In the Shadow of the Star: Discussion Thread (Part 1) - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

mark12_30 · 02-24-2003, 05:47 AM

Sharon and Orual:

Regarding Bilbo's key, the wardrobe, and the party dress...

I don't know quite what you have in mind, Sharon (can't imagine Bilbo keeping dresses, nor Frodo either, but Rose was there for a while before Frodo left) but my quick point is, I think that Sam would have had the wardrobe unlocked and opened, by a professional locksmith if necessary, and kept it aired out and fresh and clean even if he kept the contents absolutely untouched.

The reason I feel that Sam wouldn't have left the wardrobe locked: too much risk of mustiness, mildew and mold underground. I should think that even the best of hobbit-holes need to be either aired out regularly or heated well, to make sure that they stay dry, I think, and I bet Sam would have been very cautious about that.

If there were heirloom dresses in there-- I find myself wondering whether Sam would have given them to Miz Rose to wear? Rose, in her turn, may have reluctantly worn them only to please Sam and returned them immediately, clean and pressed, to the wardrobe? Could be some fun in that.

Just some stray thoughts. Feel free to argue?

--Helen

02-24-2003, 05:47 AM	#11
mark12_30 Stormdancer of Doom Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Elvish singing is not a thing to miss, in June under the stars Posts: 4,349	Sharon and Orual: Regarding Bilbo's key, the wardrobe, and the party dress... I don't know quite what you have in mind, Sharon (can't imagine Bilbo keeping dresses, nor Frodo either, but Rose was there for a while before Frodo left) but my quick point is, I think that Sam would have had the wardrobe unlocked and opened, by a professional locksmith if necessary, and kept it aired out and fresh and clean even if he kept the contents absolutely untouched. The reason I feel that Sam wouldn't have left the wardrobe locked: too much risk of mustiness, mildew and mold underground. I should think that even the best of hobbit-holes need to be either aired out regularly or heated well, to make sure that they stay dry, I think, and I bet Sam would have been very cautious about that. If there were heirloom dresses in there-- I find myself wondering whether Sam would have given them to Miz Rose to wear? Rose, in her turn, may have reluctantly worn them only to please Sam and returned them immediately, clean and pressed, to the wardrobe? Could be some fun in that. Just some stray thoughts. Feel free to argue? --Helen __________________ ...down to the water to see the elves dance and sing upon the midsummer's eve.