Literary Element Breakdown of The Hobbit
“Though he is technically an adult, Bilbo Baggins, the hero of The Hobbit, undergoes a growth to maturity” (Grace 1). The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien is chock full of literary elements that aid in both storytelling and maintaining the reader’s attention. The story pursues Bilbo and his Dwarven companions through an adventure of great treasure and great peril. The story also contains many literary elements that this essay will go through, including character, theme, motif, symbol, and conflict.
First, Bilbo’s character evolves in a valiant way multiple times within the novel. One example is when Bilbo steals the Arkenstone from the Mountain and delivers it to Bard so he may persuade Thorin to share the Mountain’s
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After he saves the dwarves from the spiders, wood elves capture the dwarves and lock them in their dungeon. An excerpt from the novel describes the end of Bilbo’s breakout attempt, “Bilbo had done what he could to close holes in the sides of the barrels, and to fix on all the lids as safely as could be managed, and now he was left alone again, running round putting the finishing touches to the packing, and hoping against hope that his plan would come off” (Tolkien 167). A motif, by definition, is a reoccurring event within the novel, and saving the dwarves is most definitely a repetitive incident in this story. Dr. Grace notes this rescue rhythm in his article The Hobbit, “[Bilbo] defeats giant spiders single-handedly, rescuing the dwarves from them, and he rescues the dwarves again when they are captured by the elves” (Grace 1). This statement reinforces the idea that saving the dwarves is a reoccurring event, especially since this happens three times in the novel; rescue from the spiders, breakout from the Elven dungeon, and giving Bard the Arkenstone in order to foresstall an attack on the Mountain with the dwarves taking refuge …show more content…
For instance, when Bilbo slaughters the spider, “he felt a different person, and much fiercer and bolder… ‘I will give you a name,’ he said to it, ‘and I shall call you Sting’” (Tolkien 144). The act of naming his sword shows Bilbo’s newfound sense of power and fearlessness. This is another milestone for Bilbo’s character development; it is the segment of the story where he realizes his abilities and purpose. The remainder of the story, and Bilbo’s future decisions, are inspired by this event. The second symbol, Gollum’s arcane ring, symbolizes his home long ago, according to Schmoop’s Editorial Team, “calling it his ‘birthday-present’ reminds him of a time when he actually got presents and had birthdays – a very long time before The Hobbit starts” (Schmoop 1). After dwelling in tunnels for years upon years, deep under a mountain, Gollum’s physical and mental state are deteriorated to practically nothing and the exclusive talisman that delivers comfort, and goblins to eat, is that ring. It is a symbol of less lonely, easier times. To Gollum, it is a symbol of home. Both of these artifacts are representations of defining moments in Bilbo and Gollum’s lives. In importance, these two stand above the
Many showed up in groups of three or four, so that Bilbo couldn’t just turn them all down. They later asked him to come on their adventure with them. The dwarves had told Bilbo about their treasure that was stolen and Bilbo suggested that they go to Lonely Mountain to reclaim it. Bilbo really doesn't want to but feels forced to go. They left a piece of Bilbo's notebook paper on his mantle under a clock showing all the dangers he might encounter. Gandalf had come to tell him that he was going to be late if he did not leave soon to be with the dwarves, causing him to feel forced to go. In the movie, however, Bilbo Baggins is presented with a contract from the others involving his burglar services that he will use on the journey with them. He grabs a backpack before he runs out to catch up with the others. This makes the movie more realistic because no normal person would go on an adventure without grabbing anything for the long journey ahead. Bilbo now had a few items from his hobbit hole that would remind him of his home. The book shows Bilbo as more of a reluctant hero. In the book, Bilbo finds the letter on the mantle and decides to go at the last minute. He seems to have felt pressured, resulting in just running out of the hole and not grabbing any of his belongings. He leaves
Within J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, Tolkien uses the character of Bilbo Baggins to reveal to the reader the constant struggle between heroic and anti-heroic qualities within Bilbo and ourselves.
Bilbo is “not the hobbit that [he was] before he left the Shire (Tolkien, 360). He has lost his reputation as a perfectly predictable Baggins, but he has gained “the honor of dwarves, wizards, and all such folk as ever passed that way” (Tolkien 361). He spends his time now “writing poetry and visiting the elves,” and despite all the other hobbits’ disapproval of Bilbo and his adventures, “he [remains] very happy to the end of his days” which are “extraordinarily long” (Tolkien 361).
In the beginning both characters seem very much alike in the way that they are portrayed. Babbitt is shown as a well to do middle aged man enjoying an afternoon nap. He is also shown to be extremely average. Bilbo too is shown enjoying a pleasant afternoon in a very average way. Both personalities are basically the same: neither will take major risks and both would rather stay at home rather than go off on some kind of “adventure';. Both are what are considered prominent, wealthy, normal, conforming members of their communities. However, both Babbitt and Bilbo show inner turmoil with their need to be “free';.
Then one day a wizard by the name of Gandalf comes and gives Bilbo the opportunity to go on an adventure. Bilbo turns his offer down, but the next day thirteen dwarves come to his house. They have meals together and they sleep at Bilbo’s house. Gandalf then convinces him to go on an adventure with them. Bilbo is many things, in the beginning he is flat, static, main, and he is the protagonist.
During the middle of Bilbo and his crew's adventure they run into big trouble with the giant spiders. While asleep in the dark of the forrest Bilbo and the dwarves are surprised to find themselves tied up by the spiders. Using his sword later named Sting, Bilbo cuts himself free. He leads the spiders away from the dwarves by throwing stones in the opposite direction, then he sets the dwarves free with help from the invisibility ring so the spiders could not see him. Bilbo throws himself in harm all to guarantee the dwarves their protection. Another time Bilbo offered up his safety in order to ensure the dwarves was when he rescued all of them from the wood elves. As Bilbo and the dwarves were on a mission to find food somewhere, they run into the wood-elves. Bilbo put his ring on so he was invisibly but all the dwarves were locked up in the Elvenking's castle. After several weeks of exploring the castle, Bilbo comes up with his plan of escape. Bilbo steals the keys from the guard while he was not paying attention, then manages to set all the dwarves free. They are now all floating downstream in empty wine barrels. If it was not for Bilbo's yield, they would still be prisoners in there. It was risky business and Bilbo could be caught and locked up as well, but he did it and his plan was completed with a favorable
Finally, as the novel is coming to an end, it is apparent how much Bilbo Baggins has changed throughout The Hobbit. In the introduction of the book, Tolkien displays Bilbo as a fearful creature afraid to follow his Took roots. As the book continues, Bilbo sees things that change him and make him a stronger hobbit than the old Bilbo. By the end of the book, Mr. Baggins finally gained his well earned respect and found out that being an adventurer is not an awful thing to be. So, it seems as if the theme of change in The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien was shown through Bilbo’s character.
In chapter four a massive storm hits and the dwarves and Bilbo find cover in a cave, which actually belong to a group of goblins. Durin...
Also in the face of difficulties, he is often afraid and constantly daydreams of bacon and eggs and wishes himself back home. And yet Bilbo soon shows signs of bravery when he faces obstacles.In chapter 5 Bilbo finds the ring of invisibility and frees himself from Gollum in the exchange of riddles. It is important to note that Bilbo resists the urge to kill Gollum because he thinks it would be an unfair fight when Gollum is unarmed, while Bilbo is invisible and armed,”Not a fair fight. He was invisible now. Gollum had no sword….”(pg 87). Bilbo is presented as not only clever, but ethical. The ring helps Bilbo gain respect for him in between the dwarves in Chapter 6.In Chapter 8, when Bilbo faces a challenge with the spider he uses his blade(sting) to free himself from the spider web, he is described as feeling differently about himself, an indication that he is growing in self-awareness. At this point, it is clear that he is developing qualities of heroism and leadership. In Chapter 9, he displays both bravery and intelligence in making a plan for the escape of the dwarves to Esgaroth.He takes in charge and saves his friends. Finally,later on in Chapter 12, it is Bilbo alone who enters into Smaug the dragon's lair, because he was the one to discover how to use Thorin's key to open the door to the Lonely Mountain. He steals a cup and the Arkenstone from the hoard. He displays extreme bravery because he
The first stages of a hero’s journey, are the Ordinary World and the Call to Adventure. At the beginning of a character’s heroic transformation, the character lives in a world that they consider to be their safe place; the world in which they live their everyday life (Bronzite). For Bilbo Baggins, his safe place is his hobbit hole located in The Hill. “His home is a symbol of a mother’s womb, a safe place where he is still a child even in adult age” (Wiklander). His home being a symbol of a mother’s womb emphasizes that his home is a safe place, as the womb of a mother is often considered a safe place for developing infants. His hobbit hole is where he yields an ordinary life and the place where he spends a majority of his time. While in During the Ordinary World stage, readers learn “crucial details about the character, his true nature, capabilities and outlook on life” (Bronzite). Readers discover that Bilbo Baggins lives an extremely quiet life, absent of excursions and adventures. The narrator
Bilbo cleverly eluded Smaug’s temptation, spared the life of foul creature Gollum, and demonstrate courage more and more throughout his journey. These exquisite traits made Bilbo into the revered character that was loved and respected for generations of readers. Throughout the book, Bilbo’s character had changed. At first, he was the ordinary hobbit who described adventures as “Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things” (4) but by the end of his journeys stated to Thorin, “I am glad that I have shared in your perils” (290). Bilbo’s ability to fight evil, make new friends, and to look beyond his maps and books enable him to become a hero. As Gandalf once said at the very beginning, “There is a lot more in him than you guess, and a deal more than he has any idea of himself” (19). Gandalf was right. What appeared to be an uneasy hobbit who fainted at the thought of adventures, turned out to be a brave leader, a compassionate friend, and an inspiring
Bilbo begins his long journey with the dwarves, who at the time were still skeptical of Bilbo’s abilities. The dwarves didn’t see why they needed such a small incompetent hobbit with them along their journey. Gandalf tells them to stop complaining and to trust that there is more to Bilbo than meets the eye (Tolkien 6). Bilbo soon shows his courage and heroism for the first time in the story when they run into their first obstacle, three large trolls huddled around a campfire. Bilbo, who was once a shy, non-adventurous type, begins to develop into a hero as he tries to steal one of the trolls’ money purses. This is a dramatic scene in the novel because it was Bilbo’s very first act outside his comfort zone. It was this...
He starts off as a hobbit scared of the world and never wanting change in his life to ever become a great hero and adventurer. As he starts off his great journey he showed change for the first time and that he is willing to risk his life. As Bilbo embarks on this journey and continues helping the dwarves many traits form from this experience such as bravely as he stood up to the trolls. Shows the heroism that everyone has inside them even if they don't know
Perhaps this quest of self-discovering of Bilbo also reflects the trek everyone must also partake. The road to success is a combination of confidence, courage, love and support, and self-acceptance. Bilbo saves the dwarves multiple times, and accomplishes his task near the end of the book. This shows teens that good will come out of doing the right thing, and this will encourage them. Seeing and processing positive examples from the Hobbit will give teens the idea that doing the right thing is the most rewarding, and to not give up when confronted with difficulties in life. With careful readings and reflections, the Hobbit can motivate teens to make the right choices in life and inspire them to strive for success.
Bilbo doesn’t realize it at first, with the help of Gandalf he sees he has changed. He has become brave and fearless. He has also learned the value of friendship and kindness through his new friends and their journey together which has now forever