Abstract This paper examines how the theme of race and destiny in J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" is revealed in Bilbo's utter lack of power to decide what course he may take in his life. Gandalf and the treasure hunting dwarfs invariably use his racial features to clandestinely find a treasure they are too big to get a hold of due to their larger height and weight. The paper discusses how the theme of destiny is formed in the novel, as Tolkien gives Bilbo little choice in refusing an identity that is based on consent.
From the Paper "By realizing the physical size of Hobbits of Middle Earth, one can realize why Gandalf chose this race of beings to impart on secretive journeys. The Hobbit sets a precedence of race since Bilbo's tenacity as a small humanoid helps him travel in a clandestine manner."
A discussion of the qualities and traits of the main character, Sam Gamgee in "The Two Towers",by J.R.R. Tolkein and an analysis of whether Sam Gamgee qualifies as a hero.
1,645 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 4 sources, 2001, $ 53.95
Abstract This paper discusses the role of Sam Gamgee as Frodo Baggins's companion in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, specifically the books, "The Two Towers", and "The Return of the King". The author discusses the two main characters and their relationship.
From the Paper "John Ronald Reuel (J.R.R.) Toliken was a distinguished scholar of Anglo-Saxon literature, in particular of the epic poem Beowulf (Modern Critical Views 1). Being merely a diligent student, however, did not make him famous. Rather, his own greatest works, ?The Hobbit,? and the trilogy, ?The Lord of the Rings,? brought him his greatest fame. The trilogy continues where "The Hobbit" leaves off, with Bilbo Baggins passing the story on to his younger cousin, Frodo."
Abstract This paper looks at the main characters of the books "Harry Potter", "The Wonderful World of Oz" and "The Hobbit". It argues that each of these characters are "unlikely heroes" which makes the story even more charming for young readers. These heroes are compared to each other.
From the paper:
"At the beginning of the Harry Potter saga, the reader is introduced to the boy who will become the epicenter of the Hogwarts world as a small, scarred baby nestled in the arms of a large, bury and uncouth gamekeeper.
Although the image of Dorothy Gale has largely been fixed in the world's mind as the luminous Judy Garland, crooning ?Somewhere Over the Rainbow,? in the actual first book in the Oz saga, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Frank Baum, the reader's first vision of Dorothy is somewhat different. In the book, Dorothy Gale is introduced as a poor, young girl on a depleted dust bowl farm in the middle of Kansas during difficult economic times. The land is flat and dry and her world is flat and dry.
The fantastic world of Middle Earth created by J.R.R. Tolkien is populated by creatures such as elves, wizards, and trolls. Yet the central, saving figure of his first book The Hobbit, the saving sort of creature who will take over the function of hero in the rest of the novels in The Lord of the Rings series is that of a Hobbit. A Hobbit is a small, furry, frequently hungry creature who at first seems to bear little resemblance to the ethereal elves or the wise wizards such as Gandalf. Hobbits have not even been awarded one of the great rings in the division of power that in Middle Earth. Yet it is a Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, who ultimately gains control over the ring that shall rule them all."
A paper which examines what makes the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, especially the second book in his "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, "The Two Towers", such a remarkable piece of literature.
Abstract The paper begins with an overview of the life of author J.R.R. Tolkien and questions how Tolkien's life impacted on the "Lord of the Ring" trilogy. The features that make the book outstanding are discussed. The paper then considers how Tolkien's imaginary world applies to the modern world. Finally, the themes of the book are described. Each of these discussions are completed with a focus on the second book of Tolkien's trilogy, "The Two Towers".
From the Paper "The third influence worth noting is Tolkien's experience in the war. Tolkien did not serve in the war for long, but did lose almost all of his friends in the war. It can be expected that such an event would impact on his writing. This can be seen, not in the writing style of the work, but in the themes. How power corrupts individuals is one of the themes of the book. This can be related to Tolkien's own experience. He and his friends were sent to a war by those in power, where his friends died. Despite this being the decision of those in power, they were not the one's doing the fighting. This is likely one of the underlying factors in Tolkien's life that led him to incorporate the corruption of power into this works. The statement that the book makes about power will be discussed further in the themes section.
Abstract To this day the works of J. R. R. Tolkien are considered pinnacles in the realm of fantasy and adventure writing. From his elves, hobbits, dwarves and brave men all fighting evil and aiding in the ultimate triumph of good, Tolkien based his world and its histories upon adventure. This paper examines Tolkien's first hobbit novel, "The Hobbit", explaining that, while it is just as full of adventure as any of his other works, "The Hobbit" also centers around the central theme of the common ordinary being encountering adventure and thus becoming an uncommon hero.
Abstract This paper explains that, in his novels "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings", J.R.R. Tolkien describes a powerful Ring of satanic power that corrupts whoever possesses it. The author points out that the plots of the two novels resemble each other although the action in "The Lord of the Rings" is much more involved with many more episodes, a larger cast of characters and a much more serious tone. The paper relates that, as he did in the earlier novel, the protagonist Gollum plays an important role in "The Lord of the Rings" utilizing qualities that link him to the characters of Bilbo and Frodo. This paper includes many quotations directly from the books and from resource material.
From the Paper "Later, Gandalf uses the word "devours," when referring to the corrupting power of the Ring. One feels that, initially, Tolkien conceived of the evil of the Ring in terms of gluttony. Richard Mathews writes about the loss of freedom that comes when one is in possession of something evil, like the Ring. "Those driven by greed, possessiveness, hatred are tied irrevocably to the past Fall and to time" Also of significance is the fact that those who are obsessed by the Ring or by other treasures do not use what they have."
Abstract In J.R.R. "Tolkien's Fellowship of the Rings", the medieval world is continually referenced. This paper focuses on three areas, including: Tolkien's philosophical borrowings from the Middle Ages, the medieval style of the language he uses, and the similarities between the village life of Middle-Earth and that of the Anglo-Saxons.
From the Paper "If Tolkien was interested the philosophy of the middle ages, then he was enamoured with its language. As a child of the late 19th century he grew up in time when English literature was being affected by the rediscovery of the medieval. Medieval epics were revived and reincorporated into national mythologies. Fairy and folk tales became popular once again and there was a renewed interest in Beowolf and other northern epics. Since interest in these stories required an understanding of the various languages and dialects in which they were written, a new interest in philology (literally meaning 'the love of words') arose - something which Tolkien was particularly taken with. The languages out of which his art grows are Old English ,Old Norse and Old Saxon."
Abstract In this article the writer maintains that an underlying theme of materialism and its negative effects on people is present throughout the novel 'The Hobbit'. The writer points out that by bringing about the downfalls of all of the novel's selfish characters, Tolkien demonstrates that greed and materialism lead unerringly to suffering, and that true happiness can be found only through selflessness. The writer notes that the consequences of greed can be seen in a multitude of characters, even some who are normally viewed as moralistic, although they are most prevalent in characters such as Gollum and Smaug.The writer concludes that at the end of the novel, one finds that all of the characters who allowed greed to consume them are either dead or in a state of constant suffering.
From the Paper " On the contrary, Bilbo never demonstrates this mixing of good and evil; he is entirely untainted, and represents self-sacrifice at its finest. One of the things that makes Bilbo such a heroic character is his incredible selflessness, which is seen throughout the novel. He aids Thorin and his Company repeatedly, without any reason for helping them besides a desire for adventure and the fact that he helps those in need. He attempts to infiltrate the camp of trolls, rescues the Dwarves from the spiders in the Mirkwood, frees the Dwarves from the Elvenking's hold, and confronts Smaug face to face. All of these are acts that put Bilbo directly in harm's way, but he does them because he feels that he cannot stand idly or turn the other way; he takes direct action when necessary, whether it benefits him or not."
