ThereAndBackAgain Readalong
“A Burglar Indeed.” The Lure of the Arkenstone
The Hobbit — Ch. 13 Not at Home — The Arkenstone and the rising of Bilbo’s and Thorin’s leadership
The previous chapter ends with Smaug ravaging the mountain and finally deciding to punish the Men of Lake Town, which he presumes to be the cause of all the disturbance.
Originally, Tolkien planned to have the chapter about that sortie in this position, followed by the exploration of the Lonely Mountain by the Dwarves and Bilbo. But then he decided for a reverse of chapters, which was a good decision, because it heightens the mystery of the disappearance of the dragon and gives the reader the opportunity to feel the same anxiety of the Dwarves.
First thing once they’re trapped inside, the party decide to explore the place. As it may be expected, the Dwarves want Bilbo to do it the hard job, as it’s happened several times before. But story-wise, this is a crucial decision.
Bilbo goes forth alone, crosses the night of the hoard chambers at the light of a little torch, and stumbles (really by chance?) upon the Arkenstone, the very treasure Thorin longs for.
The crossing of the hoard chamber makes a leader of…
