Review: The Hobbit – Chapter 2: "Roast Mutton"
Introduction
The second chapter of The Hobbit, titled "Roast Mutton," marks the true beginning of Bilbo Baggins’ adventure beyond the comforts of Bag-End. While "An Unexpected Party" introduced the journey conceptually, this chapter thrusts Bilbo into his first real challenge, testing his courage and resourcefulness. It also establishes the dangers of the outside world while maintaining the lighthearted tone characteristic of Tolkien’s early storytelling. The encounter with the three trolls—Tom, Bert, and William—serves as both a humorous episode and an important lesson for Bilbo as he begins to step into his role as the company’s burglar.
Plot Summary
After reluctantly joining Thorin and Company, Bilbo embarks on his first adventure outside the Shire. As the group travels eastward, Bilbo begins to experience the hardships of adventuring—cold weather, uncomfortable sleeping arrangements, and a general sense of unease. This discomfort is further amplified by his longing for the warmth and safety of his hobbit-hole.
One evening, while scouting ahead, Bilbo stumbles upon a fire in a clearing and discovers three large trolls—Tom, Bert, and William—roasting mutton. Eager to prove himself as a capable burglar, Bilbo attempts to pickpocket one of them but is immediately caught. The trolls, with their coarse and dim-witted nature, argue over what to do with him, giving Bilbo enough time to panic. Shortly afterward, the dwarves arrive one by one, each getting captured in a comical yet tense sequence.
Just as the trolls prepare to cook their prisoners, Gandalf returns and cleverly tricks them. Mimicking their voices, he provokes them into arguing until dawn. As sunlight touches them, they turn to stone, as trolls in Tolkien’s world cannot endure daylight. The company then searches the trolls’ cave, discovering valuable weapons, including a small sword that Bilbo takes for himself—later named Sting—foreshadowing its significance in his character development.
Analysis
Bilbo’s First Test as a Burglar
Bilbo’s attempted burglary is a defining moment that highlights his inexperience and hesitation. While he was chosen for his potential, this chapter demonstrates that he is far from ready to fulfill the role Gandalf envisioned for him. His attempt to steal from the trolls is clumsy, and instead of showcasing his skills, he ends up needing to be rescued. However, this failure is crucial—it establishes a baseline for his growth. By placing Bilbo in an unfamiliar and dangerous situation, Tolkien begins his transformation from a reluctant traveler into a hero.
Moreover, this scene emphasizes Bilbo’s internal struggle between his hobbit-like nature and the Tookish adventurous side within him. He wants to prove himself, but his instincts and lack of experience betray him. His fear and failure here contrast sharply with his future resourcefulness in later chapters, making his eventual growth more rewarding.
Gandalf as a Trickster Figure
Gandalf’s timely intervention solidifies his role as the company’s protector, but more importantly, it demonstrates his cunning and wisdom. Instead of using brute force, he outsmarts the trolls, manipulating them into arguing until dawn. This not only showcases Tolkien’s use of humor but also reinforces one of the book’s central themes—wit and intelligence triumphing over brute strength.
Gandalf’s actions here are reminiscent of trickster figures in mythology, such as Loki or Anansi, who use deception and cleverness to outwit more powerful foes. By presenting Gandalf in this way, Tolkien injects an element of playfulness into the narrative while also subtly reinforcing the importance of wisdom over physical power.
The Trolls as Comic Villains
The three trolls—Tom, Bert, and William—are among Tolkien’s most humorous antagonists. Unlike the menacing Smaug or the fearsome goblins introduced later, these trolls are portrayed as bumbling, ill-tempered, and easily manipulated. Their cockney-like dialect and constant bickering make them more comedic than threatening, fitting the whimsical tone of The Hobbit.
However, despite their humor, they also serve as an early warning that the world outside the Shire is dangerous. Had Gandalf not intervened, Bilbo and the dwarves would have been cooked and eaten. This balance between lightheartedness and real peril is a hallmark of Tolkien’s storytelling, ensuring that the book remains engaging for both children and adult readers.
Themes and Symbolism
The Consequences of Overconfidence
Bilbo’s eagerness to prove himself leads to his capture, emphasizing the theme that growth requires experience. His overestimation of his abilities serves as a cautionary moment, reminding both Bilbo and the reader that confidence alone is not enough—one must develop skills and knowledge to succeed.
Intelligence Over Strength
Gandalf’s deception of the trolls underscores a recurring theme in Tolkien’s works: wisdom and cunning are more valuable than brute force. This idea will later be echoed in The Lord of the Rings, particularly with characters like Frodo and Sam, who rely on perseverance and cleverness rather than physical power.
Light vs. Darkness
The trolls’ weakness to sunlight ties into Tolkien’s broader motif of light triumphing over darkness. In many of his works, evil creatures fear the light, symbolizing the power of goodness and truth. The transformation of the trolls into stone is a literal and symbolic victory of light over darkness, reinforcing the idea that malevolent beings cannot withstand purity and truth.
Writing Style and Tone
Tolkien’s narration in this chapter continues to be warm, playful, and engaging. The lighthearted descriptions of the trolls’ foolishness balance the tension of Bilbo’s capture, ensuring that the scene remains entertaining rather than overly frightening. The humorous dialogue between the trolls also adds to the book’s charm, demonstrating Tolkien’s ability to craft memorable and distinct voices for even minor characters.
Furthermore, the pacing of the chapter is well-structured, gradually building suspense as Bilbo sneaks up to the trolls, leading to his capture, the dwarves’ arrival, and finally, Gandalf’s clever resolution. This progression keeps the reader engaged while subtly advancing Bilbo’s character arc.
Conclusion
"Roast Mutton" is a crucial chapter in The Hobbit, marking Bilbo’s first test as an adventurer while reinforcing key themes of intelligence over strength and the importance of experience. Although Bilbo fails in his initial burglary attempt, his encounter with the trolls sets the foundation for his eventual growth. Gandalf’s cunning intervention highlights the power of wit and wisdom, while the humorous yet dangerous nature of the trolls introduces the balance of lightheartedness and peril that defines Tolkien’s storytelling.
Ultimately, this chapter serves as both an entertaining episode and an essential turning point, moving the story from the safety of Hobbiton into the wild unknown. It reminds the reader that adventure is filled with challenges, but even the most unlikely heroes have the potential to learn and grow.
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