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Analyzing Characters in Tolkien's The Hobbit Essay example

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Analyzing Characters in Tolkien's The Hobbit

The Hobbit (1937) by J.R.R. Tolkien is an exciting novel, an adventure that takes on a whole new meaning. At the start of the novel, Bilbo Baggins, an ordinary hobbit, is doing what the ordinary hobbit does, just staying at home. Hobbits are very comfortable with life and look for no excitement or change whatsoever. When Gandalf shows up on the doorstep of Bilbo Baggins' cave (home), it was a major shock to him. Slowly dwarves show up at his doorstep, after Gandalf leaves, they slowly appear groups at a time. After thirteen dwarves show up on Bilbo's doorstep and make themselves at home, Bilbo starts to freak out and wonders why this is happening to him on a beautiful, and what he thought …show more content…

By the end of the novel, Bilbo becomes a wise hobbit who leads his companions out of harm's way and out of danger. The quest for Bilbo is not only a search for the treasure but also for the hidden aspects of his character. Bilbo is the protagonist of the novel, and throughout the adventure, there is no question if he is part of the good forces. He remains an honest hobbit until the end, not persuaded by an excessive desire for gold or by the need to prove his worth and power. The entire story demonstrates that Bilbo is a decent guy and he will not change under any circumstance. Never does he complain about his concerns for food and comfort. He does not want this to affect or influence his behavior or the group's behavior in any way throughout journey.

His changes start at his first attempt of stealing from trolls. After almost being eaten, and barely escaping, the first stage of his transformation begins. On page 30, this quote explains that Bilbo is changing from his norm:

"To the end of his days Bilbo could never remember how he found himself outside, without a hat, a walking-stick or any money or anything that he usually took when he went out; leaving his second breakfast half-finished and quite unwashed-up, pushing his keys into Gandalf's hands, and running as fast as his furry feet could carry him down the lane, pass the great Mill, across The Water and then on for a mile or more."

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