Blog 4: Notable Moment in The Hobbit

My notable moment is in the beginning of chapter 5.

• "Go back?" he thought. "No good at all! Go sideways! Impossible! Go forward? Only one thing to do! On we go!" So up he got, and trotted along with his little sword held in front of him and one hand feeling the wall, and his heart all of a patter and a pitter.  (page 92)

Up until this point, Bilbo Baggins has been the caboose of the group. He is always lagging behind and complaining. His favorite thought is that he should have stayed in his hobbit hole instead of joining in on this adventure. All of his energy goes toward thinking of missed meals and his comfy home.

When the group escapes the goblins and flees into the mountain with Gandalf, they are separated from Bilbo. We would expect, from his previous attitudes in sticky situations, that he would just sit and wait for Thorin and Co. to come rescue him. It surprised me when, without much complaining, Bilbo decided that he and his 'little sword' would set off in search of an exit from the mountain. This is the first time Bilbo sees in himself the ability to be a valuable part of the group. He can participate in this adventure, instead of just tagging along. Gandalf chose Bilbo for a reason. He knew the Tookish side of him would eventually come out and save the day.