The Hobbit - Chapter 12 - Inside Information

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Finally – this chapter introduces us to the Dragon Smaug! Despite the danger and excitement that this brings, for me the most important element of the chapter is dialogue, especially between Smaug and Bilbo. We have witty exchanges, proverbial sayings, and significant informational connecting passages.

The dwarves, as so often in this book, don’t look too good in this part of the story.
They hang back from entering the caves and tunnels of the Mountain and let Bilbo go into danger alone. “Decent enough... if you don’t expect too much” is as good as comments about them get. Of all of them, Balin is shown to be the best in this situation. In Tolkien’s other books, we see dwarves who are heroes.

Bilbo shows his courage here, with his going on into unknown danger praised as his greatest bravery. He manages to converse with the dragon skilfully, keeping Smaug intrigued with his riddles, and even withstands the spell tolerably well. We do read that he feels as a dwarf when he sees the treasure – do you think that would apply to any race, or are hobbits naturally closer to dwarves?

What do you think of the description of Smaug? At any rate, the question of whether or not he is winged is not enigmatic! Obviously the dwarves did not really think through what they would need to do to get rid of him and reclaim their treasure. The dragon himself points out the problems to Bilbo – and plants the seeds of doubt and suspicion over their truthfulness in his mind. How do you feel when you read Smaug’s conversation with him?

Again, a thrush plays a role in the development, though we don’t know what significance it will have yet. I can’t help but wonder why Tolkien chose thrushes to be magical and important birds in this story. Why do you think Bilbo does not trust the bird?

We hear the dwarves tell of the various treasures, with the Arkenstone being the most significant. What do you make of it?

At the end of the chapter, the point of view changes, and we follow Smaug, hearing his thoughts and knowing what he plans to do next. That gives the reader a cliff-hanger feeling, though Bilbo and the dwarves do not know what occurs while they wait in the tunnel.

What aspect of this chapter is special to you?

I enjoy the proverbs with a twist; here are a few of them:

'Third time pays for all.' (Bilbo quoting his father)
'Every worm has his weak spot.' (ditto)
'Never laugh at live dragons.' (Bilbo’s own invention)