Reading Response #2: The Hobbit

     I am continuing to read The Hobbit and have reached an interesting point in the story. Bilbo, Gandalf, and the rest of the dwarves have all been captured by a pack a goblins. The main dwarf, Thorin, is wanted by the white orc. The white orc and Thorin fought many years ago and Thorin cut off the orc's arm in battle. The orc wants revenge and the goblins know that. They send out one of their own to relay news to the orc telling him that they have Thorin. I like the way J.R.R. Tolkien writes this part of the book, with such great storytelling ability and excitement, that makes the reader want to keep reading to know what happens next. This quote utilizes just part of the greatness of Tolkien with,

“It was at this point that Bilbo stopped. Going on from there was the bravest thing he ever did. The tremendous things that happened afterward were as nothing compared to it. He fought the real battle in the tunnel alone, before he ever saw the vast danger that lay in wait.”  (Pg. 99).

     This quote explains how Bilbo is trying his hardest to sneak by the the goblins to save his friends. The part when he says, "Before he never saw the vast danger that lay in wait." makes the reader really want/need to know what happens next in the story. This quote just shows the brilliance of J.R.R. Tolkien's writing style.This picture reminds me of what the goblins in the tunnels would look like. I can picture them being really ugly looking and really creepy. I have a feeling the orcs will have a big part in the rest of the story.