Symbols:
Sting-the name Bilbo gives his sword is a symbol for the type of damage he is able to do to his opponents; Bilbo is not a very powerful being and thus he does not wield a particularly powerful weapon.
The Ring-Bilbo finds the ring when he encounters Gollum. The ring is a symbol for evil, which can be seen in how it affects Gollum. The ring also infatuates Bilbo, which shows evil's true power.
Spider-the gigantic spider that Bilbo slays in this section represents the huge odds that the band of dwarfs is facing in their journey, and Bilbo will help them succeed.
Video about giant spiders: http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/animals/bugs-animals/spiders-and-scorpions/tarantula_goliath.html
Connections and Questions:
Riddles-there are many instances where riddles are used in mythology, such as the Sphynx's riddle in Greek mythology.
Gandalf helps the group so much, would they be able to complete their quest without him? Do all fantasies have some kind of perfect, constant helping force like Gandalf?
Why is Bilbo so willing to help people he never met before the journey? What keeps him ticking?
It seems that you have a lot of questions that need to be answered, Ryan. I admire your ability to notice symbolism in a novel. You really sell the book..
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