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Hobbit Analysis

Surprisingly captivating, The Hobbit is a wonderful example of fantasy literature. It encompasses a very well built world view while never revealing too much and allowing the reader to slowly develop their perception of middle earth. As we follow Bilbo, we are slowly introduced to an incredible and very odd world. Bilbo is very similar to us as we are very unaccepting or at least judgmental of a world so different than our own. So as Bilbo is thrown into this fantastic adventure that drastically changes his life, we too are now thrown into a world than demands to be acknowledged. As bilbo is gradually brought into the ever more and more dangers of the world outside the shire, we too are slowly introduced to the people and circumstance of the environment. Something else that is done exceptionally well is the history and effects of past action. While some of the history is simply “long long ago” (as is seen too much in too many fantasy stories) many of the events are put into perspective and happen in a very realistic timeline. For example, Thorin Oakenshield’s quest to regain his homeland is not one that sprouted of an event thousands of years ago. The tale of the dragon Smaug was one that occurred during Thorin’s lifetime. His grandfather, current king under the mountain at the time, was the one that lost his kingdom.  The discussion of long ago history talks about the creatures that once were or are fading out, like Beorn the skin changer. This character is less man and more nature, or connected with animals and an environment. He symbolizes a time long past when nature over powered and surpassed humanity and human presence int he world. His history is unknown to even Gandalf and he is considered an ancient creature. Even the entire race of elves are said to be at the end of their time. Possibly a discussion of the end of magic to the world as it could be that this world is earth, only a very long time ago. Their end could be a slow end to the presence of natural magic in the world. Even with characterization, some attributes are characteristic to species and some more specific to a certain character, but these are almost never differentiated from, making each character and individual in their own right and giving life to every mythological creature. Though the world is very fantastic, the progression of the events, the characters, and the outcomes of quests seem very real and relatable. 

Bridgette Olavage

Comments

  1. Abby FitzgeraldOctober 12, 2017 at 6:47 PM

    I wholly agree with your analysis; Bilbo acts as a character for us to relate to and learn through, leading us in our own discovery of his fantastical world. The ending of natural magic signifying that Middle Earth is slowly becoming Modern Earth is something I hadn't really thought about in depth, but you are right- placing the timeline of The Hobbit in the middle of a progression of time rather than just saying "long, long ago" is unique and compelling.

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