The Hobbit, or, There and Back Again Chapter 18 Quotes
The Hobbit, or, There and Back Again Chapter 18 Quotes
How we cite the quotes:
Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote 1
"I beg of you," said Bilbo stammering and standing on one foot, "to accept this gift!" and he brought out a necklace of silver and pearls that Dain had given him at their parting.
"In what way have I earned such a gift, O hobbit?" said the king.
"Well, er, I thought, don't you know," said Bilbo rather confused, "that, er, some little return should be made for your, er, hospitality. I mean even a burglar has his feelings. I have drunk much of your wine and eaten much of your bread."
"I will take your gift, O Bilbo the Magnificent," said the king gravely. (18.46-9)
Bilbo's moral code is incredibly rigid when it comes to payment: if he has received a service or profited off somebody, he has to pay for it. It's not just the Elvenking; he also leaves the stolen keys with the drunken guard in the Elvenking's dungeons so the poor guy doesn't come in for too much criticism. Perhaps this strong moral understanding of the importance of payment is why Bilbo is so reluctant to accept much treasure?
Quote 2
When Gandalf saw Bilbo, he was delighted. "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." (18.14)
Up until Gandalf's surprise that Bilbo has survived the Battle of Five Armies, we don't think we've ever seen Gandalf be wrong before. Can you think of other examples? What are the limits on Gandalf's wisdom? How does Gandalf use his knowledge as a tool earlier in The Hobbit?
Quote 3
There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West. Some courage and some wisdom, blended in measure. If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world. But sad or merry, I must leave it now. Farewell! (18.19)
As Thorin is dying, he gives Bilbo credit for "Some courage and some wisdom, blended in measure." Of these two virtues – courage and wisdom – which do you think Bilbo values more? How about Thorin himself, or Gandalf? Why?