After reading The Hobbit, the character of Bilbo most catches my attention of how Tolkein transformed him into a new person throughout the book. In the beginning Bilbo appears to be somewhat of a jerk to the dwarves, Gandolf, and everyone else he comes in contact with. However, by the end of the book Bilbo has obviously changed and is the hero. If Bilbo had stayed as the same person he was at the beginning of the book, I would not have found this book as interesting as it was. I believe that Bilbo serves as a good reminder to all of us that kindness, friendship, and loyalty are always more appealing to those around us than being rude, timid, and untrustworthy. Bilbo also ties into the theme of fantasy that anyone can become a hero, as long as they do the right thing and work hard.
In the beginning Bilbo is rude to Gandolf. He repeatidly tells him “good morning” hoping to get rid of him. Bilbo has no interest in the adventure Gandolf presents him. Even though Gandolf trusts him with such great and heavy responsibility, Bilbo is still lacking the self esteem and interest to go on such an adventure. When the dwarves arrive at his door step, Bilbo does not enjoy hosting them. Just because you are unaware of such a large party of guests coming does not exempt you from common curtsey. However, Bilbo’s attitude towards Gandolf and the dwarves changes as the story progresses.
Bilbo begins to feel the responsibility of taking care of the dwarves, especially after Gandolf leaves. This first occurs in the chapter of “Flies and Spiders.” Bilbo saves the dwarves from the spiders showing a large amount of courage that I was unaware Bilbo had in him. “Bilbo saw that the moment had come when he must do something.”(p.143) Bilbo sang songs to confuse the spiders of where he was, and he freed each dwarf by himself. Tolkein is beginning to tap into theme of becoming a hero as Bilbo’s character is faced with danger time after time. Even though Bilbo would have much rather been in his warm hole drinking hot tea, he choose to help out his friends and save their lives.
Again in the story Bilbo shows true heroism when the elves capture Thorin and the rest of the dwarves. During the “Barrels Out of Bond” chapter Bilbo creates and carries out a master plan to free the dwarves by stuffing them each into barrels and setting them free through a trap door. Although Bilbo wears the ring he received in the goblin’s cave that makes him invisible, he still shows bravery by his actions. Bilbo says, “No time now! You just follow me! We must all keep together and not risk getting separated. All of us must escape or none, and this is our last chance. If this is found out, goodness knows where the king will put you next, with chains on your hands and feet too, I expect. Don’t argue, there’s a good fellow!”(p. 161) By showing the elves his loyalty and commitment in helping them he is becoming a hero.
Tolkin shows the reader through the character of Biblo the possibiltiy of anyone becoming a hero, even if they seem completely unfit and unable.
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