The Hobbit: An Unexpected Hero
Society often tends to think that heroes were born to be mighty, strong, and reliable, that no ordinary man can achieve heroism or greatness. However, The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien follows a small, little hobbit’s heroic journey, illustrates the reader the value of this Hobbit’s heroism, and illustrates what it takes to develop into a hero; through the hobbit’s accomplishments, Tolkien not only shows society that anyone could acquire these heroic, but also uses the character of Bilbo as an analogy of the traits of soldier in the First World War, as well as their heroism.
Bilbo Baggins distinguishes himself from other typical heroes: Society often classifies heroes as dauntless warriors, a stereotypical …show more content…
In contrast, soldiers in the First World War were given weapons in the front lines after training; these weapons symbolized their independence and affirm their ability. After slaying a giant spider, Bilbo names his own sword “Sting”, in the same way that other heroes do, indicating his own growing approval and understanding of his capacity and courage. Step by step the hobbit gains bravery from none, as well as independence, as a true mature heroic character that dared to face the evil dragon. These weapons symbolized the hobbit’s courage that even the evil dragon fears: “a warrior, altogether insignificant in size but provided with a bitter sword and great courage, figured most unpleasantly” (Tolkien 148). Tolkien’s portrayal of Bilbo’s character is not only a large change, but it also indicates that anyone could earn courage and independence to achieve greatness as …show more content…
For instance, the soldiers in WWI that Tolkien was familiar with, defended their homeland, their family, and their comrades. In the hobbit’s heroic journey, his noble loyalty to the fellowship of dwarfs was tremendous, as he gained their trust and respect through the quest. Loyalty was one of the distinguishing characteristics that Bilbo possesses, and it holds great importance in his heroism since it was what Bilbo was trying to defend throughout the journey. In the beginning of the journey, neither the dwarfs nor the hobbit liked each other; their conflict was exacerbated by a difference in culture and strength. The dwarfs were disrespectful and criticized the hobbit’s ability, but Bilbo never became angry at them; in fact, as a hero, Bilbo learned from the dwarf’s criticism and proved his heroism to the dwarfs to gain respect. Similarly, Tolkien had experience as a recruit in service of England, where the recruits were getting yelled by the veterans all the
Society often tends to think that heroes were born to be mighty, strong, and reliable, that no ordinary man can achieve heroism or greatness. However, The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien follows a small, little hobbit’s heroic journey, illustrates the reader the value of this Hobbit’s heroism, and illustrates what it takes to develop into a hero; through the hobbit’s accomplishments, Tolkien not only shows society that anyone could acquire these heroic, but also uses the character of Bilbo as an analogy of the traits of soldier in the First World War, as well as their heroism.
Bilbo Baggins distinguishes himself from other typical heroes: Society often classifies heroes as dauntless warriors, a stereotypical …show more content…
In contrast, soldiers in the First World War were given weapons in the front lines after training; these weapons symbolized their independence and affirm their ability. After slaying a giant spider, Bilbo names his own sword “Sting”, in the same way that other heroes do, indicating his own growing approval and understanding of his capacity and courage. Step by step the hobbit gains bravery from none, as well as independence, as a true mature heroic character that dared to face the evil dragon. These weapons symbolized the hobbit’s courage that even the evil dragon fears: “a warrior, altogether insignificant in size but provided with a bitter sword and great courage, figured most unpleasantly” (Tolkien 148). Tolkien’s portrayal of Bilbo’s character is not only a large change, but it also indicates that anyone could earn courage and independence to achieve greatness as …show more content…
For instance, the soldiers in WWI that Tolkien was familiar with, defended their homeland, their family, and their comrades. In the hobbit’s heroic journey, his noble loyalty to the fellowship of dwarfs was tremendous, as he gained their trust and respect through the quest. Loyalty was one of the distinguishing characteristics that Bilbo possesses, and it holds great importance in his heroism since it was what Bilbo was trying to defend throughout the journey. In the beginning of the journey, neither the dwarfs nor the hobbit liked each other; their conflict was exacerbated by a difference in culture and strength. The dwarfs were disrespectful and criticized the hobbit’s ability, but Bilbo never became angry at them; in fact, as a hero, Bilbo learned from the dwarf’s criticism and proved his heroism to the dwarfs to gain respect. Similarly, Tolkien had experience as a recruit in service of England, where the recruits were getting yelled by the veterans all the