Hobbit2 - Chapter 14 - Fire and Water

[Estelyn Telcontar]

This chapter goes back in time and away from the point-of-view of its main character(s). I remember reading that Tolkien originally wrote this part differently but revised it before publication. Perhaps I'll check out Rateliff's History of the Hobbit for more, but let's begin the discussion first.

Tolkien uses a similar narrative technique to heighten suspense later in LotR, telling a long passage from one (or more) character's pov, then going back to (an)other(s). Do you feel this technique succeeds here?

Just like the Dwarves, who are clueless about Smaug's fate in the previous chapter, we find that the inhabitants of Esgaroth don't know what to expect here. Their misguided optimism is almost fatal, and the seemingly surly pessimism of Bard saves many lives both immediately and almost certainly in the future. Is his suspicion prophetic or merely common sense?

I still don't understand the significance of destroying the bridges to combat an enemy that can fly.

How do you feel about the introduction of a previously unknown hero who kills the dragon instead of Bilbo or the Dwarves?

What part do the wily words of the Master have in the hostile encounters coming up?

Do you see the hostility between the Elven-King and the Dwarves as increased by the curse of the dragon's hoard?



You can read the previous discussion here.