Overview of the Hobbit: Chapter 1-12

Overview

Character Development

Bilbo Baggins

Throughout The Hobbit, I am impressed with Tolkien building up character development for his characters especially Bilbo Baggins. Bilbo was living a comfortable and cozy life in his hobbit hole. Bilbo at first was a bit stubborn and sheepish. He was too comfortable in his little hobbit home and didn't believe that  After he decided to joined the dwarves and Gandalf, Bilbo Baggins gradually gained courage and bravery as he journeys with the company. Unlike the other characters, Bilbo actually faced life-threatening situations and had to solve most of them by himself.

For example, when the dwarves and Bilbo were surrounded by Giant Spiders who were about to eat them. Bilbo single-handedly fought and killed one of them, and drew the rest of them away from the poisoned dwarves. This shows that Bilbo was forced to develop some courage and determination that he lacked.

Thorin Oakenshield

In the beginning, Thorin was determined to recover his kingdom that was stolen by the dragon, Smaug. He also doubted and judged Bilbo because he thought that Bilbo did not had what it take to journey with the dwarves and become the burglar to steal the treasure from Smaug. This determination eventually turned to stubbornness and greed as he got closer to the Misty Mountains.

For example, when the company reached the mountains. Thorin wanted Bilbo to sneak inside the mountain and get pass Smaug just so Bilbo can steal some treasure. This frustrated Bilbo because Thorin was blind with greed of the danger of Smaug melting Bilbo with his fiery breath. Bilbo nearly died when Smaug breathe blazing hot fire at him and he barely escaped. When he did return, the dwarves, especially Thorin, were more focused on the mass amount of treasure. When Bilbo told Thorin that Smaug is going to destroy the people of Lake Town mistaking Bilbo as one of the villagers, Thorin did not really care about it.

The Journey....so far....

Another thing I enjoyed about The Hobbit was the entire journey from Bilbo's hobbit hole to harsh journey towards the Misty Mountains. I enjoyed how Tolkien used his war experience on his character Bilbo. He set up the story of a comfortable hobbit minding his own business to the same hobbit slaying Giant Spiders and sneaking pass a deadly fire breathing dragon. This is just like how he lived a peaceful life in his home and was later forced in battle in foreign lands. I also enjoy the inspirations Tolkien had on European mythology to create his Middle-Earth dwarves, elves, goblins, trolls, etc.

What I think about it

Overall, The Hobbit so far is turning out to be a really interesting and extraordinary novel to read. I really enjoy it and I can see why Tolkien was asked to write another one. I like The Hobbit and I am sure that I will enjoy the following chapters.