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Motifs
Definition of Oxymoron
An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which two contradictory terms or ideas are intentionally paired in order to make a point—particularly to reveal a deeper or hidden truth... read full definition
An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which two contradictory terms or ideas are intentionally paired in order to make a point—particularly to reveal... read full definition
An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which two contradictory terms or ideas are intentionally paired in order to... read full definition
Chapter 16: A Thief in the Night
Explanation and Analysis—Honest Burglar:
In Chapter 16, Bilbo sneaks out of the besieged mountain, offering the Arkenstone as a bargaining chip for the Elvenking to coax Thorin out before all the dwarves (and Bilbo) starve to death. When the Elvenking questions Bilbo, the hobbit describes himself with an oxymoron:
“But how is it yours to give?” [the Elvenking] asked at last with an effort.
“O well!” said the hobbit uncomfortably. “It isn’t exactly; but, well, I am willing to let it stand against all my claim, don’t you know. I may be a burglar—or so they say: personally I never really felt like one—but I am an honest one, I hope, more or less. Anyway I am going back now, and the dwarves can do what they like to me. I hope you will find it useful.”
Related Themes:
