Question

The dwarves looked at him with quite a new respect, when he talked about dodging guards, jumping over Gollum, and squeezing through, as if it was not very difficult or very alarming. Which theme does this pasasge develop?

Answer 1

One is often surprised by misconceptions about others

Answer 2

During this particular passage the theme refers to how one is often surprised by misconceptions specially about those that appear weaker than we visualize ourselves.

This passage evidently shows how we as society itself tend to underestimate one another therefore leading us to be in awe once our true colors show.

Hope this helps! This book is definitely a MUST.