Which best explains how the subplot of the dwarves and their greed support the main plot in the hobbit? it shows why the goblins would be so eager to go to war at the lonely mountain in great numbers. they know that a conflict is happening between the peoples of middle-earth and that they can take advantage. it explains why bilbo would use the arkenstone to bargain with. bilbo knows that thorin's greed for the arkenstone is the only tool he has to persuade him to join forces with the men and elves. it shows that gandalf has been fighting evil in mirkwood and highlights the growing danger in middle-earth. it ties into the feud between the elves and the dwarves.