Hobbit2 - Chapter 09 - Barrels Out of Bond

[Kath]

I always found the Elves in this chapter very interesting, even more so after reading Lord of the Rings. If the Elves are these incredibly wise, all-knowing and intelligent creatures why do they imprison the Dwarves? They must know that they are not going to be any real threat, especially within the home domain of the Elves. Yet these Elves are quick to anger, love treasure in a similar fashion to the Dwarves and shut the Dwarves up somewhere rather than engaging them in discussion.

Really the chapter gives more information about the inherent distrust and dislike the Elves and Dwarves have for each other. Or rather, an implicit understanding that these races just do not get on. Reading Lord of the Rings after this and the chapter in which Gimli must be blindfolded to enter Lothlorien, despite the Dwarves having had no real negative dealing with the Elves in years and the fact that Sauron is at large in the world - it is an interesting little extra detail in the story. Old hatreds continuing with no reason.

One thing I love here is the 'breaking the fourth wall' aspect that pops up. When Tolkien mentions to the reader that we have probably figured out the flaw in Bilbo's plan - he has no barrel! The feeling of secret, inside knowledge it gives you as a reader makes you enjoy the chapter even more. It makes you worry for Bilbo because you are then more involved in wanting to know how he is going to get out! It's a very effective little one liner.