The Hobbit: Chapter 15-16 Summary/Review

Summary

Chapter 15

The thrush returns to the company and has a raven translate telling the dwarves that Smaug is dead. The dwarves were overjoyed, but it was short-lived when the thrush informs them that an army of elves and humans are marching toward their location. They all want to have a share of the treasure especially the struggling Lake Town townspeople. Thorin is greedy and believes that the treasure is his inheritance. Bard and some elvin representative asks Thorin to be generous enough to share the treasure since Thorin and his dwarves took hospitality in Lake Town. Thorin strictly refused, but Bard gives Thorin time to reconsider.

“You put your worst cause last and in the chief place,” Thorin answered. “To the treasure of my people no man has a claim, because Smaug who stole it from us also robbed him of life or home..... nothing will we give, not even a loaf’s worth, under threat of force. While an armed host lies before our doors, we look on you as foes and thieves." (Page 265-266; Paragraph 4)


After they left, Thorin told his dwarves that they will fight for their treasure and make sure no one gets it. Bombor, Fili, and Kili are the only dwarves that do not believe Thorin's idea.

Chapter 16

Bilbo hands the Arkenston to Bard and Elven Leaders

Thorin continues to search for the missing Arkenstone not knowing that Bilbo has it. The other dwarves worries about the army of humans and elves camped outside their doorstep. Bilbo believes that he must take it himself to prevent a war. Bilbo sneaks out using his ring and hands the Arkenstone to Bard and the Elven leaders. He tells them to use the Arkenstone as a peace offering so both sides don't start a war with each other. Amazed by Bilbo's courage and bravery, Bard takes the Arkenstone, and asks Bilbo if he would like to stay with them. Bilbo refuses and returns to the mountain. Bilbo meets Gandalf who is proud of Bilbo's actions. Bilbo, believing he did the best thing for both sides, walks back into the mountain.

Review

Tolkien showed the power of greed is destructive and can corrupt one's mind. Thorin's lust for the treasure and the Arkenstone proves this. Thorin turned on the people of Lake Town and the elves who helped him and his dwarves throughout their journey. Instead of paying them back with some treasure to help rebuild the destruction of Lake Town, Thorin told the once friends to scram. In Middle-Earth, humans, dwarves, and elves should stay allies because they are considered the "good guys". I think that Bilbo's act of wanting peace reflect to Tolkien wishing that World War I could end. Tolkien served in the British military and he wished that it would end.

Chapter 17 represents that the greatest thing to prevent war is peace. Although Bilbo is friends with the dwarves, he believes that the only way to prevent a war is for both sides to have a peace agreement. I have to agree to this myself because it is unwise to betray an ally or allies who had already helped you so much. Overall, I believe that Bilbo did the right thing.