The Hobbit - Chapter 06 - Out of the Frying-Pan Into the Fire

[Estelyn Telcontar]

A common proverb gives this chapter its title, and in the course of its events we find out that it is used as an equivalent to the original proverb coined by Bilbo:

Escaping goblins to be caught by wolves

Of course, had it been used as the title, it would have given away what happens...

Bilbo's solitary adventure is over, and he is fortunate to find his friends so soon. The conversation he overhears shows us how important Gandalf considers him; like the Biblical Good Shepherd, he would leave the dwarves alone to go back and search for the hobbit. The newly-found ring enables Bilbo to impress the others with his 'burgling' abilities. Why do you think he was reluctant to tell them about it? I also wonder why it is mentioned that the dwarves were especially interested in his account of the riddle competition.

I'm not quite sure from Gandalf's tale whether he brought the dwarves out of the mountains by the back door as well - how would they have managed to pass the goblin guards? Wouldn't those then have been more agitated by the time Bilbo came there?

Bilbo's hunger is mentioned several times in this chapter, both early, when travelling on with the others, and later in the Eagle eyrie. Is that just to remind us of his hobbit nature, or do you think there's more significance to it?

The trees save their lives at first when the wolves/Wargs enter the picture, but they are also a trap. There's no escaping from them. The element of fire is a two-edged sword as well; was Gandalf reckless in using it without taking their own danger by the flames into account?

What are your thoughts on the 'partnership' between the goblins and the Wargs? Who do you suppose the Men are that have built homes near this location?

The noise and the fire alert the deux ex machina of Middle-earth. What does this passage tell us about the race of the Great Eagles? We also read clues as to Gandalf's relationship with them, and the reason they are willing to do him a favour.

There's poetry to discuss here as well, though 'only' goblin rhymes. What do you think of their songs?

The chapter closes with Bilbo's dream; any ideas as to its significance? It reminds me of Frodo's dreams in LotR...


What are your favourite lines? One that amused me is this:

The wizard, to tell the truth, never minded explaining his cleverness more than once...