Defending Thorin

Analytical Essay # 111893

Literature > World

Defending Thorin

An explanation of the character Thorin Oakenshield from JRR Tolkien's book, "The Hobbit".

1,749 words () | 2 sources | MLA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper focuses on a central character in JRR Tolkien's "The Hobbit" -Thorin Oakenshield who is the leader of a band of exiled Dwarfs. The author explains how Thorin is portrayed and the traits that drive him.
The paper also puts forward the arguments to explain or excuse the actions and intentions of Thorin Oakenshield in his dealings with other characters.

From the Paper:

"Thorin Oakenshield is one of the central characters of JRR Tolkien's The Hobbit, the leader of a band of exiled Dwarves seeking to reclaim their dragon-stolen homeland, and the rightful king of a once-prosperous realm. Throughout the story he is portrayed as a proud, stubborn, willful Dwarf who is driven by strong desires. These traits and drives often put him into conflict with other characters in the story and it is easy for the reader to view Thorin in a harsh, unflattering light- especially when Thorin is drawn into opposition of characters like Bilbo Baggins and the wizard Gandalf. Near the end of The Hobbit he becomes King Under the Mountain, reclaiming his lost birthright. While in this capacity he is forced to make decisions which place the Dwarves against not only their neighbors but also against one member of their own party. These actions, however, are not taken purely out of greed and they are not evil actions; they are the decisions of a proud King thrust into a difficult position. King Thorin Oakenshield is a noble Dwarf of royal lineage who sought to reclaim the Lonely Mountain for the good of all his people, who sought not to cheat others but whose pride sometimes drove him to rashness."