Bilbo Character Analysis Essay

Even though Bilbo is an adult when the The Hobbit begins, him stepping out of his comfort zone and choosing to go on the adventure also leads him to embark on another, his coming-of-age and physiological journey. Bilbo’s quest was an essential aspect for him to find success within himself and him coming-of-age. Three main reasons why Bilbo matures throughout the novel is Biblo stepping out of his comfort zone and taking risks, Bilbo being more confident and learning he is good under pressure and lastly Bilbo being more courageous and taking on more leadership roles.

Firstly, Bilbo stepping out of his comfort zone and taking risks is the beginning to an even greater journey than he anticipated. In the beginning of the book, we learn a little bit about Bilbo and his family but we also learn that he enjoys staying at home and not leaving while living his carefree life and having no desire to go on an …show more content…
When Bilbo falls off of Dori’s shoulders entering the mountain. It can be perceived as Bilbo being weak and timid since he relies on everyone. When he escapes the caves by himself using his ring and facing Gollum and playing their game of riddles not only shows that Bilbo is good under pressure, but he is now more self-reliant. Secondly, when Bilbo finds himself standing face to face with a spider in Mirkwood, he is faced with a fight or flight situation. Bilbo quickly reacts, killing the giant spider and as Tolkien describes his thoughts as “Somehow the killing of the giant spider, all alone by himself in the dark without the help of the wizard or the dwarves or of anyone else, made a great difference to Mr. Baggins. He felt a different person, and much fiercer and bolder in spite of an empty stomach”. Bilbo was astonished with how he killed the spider and even decides to name his sword a name, Sting. These two situations help Biblo realize his potential and lead him to later and greater