The Hobbit Chapter II: Roast Mutton

Study Notes

Chapter II: Roast Mutton Overview

Bilbo wakes to find evidence of a large breakfast, indicating a hasty departure of the dwarves and Gandalf.
A note from Thorin and Company reveals their plan and gratitude, stating they have already left for the Green Dragon Inn.
Bilbo must rush to join them, leaving behind his breakfast and essential belongings like his hat and money.

Key Characters

Bilbo Baggins: A hobbit unprepared for adventure, conflicted between comfort at home and participation in the journey.
Gandalf: The wizard who emphasizes urgency and facilitates Bilbo's involvement in the adventure.
Thorin Oakenshield and Company: The group of dwarves that Bilbo joins, each arriving with various belongings on ponies.

Journey Begins

The group sets off on ponies, with Bilbo wearing too-large clothing borrowed from Dwalin, making him look comic.
As they travel, the landscape shifts from familiar Hobbit lands to desolate regions known as the Lone-lands.

Challenges Encountered

The weather worsens, turning cold and rainy, leading to a grumpy atmosphere among the dwarves.
Travel difficulties escalate with tired ponies and unaccustomed conditions, compelling Bilbo to long for the comfort of home.

Encounter with Trolls

The dwarves notice a mysterious light in the woods, arguing over whether to investigate. They ultimately decide to send Bilbo as their burglar.
Bilbo discovers three trolls toasting mutton and discussing their lack of human flesh. He hesitates to warn the dwarves or rob the trolls, feeling anxious and out of place.

Bilbo's Attempt and its Consequences

Bilbo's unsuccessful attempt to pick a troll's pocket results in capture, leading the trolls to consider cooking him.
A chaotic fight ensues among the trolls, providing Bilbo a chance to escape.

Dwarves’ Capture

The dwarves arrive sequentially, each being caught in sacks by the trolls, revealing their vulnerability against these larger foes.
Thorin, aware of the danger, attempts to fight back but gets captured nonetheless, illustrating the dire situation.

Themes and Motifs

Adventure vs. Comfort: Bilbo grapples with his desire for home and the call to adventure, highlighting the conflict within adventuring characters.
Camaraderie: The connection between Bilbo and the dwarves strengthens, despite their initial hierarchy of roles and responsibilities.
Humor Amidst Danger: The comic portrayal of Bilbo in borrowed clothing and the trolls’ absurd nature inject humor into an otherwise perilous tale.

Symbolism

The Trolls: Represents the perils of adventure and the unpredictability of encounters that await travelers in unknown lands.
Bilbo’s Journey: Symbolizes growth and transformation, establishing the groundwork for Bilbo's character development throughout the story.### Encounter with the Trolls
The group of dwarves is captured by three trolls after a fight, tied up in sacks while the trolls debate their fate.
The trolls argue over whether to roast, mince, or squash the dwarves; their conflict provides comedic relief.
Bilbo, observing from a bush, is terrified and injured, unable to intervene.

Gandalf's Intervention

Gandalf returns unnoticed and secretly manipulates the trolls into bickering until dawn.
At dawn, trolls turn to stone as they are exposed to sunlight, ending their threat to the dwarves.

Rescuing the Dwarves

Gandalf helps Bilbo down from the bush, and they untie the dwarves, who are frustrated and suffocated from being in bags.
The dwarves have an unpleasant experience listening to the trolls’ cannibalistic plans.

Discovery of the Troll Cave

Gandalf suggests searching for the trolls' hideout as they must have a cave to escape the sun.
They find a stone door to a cave marked by troll footprints but struggle to open it.

Finding Treasure

Bilbo produces a key he found; the group unlocks the cave and discovers food, coins, and various items.
The cave contains remnants of past victims including clothes and weapons, particularly two notable swords taken by Gandalf and Thorin, and a knife for Bilbo.

Aftermath and Escape

The group takes food and gold from the cave, leaving with provisions much better than their own.
They secretly bury the pots of gold near the river, protected by spells, before continuing their journey.

Gandalf's Briefing

Thorin inquires about Gandalf’s absence and learns the wizard went ahead to scout the path.
Gandalf encountered two elves from Rivendell who warned of the trolls’ danger and shared information about the area.

###Themes and Morals

Highlights the power of cleverness over brute strength as Gandalf outsmarts the trolls.
Emphasizes the importance of teamwork and resourcefulness in overcoming challenges during their journey.

Description

Explore Chapter II of 'The Hobbit' where Bilbo discovers the chaos left behind after the unexpected breakfast. This chapter delves into the aftermath of the previous night's adventure and sets the tone for further escapades. Join Bilbo as he navigates the mess and reflects on his experiences.