Discussion: The Hobbit -- Chapter 18: The Return Journey
1. Bilbo remarks to himself that victory seems a gloomy business. Although I'm sure it's not meant to be that way, it seems very prophetic for Frodo's later journey and the victory at the end of The Lord of the Rings.
2. Gandalf's delight at seeing Bilbo alive seems a bit out of character for the stately wizard. Not that he's glad that Bilbo is alive, but that he's so enthusiastic about it. "Baggins!" he exclaimed. "Well I never! Alive after all -- I am glad! I began to wonder if even your luck would see you through! A terrible business, and it nearly was disastrous. But other news can wait. Come!" he said more gravely. "You are called for;" and leading the hobbit he took him within the tent.
3. Who cried at Thorin's death? Come on...raise your hands. If Thorin had survived, do you suppose he would have changed his opinion of Bilbo?
4. Although it's not recorded in this story, do you think it likely that Bilbo may have met Legolas on the march back toward Mirkwood? It seems likely that Thranduil's son would have marched with his father's army.
5. I know how Bilbo feels at the end of the chapter. It's the last stage of getting home from a journey that always seems the longest -- though I've never had quite such a trip as this!
2. Gandalf's delight at seeing Bilbo alive seems a bit out of character for the stately wizard. Not that he's glad that Bilbo is alive, but that he's so enthusiastic about it. "Baggins!" he exclaimed. "Well I never! Alive after all -- I am glad! I began to wonder if even your luck would see you through! A terrible business, and it nearly was disastrous. But other news can wait. Come!" he said more gravely. "You are called for;" and leading the hobbit he took him within the tent.
3. Who cried at Thorin's death? Come on...raise your hands. If Thorin had survived, do you suppose he would have changed his opinion of Bilbo?
4. Although it's not recorded in this story, do you think it likely that Bilbo may have met Legolas on the march back toward Mirkwood? It seems likely that Thranduil's son would have marched with his father's army.
5. I know how Bilbo feels at the end of the chapter. It's the last stage of getting home from a journey that always seems the longest -- though I've never had quite such a trip as this!