Hunter Thompson Post 2 The Hobbit

I have been reading The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien for a while now in anticipation for the movie version to be released. I am currently on chapter XI entitled "On the Doorstep". So far Bilbo and the thirteen dwarves have made it as far as Lake Town after narrowly escaping the giant spiders living in the enchanted forest Mirkwood. Not to mention the fact that they were all captured by the wood elves that also live in the forest. Taken prisoner in the Wood Elves' castle, none of them dare try to escape due to the fact that it is impossible. Yet once again Bilbo comes to the rescue after narrowly missing the wood elves before taking the others hostage. Bilbo quietly retrieves all of the dwarves and they head down to the storage area in the castle where they once again narrowly escape the wrath of another dangerous enemy by leaving via small river. Except this time they are hidden in barrels, except for poor Bilbo who has to swim his way to shore. After they all wash up on shore and are all recovered from their barrels, they head for Lake Town. Upon arrival they are treated as kings for claiming to be the the King Under the Mountain. After being taken care of, they set sail for the mountain in which the dragon (and the treasure) is stored. So far this book is very captivating and awe-inspiring. I think this is due to the fact that I've never read a book as detailed and amazing as The Hobbit. I think Tolkien wrote this because he wanted to show the world what he was thinking at the time. This was probably his motivation because he had an imagination like no one else and probably knew it. I still think that Bilbo proves the fact that the theme in this book is, "no matter who you are, you can accomplish amazing feats". Bilbo is still my favorite character because he is the last person you would expect to overcome such great challenges. Yet since last my last blog post he has not really grown or changed that much. "Well! Here we are!...And I suppose we ought to thank our stars and Mr. Baggins. I am sure he has a right to expect it, though I wish he could have arranged a more comfortable journey. Still- all very very much at your service once more, Mr. Baggins. No doubt we shall feel properly grateful when we are fed and recovered." This is my favorite quote because it shows that the dwarves and Bilbo are still a team after all they have been through. Though my only question remains the same, why did Gandalf have to leave Bilbo and all thirteen dwarves behind?