shows that adventure has changed him in this way.
What is becoming someone others can’t fully understand?
The ancient blades found in the trolls’ cave symbolize this idea about the past.
What are ancient conflicts that still shape the present?
Bilbo’s victory over the spiders is important because it’s the first time he does this.
What is acting without guidance?
Bilbo’s titles like “Barrel-rider” and “Ring-winner” show he hides truth using this technique.
What is speaking in riddles or poetic language?
The major argument before the Battle of Five Armies arises from these competing claims.
What is the treasure?
The auction of Bilbo’s belongings reveals this truth about society.
What is how quickly society forgets individuals?
Bilbo’s final riddle, “What have I got in my pocket?”, shows he survives by doing this.
What is deliberately cheating to survive?
The enchanted stream and forest of Mirkwood symbolize this danger.
What is losing direction or purpose?
The thrush bringing news about Smaug suggests this theme about the natural world.
What is nature participating in the struggle against evil?
The arrival of the goblin army changes everything because it forces this to happen.
What is former enemies uniting?
Bilbo’s entire journey follows this classic narrative structure.
What is a hero’s journey of transformation?