Which theme does this passage from The Hobbit develop? The dwarves indeed no longer needed any urging. All were now eager to explore the hall while they had the chance, and willing to believe that, for the present, Smaug was away from home. Each now gripped a lighted torch; and as they gazed, first on one side and then on another, they forgot fear and even caution. They spoke aloud, and cried out to one another, as they lifted old treasures from the mound or from the wall and held them in the light caressing and fingering them.

a) Good always overcomes evil.

b) Mercy is sometimes necessary and can lead to good things.

c) Greed is a powerful force that can lead to one's downfall.

d) Seemingly ordinary individuals can do extraordinary things.