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PotbellyHairyfoot
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Post Talking animals as a plot tool; Whats with that?
on: September 17, 2013 03:27
This is the latest topic added to the book forum, but as it applies in scope to more that just The Hobbit, I thought that I'd also add the topic to this forum. Could you please add any comments to the Book Club thread.
Thankyou

Talking animals, birds especially, play a critical role in The Hobbit.
They rescue the travelers from the burning tree, Bard found out about Smaug's weak spot from one, and another advises the dwarves, gives them updates on their opposition, and notifies the Dwarves of the Iron Hills for them.
Did Tolkien show himself yo be ahead of his time in realizing the intelligence of the creatures we share the planet with, was this just a way to more easily get of of corner and advance the plot, or was there some other reason to give voice to normally voiceless creatures?

Also, do you think that the talking animals found in this story may have influenced C.S. Lewis towards his use of talking animals in the Narnia stories
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