The Hobbit Thesis Paper free essay sample

How Bilbo Baggins Changed From the Beginning to End of His Journey In this adventurous story The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien, a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins goes through an important and powerful change during the course of this story. He has gained and lost things along the way and also learned a valuable lesson. It is interesting how Bilbo changes during his journey with the dwarves and Gandalf. Bilbo loved the comfort of his hobbit hole as well as its security. Once he agreed to go on an adventure with Gandalf and the dwarves, Bilbo wasnt the same hobbit he used to be back home. The main character of J. R. R. Tolkiens The Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, had a different attitude towards adventures from beginning to end. In the beginning he did not want to go on any adventures and he was unconcerned and mindless about the universe. We will write a custom essay sample on The Hobbit Thesis Paper or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page His attitude towards adventures is evident in this quote, Sorry! I dont want any adventures, thank you. (Tolkien, 6) From this quote we see that he does not take any interest in Gandalfs offer. Thus we get the impression of Bilbo not being an adventurous person and not very enthusiastic about the topic of it either. He clearly has no interest in the world outside of his hobbit-hole. Gandalf does want him to go on the adventure, so he ends up tricking Bilbo into joining him. Towards the end of the story Bilbo is more open minded about his surroundings, is clever in solving problems, and is willing to put himself in danger just to save his friends. He shows his sense of cleverness, bravery and courage to save his friends in these two quotes, Bilbo saw that the moment had Ruiz 2 come when he must do something. (Tolkien, 158) The idea came to him to lead the furious spiders further and further away from the dwarves, if he could; to make them curious, excited and angry all at once. (Tolkien, 159) From these quotes we see that Bilbos character is willing to confront his fears in order to save the dwarves. In conclusion, we see that Bilbo is no longer the hobbit he used to be; guarded, wary, and cautious. Now he has become bold, brave, sociable, and daring. He would do anything just to save the dwarves. Along the way, he has gained a few things. What he gained during his journey was a share of the treasure, friendship, and self determination. As their adventure come to a conclusion, Bard gives Bilbo a share of gold and silver as seen in this quote, This treasure is much yours as it is mine; I would reward you most richly of all. (Tolkien, 292) He shows friendship when he has saved the dwarves, even if they did not really like him that much. For example, The idea came to him to lead the furious spiders further and further away from the dwarves, if he could; to make them curious, excited and angry all at once. (Tolkien, 159) This shows that he cares about his friends and would again do anything to keep them safe. Bilbo shows self confidence when he defeats the giant spider of Mirkwood. This is shown in this quote, He felt a different person, and much fiercer and bolder in spite of an empty stomach. (Tolkien, 156) This shows that killing that giant spider all by himself made him feel like he is capable of anything. Thus, by doing this act, he has gained his true self confidence. He has not only gained a few things, but he has also lost something as well. He had lost his reputation and was no longer respected. It is shown in this quote, Indeed Bilbo found he had lost more than spoons- he had lost his reputation. It is true that for ever after he remained an elf-friend, and had the honour of dwarves, wizards, and all such folk as ever passed that way; but he was no longer quite respectable. He was in fact held by Ruiz 3 all the hobbits of the neighbourhood to be queer. (Tolkien, 303-304) Since he is now adventurous, the other hobbits seem to look at him as non-hobbit-like. Therefore, Bilbo feels like he is no longer the hobbit he used to be before he went on his journey. After all the action and intensity of his adventure, Bilbo learns a very valuable lesson. He learned about sacrifice, fearlessness, and boldness. It is evident in the quote, Bilbo reappeared, and charged into the astonished spiders unexpectedly from the side. Go on! Go on! he shouted. I will do the stinging! And he did. (Tolkien, 165) We see that Bilbo begins to feel a certain kind of obligation to be courageous not just for his friends, but for himself as well. Therefore, he is determined to face up to what he fears and even puts his life on the line for his friends. From being a hesitant hero, hobbit Bilbo transformed himself into a noble, courageous and vigilant hero. Throughout the story, Bilbos transformation emerges, his ability to protect himself and the dwarves becoming more evident with the adventure he undertook with them. Inspite of his reluctance to take up the challenge given to him by Gandalf, Bilbo hit his summit by demonstrating how one can stand up for his faintheartedness and even putting his life at stake for the welfare of others. An altruistic hero, that is Bilbo, his willingness to sacrifice himself for what is truthful and just, exemplifies that a hero lies in each and everyone of us, we just have to find our inner strength and stand up to what is worthy and true. Works Cited: Tolkein, J. R. R. The Hobbit. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1973. Print.