The Hobbit, or, There and Back Again Chapter 15 Quotes
The Hobbit, or, There and Back Again Chapter 15 Quotes
Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)
How we cite the quotes:Quote 1
"I am Bard, and by my hand was the dragon slain and your treasure delivered. Is that not a matter that concerns you? Moreover I am by right descent the heir of Girion of Dale, and in your hoard is mingled much of the wealth of his halls and towns, which old Smaug stole. Is not that a matter of which we may speak? Further in his last battle Smaug destroyed the dwellings of the men of Esgaroth, and I am yet the servant of their Master. I would speak for him and ask whether you have no thought for the sorrow and misery of his people. they aided you in your distress, and in recompense you have thus far brought ruin only, though doubtless undesigned."
Now these were fair words and true, if proudly and grimly spoken; and Bilbo thought that Thorin would at once admit what justice was in them. He did not, of course, expect that any one would remember that it was he who discovered all by himself the dragon's weak spot; and that was just as well, for no one ever did. But also he did not reckon with the power that gold has upon which a dragon has long brooded, nor with dwarvish hearts. (15.41-42)
Bard lays out his case pretty clearly for why his people deserve some of Thorin's treasure. What rational arguments does Thorin use to try and rebut Bard's points? How does Thorin try and make his case for the morality of hoarding his treasure? If Thorin plans to keep his treasure anyway, why does he make a show of listening to Bard at all?
Quote 2
I will not parley, as I have said, with armed men at my gate. Not at all with the people of Elvenking, whom I remember with small kindness. In this debate they have no place. Begone now ere our arrows fly! And if you would speak with me again, first dismiss the elvish host to the woods where it belongs, and then return, laying down your arms before you approach the threshold. (15.46)
After Smaug has been killed, Bard and the Elvenking approach Thorin. Bard demands some part of Thorin's treasure, considering that Smaug fell on Lake-town and killed lots of people, and since Bard himself is Smaug's killer. Now that Thorin has his mountain kingdom to defend, his response is completely rigid: he won't talk while the elves are there, and he won't talk while the human armies are there. Do you think Bard has a right to Thorin's treasure? How about the Elvenking?