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Post by Sparrow on Sept 16, 2004 20:15:13 GMT -6
After a period of respite and refreshment in Lake-town, the adventurers return to their quest. On a late autumn day, Thorin and company depart in boats provided and laden by the men of Lake-town. This leave-taking is described in the final paragraphs of the chapter. What do these paragraphs reveal about relations between the men of Lake-town, the Elves, and Thorin and companions? How does it compare and contrast with that of the Fellowship leaving Lothlorien in Lord of the Rings?
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Post by Stormrider on Sept 21, 2012 6:44:36 GMT -6
The Elvenking now knew what Thorin's mission was and would not allow any treasures to pass back through Mirkwood without some kind of tax on them.
The Master of Laketown thought Thorin and Company were frauds and he was surprised and frightened when Thorin said he wanted to leave town and continue on their journey. He never really thought the Dwarves would actually approach Smaug. However, he was rather glad to see them go since it was expensive to keep them and they distrupted business by turning the town into a long celebration. The Master decided to let them bother Smaug and see how the dragon welcomed them. So he offered to help them leave with the comment that the town trusted the Dwarves gratitude when they regained their kingdom.
They left Laketown in three large boats with lots of supplies and the singing of the townsfolk. Horses and ponies were sent on a head to meet them when they reached their landing-place. Bilbo was the only one who was not happy.
So the people seemed cheered and encouraged but the Master of Laketown was not very sure of the outcome. I don't think he really cared what happened to Thorin and Company at all. He was glad to get rid of them and expected not to ever see them again.
There is no comment on how the Dwarves actually felt as they left on the last lap of their journey--only that Bilbo was not happy. I imagine Bilbo was scared! I wonder what Thorin was thinking at this time.
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Leaving Lothlorien: Galadriel bestowed special gifts suited to the needs of each member of the Fellowship. She gave special care to what she gave each of them. They set off down the river, too. The song Galadriel sung was a more peaceful song than what the people of Laketown were singing for Thorin and Company's send off.
There was hope in the successful outcome of the Fellowship's Quest. The people of Laketown seemed to have hope for Thorin's Quest but the Master sent them off to get rid of them and without caring if the dragon ate them or not. But if Thorin succeeded, both the Master and the Elvenking seemed to expect compensation back from the Dwarves.
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