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Because of The
Hobbit and his later trilogy, The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien
is identified as the “father” of modern fantasy literature. This book is
a perfect balance between action, cunning characters, and desires for
the Underground Kingdom.
I chose to read The
Hobbit not just because I’ve heard multiple complements about it but
also because I’ve always been interested in Tolkien’s work. At first, I
didn't understand the storyline of the book and was therefore confused
and didn't understand the characters Tolkien was introducing. Second,
the book was very humorous and light. I questioned if the book was
supposed to be a comedy with the way the author described everything. It
didn’t really make sense to me.
I soon realized the
reason why Tolkien made Bilbo Baggins so comical. When Bilbo and the 13
dwarves set out on the journey, the book became darker and more
dangerous. So, not wanting the book to become depressing, Tolkien made
Bilbo have more hope than the others. I soon found myself late at night
not wanting to put the book down, (many times getting in trouble from my
parents) being drawn in to the multiple obstacles and adventures this
hobbit was put through. I found the storyline interesting and
captivating.
The thing that I found
funny was the fact that Bilbo had not wanted to be disturbed in the
first place. He was part of a family that was highly praised and
respected by all the other Hobbit families. And then, all of a sudden,
Gandalf comes knocking on his door with 13 dwarves in tow. He finds
himself leaving the Shire without a handkerchief and not a clue as to
what is to come or why he has been chosen to go. The dwarves hadn't even
liked him all that much; they thought he was just dead weight. He often
wishes he was in his cozy hobbit hole drinking hot tea and feeling the
breeze through his circular door.
One thing that I think
Tolkien was trying to get across to his readers is that even though
Bilbo is a hobbit, small and not someone to be praised for a great deed,
he was chosen to go on a great adventure. He's the most unpredictable
person and ends up being brave, knowledgeable and creative. All this and
Bilbo is only 3 feet tall with hairy toes. Bilbo shows many times that
he can be held accountable for his actions and that there is a reason he
was picked for this journey by Gandalf.
Another thing that
really amazed me was how much Tolkien developed each race and their
beliefs. He made the characters seem so real and believable. There are
the hobbits who never care to stick their nose in other people's
business and love drinking their brew and smoking pipe weed. They aren't
great warriors or very wise, yet they have a charm that makes them very
likable. Then there are the goblins. They are foul and gruesome. They
take no mercy on other living creatures and enjoy causing pain and
misery. They have a very big ego and once defeated are very fond of
revenge. The elves are described as beautiful and enchanting, but they
have a very hostile side once they are angered. Men are strong, but
above all, desire power and riches.
When you read a book, you expect to be
captured into its words. You expect to be shown its world with great
description and energy. You want to make connections with the
characters, to be taken away with the adventures and complications
written in the pages. In every story, you read between the lines,
producing thoughts of your own, asking questions and trying to conclude
the end of the book. That was J.R.R. Tolkien’s plan, and that’s exactly
what he did.
The Hobbit tells you all about
Bilbo's fears and victories. It tells you how Bilbo Baggins learns that
just because he’s small and has no prior experience with the other
races, he can help save his new-found friends and be just as heroic as
any man, dwarf or elf. You witness him mature throughout the pages as he
gains knowledge and experience. You also see his mind broaden to expect
the unexpected. Though at first he was reluctant to go on any adventures
or journeys, Bilbo finds that he loves the outside world. His life has
new meaning and definition. He finds that his companions soon become
great friends. Biblo meets many new beings, some pleasant, like Beorn, a
very large man that becomes very fond of Bilbo and some not so pleasant
like the the goblins, whom Bilbo would be more then happy to stay away
from.
Throughout the pages of The Hobbit,
you realize that no matter how ignorant and naïve you are, you can grow
to be a like someone in story books. You can learn to role with the
punches. You can become someone who is wise and mature. Thinking about
how Bilbo grew up, learning that if he didn’t stick his nose in other
peoples business that no harm will come to you, you see how he is going
against his instincts by walking down the road with a wizard know as the
“Disturber of the Peace”. Even though Bilbo has no idea what he is
getting into, he deals with the tasks at hand, not asking for any praise
at all, and helping out the 13 dwarves tremendously.
This story is a wonderful piece of
literature that didn't bore me to death. I loved reading it at night,
not able to tell myself to put it down and go to sleep. It captured me
into its pages. It made me think of it even after I finished it, and it
made me want to go on a journey of my own. I will forever remember the
book that made me believe I could do anything. J.R.R. Tolkien
writes in a way that made me believe every word he put to paper. He made
this world seem so realistic that I thought it actually existed. I
believe this book would appeal to anyone. So go out and try it. See a
hobbit’s confidence rise and unlock the legend of Smaug.
Overall, The Hobbit
is very interesting and captivating. I love the way Tolkien phrases his
words and made me believe everything he wrote. He made it seem as if
Middle Earth existed and was an actual place. I loved The Hobbit
and I will forever remember it.
I rated this book an 8 out of 10. |
