Dwarves vs. Hobbit

     The majority of the characters in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit are dwarves, making them imperative to both the story line and the quest of which they are partaking. However, I believe they are also used to draw a sharp comparison between the dwarves and Bilbo. This reading continues to build a comparison of the dwarves and the hobbit, drawing upon the actions and mannerisms of both parties. In class, we discussed that Bilbo and Gandalf were similar, and that perhaps Bilbo was in some way or another meant to take Gandalf's place among the crew. In any case, the dwarves do turn to Bilbo to supply a plan, as we see in the passage: "What then do you propose we should do, Mr. Baggins?....What are we to do now, to-day?" (page 198*). Not only does this passage begin to show the dwarves reliance upon Bilbo, but it also shows the dwarves lack of lack of thought about anything other than the treasure which they believe is rightfully belongs to them. The dwarves also have a certain naivety about them. Bilbo cautions them saying, "I believe [the thrush] is listening, and  I don't like the look of him." Yet Thorin replies, "Leave him alone!...The thrushes are good and friendly" (page 205). Yet after the thrush leaves, Bilbo becomes very agitated, sensing that they are unsafe. It turns out to be a well-placed feeling of caution as "not a moment too soon...a blow smote the side of the Mountain" (page 208). After the dwarves followed Bilbo to the dragon's hoard, they wonder over the gems they find. An insight to the character of a dwarf is brought to light when it is stated, "The mere fleeting glimpses of treasure which they had caught as they went along had rekindled all the fire of their dwarvish hearts; and when the heart of a dwarf, even the most respectable, is wakened by gold and by jewels, he grows suddenly bold, and he may become fierce" (page 214). This "fire" seems to grow and consume the dwarves as "long before the dwarves were tired of examining the treasures, [Bilbo] became weary of it and sat down on the floor" (page 215). This shows that while the dwarves are most interested in their treasure, Bilbo is able to maintain an awareness of the situation that they are in while the dwarves seem to revel in the jewels surrounding them without much care to what may come next. I think it is important to watch the differences between Bilbo and the dwarves as they occur, and to see what influence one has on the other, as we already know that the dwarves have spurred Bilbo's "Tookishness".

I got confused with the opening of the side door. What happened? Why did the key hole suddenly appear? Why did the thrush pick up a snail?

*I have a different book than the majority of the class. I am typically 1.5-2 pages behind you. For example, page 198 in my book is most likely page 200 in yours.