![]() The depiction of Gollum is a masterpiece of symbolic characterization. Thus you see Bilbo developing beyond his hobbit mildness into someone who can survive danger by using good judgment and taking appropriate risks. He also demonstrates a sense of ethics when he decides not to kill Gollum because of his unfair advantages of invisibility and a weapon. In this and in taking the final leap over Gollum and out of the cave, Bilbo demonstrates a bravery that he did not know he possessed. He relies effectively on his own ingenuity and resourcefulness to outwit both Gollum and the Goblins. In this chapter, Bilbo finds himself alone when confronting danger he is without the company of the dwarves or the direction of Gandalf. As they rush at him, he slips the ring on, becoming invisible, and narrowly escapes to the outside where it is light and the Goblins cannot follow. Bilbo escapes by an extraordinary leap over Gollum's head and through the passageway, but he runs into the Goblins. Bilbo thinks of killing Gollum, but decides it would not be fair, because Bilbo is invisible and Gollum is unarmed. Gollum, who can smell Bilbo, blocks his way. Bilbo, who is still invisible, follows him, thereby discovering the way out. Gollum is afraid that without the invisibility of the ring, he will be captured by the Goblins. Bilbo becomes invisible, and Gollum cannot find him to attack. Bilbo, who does not understand the power of the ring, slips it on his finger as Gollum runs to attack him. Gollum correctly surmises that Bilbo has it and confronts him, asking what is in his pocket. ![]() ![]() He goes to the hiding place where he keeps the ring, but it is gone. When he wears it, he is invisible and can more easily snag his prey. Gollum decides to get the better of Bilbo by using his birthday present, a ring. Because he lives alone, Gollum is in the habit of speaking to himself in a kind of hissing baby-talk, calling himself "my precious." Trying to assess Bilbo, he engages him in a game of riddles, at which Bilbo proves his equal. Gollum is a small, slimy, dark creature with pale eyes, named for the sound he makes as he swallows he preys upon Goblins and fish. As a hobbit, he can orient himself quite well underground, and he continues to descend the tunnel until he comes to a lake that he cannot cross, not knowing how to swim.īilbo is spotted by old Gollum, who lives alone on an island in the lake, which he navigates in a small boat. He wishes he were back in his comfortable home, eating. He finds a ring, which he absentmindedly pockets. Bilbo regains consciousness and, finding himself alone, tries to crawl through the tunnel.
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