Discussion of The Hobbit, Chapter Seven

Join Maggie and Cam as they encounter yet another new creature, Beorn! He's hairy and grim and maybe a way for Tolkien to talk to us about disappointing father figures. This episode explores the chapter's many structural echoes and the value of callbacks. We also debate the power of repeated foreshadowing [hi, Mirkwood] and once again bemoan the lack of dwarvish character development. Cam continues to reference Winnie-the-Pooh, but this time he has evidence.

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Discussion of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (Extended Edition)

Join Maggie and Cam in this special episode exploring the 2012 movie adaptation of The Hobbit. This film covers the first six chapters of the book. Cam and Maggie discuss the film's production history and analyze it as its own work, before digging into the many interesting deviations and creations in this adaptation. This episode explores the expanded prologue and the film's relationship with the larger LOTR universe. We also reflect on the screen representations of Gandalf and Bilbo as they compare to their book counterparts. Later on, we debate whether or not the songs work better in a movie, but we agree that the eagles are still weird. Gollum's eyes are the wrong color.

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Discussion of The Hobbit, Chapter Six

Join Maggie and Cam as they encounter snarling, red-eyed wolves and eagles who apparently speak English. This episode explores the limits and convenience of Tolkien's magic system. We also debate the ring's hold over Bilbo and continue to question Tolkien's relationship with environmentalism. Cam suggests that the eagles know about Bilbo's secret - and declares that all dogs are bears.

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Discussion of The Hobbit, Chapter Five

Join Maggie and Cam as they meet the slimiest creature in all of Middle-earth - Gollum! This episode analyzes the obvious and unexpected similarities between Bilbo and Gollum, as well as Tolkien's exploration of each character's subconscious. We also discuss the introduction of the Ring and consider the literal and poetic extent of its corruptive power.

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Discussion of The Hobbit, Chapter Four

Join Maggie and Cam as they journey through their favorite chapter thus far! This episode explores a sudden escalation of dramatic stakes and Tolkien's tricky hybridization of narrative styles. We also reconsider our disappointment with Chapter Two and celebrate some long-anticipated dwarvish development. Cam finally enjoys fantastical singing.

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Discussion of The Hobbit, Chapter Three

Join Maggie and Cam as they continue their journey through Tolkien's Middle-earth. This episode explores the narrator's impatient time jumps as missed opportunities for character development. We also discuss Tolkien's talent for accessible worldbuilding, and consider a few emerging narrative patterns. Maggie leads an aggressive deep-dive into the Elves' songs.

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Discussion of The Hobbit, Chapter Two

Join Maggie and Cam as they continue their journey through Tolkien's Middle-earth. This episode explores Gandalf's role as a narrative safety net and Bilbo's shortcomings as an adventurer. We also analyze the tonal shift in Tolkien's nature descriptions and consider a possible occurrence of dwarvish magic.

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Discussion of The Hobbit, Chapter One

Welcome to Second Breakfast! Join Maggie and Cam as they begin their journey through Tolkien's Middle-earth. This episode explores the connection between Tolkien's lyrical narration and Bilbo's voice. We also question the dramatic stakes of this adventure, and analyze Thorin's ambitious breakfast order. Cam confronts his disdain for high fantasy.

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