Fellowship of the ring (Chapter 1)

[G'broagfran]

The chapters set in the Shire are some of my favorites ones as they do two main things in my opinion. First they underscore the core of exactly what it is that the characters are fighting to protect. Peace and happiness as well as all the stupid self centered arguments that mean very little at the time but when far from home and in a dangerous situation are actually some of the fondest memories (or at least the funniest). Secondly it shows quite a bit of life as Professor Tolkien himself saw and lived it. From pipe smoking to enjoying ale the Shire IS pre-industrial England that he loved so. To a lesser degree it also connects the trilogy with the Hobbit which is also a good read but more of a children’s book and not really necessary to read before starting Fellowship. This chapter in particular reaffirms the friendship between Gandalf and Bilbo and even shows that it has changed. In the Hobbit Bilbo would never think to argue with Gandalf about anything and while in this chapter some of that is clearly due to the influence of the ring but Bilbo has clearly matured. Gandalf is wise enough to tell Bilbo as a friend some things that he might not want to hear. Sixty years of Shire history is detailed in this chapter as well from Bilbo’s return to his Eleventy first birthday celebration plans. This chapter draws us into the life of Bilbo as a hobbit and leads us directly into being interested in what Frodo is like and what is in store for him.