Second Breakfast with Cam & Maggie

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.  Have an obs...

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' so...

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. Have an observation, comment, or theory on this epis...

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. Have an obse...