In The Hobbit, J. R. R. Tolkien uses dynamic characterization and foreshadowing to present the theme that adventure transforms the meek into courageous leaders.
In the very first chapter the protagonist, Bilbo Baggins, is approached by the wizard Gandalf about embarking on an adventure. Adventure, a word that even the slightest smidgen of is abhorrent to Bilbo. After Gandalf mentions adventure, Bilbo responds in a rather courteous flurry, announcing “[s]orry! I don’t want any adventures, thank you. Not today. Good morning!” (Tolkien 19), and it goes on, with Bilbo eventually somewhat sardonically inviting Gandalf to tea. The next day, at tea time, Bilbo finds a strange dwarf is at the door. This dwarf, and eventually twelve others (Thorin &
In the very first chapter the protagonist, Bilbo Baggins, is approached by the wizard Gandalf about embarking on an adventure. Adventure, a word that even the slightest smidgen of is abhorrent to Bilbo. After Gandalf mentions adventure, Bilbo responds in a rather courteous flurry, announcing “[s]orry! I don’t want any adventures, thank you. Not today. Good morning!” (Tolkien 19), and it goes on, with Bilbo eventually somewhat sardonically inviting Gandalf to tea. The next day, at tea time, Bilbo finds a strange dwarf is at the door. This dwarf, and eventually twelve others (Thorin &