“I am like a burglar that can’t get away, but must go on miserably burgling the same house day after day.” (Pg. 173) In what way is this quotation an example of Tolkien’s writing style? How is it also an example of irony?

This quote is a great example of Tolkein's prose. The irony can be found in the fact that Biblo never wanted to be a burglar, and yet here he is fulfulling his role a little more everyday. Bilbo said the words above while wandering in an endless circle through the Elvenhalls, when the dwarves were imprisoned, and he was alone. He was forced to steal food in order to survive.