The Hobbit Research Paper

At the University of Oxford, Tolkien served as a professor of Anglo-Saxon and English Language and Literature. Tolkien’s keen interest and emphasis for Anglo-Saxon literature and philology is evident in his trilogy, The Lord of the Rings as well as The Hobbit. Tolkien had a deep understanding of multiple Indo-European languages such as Old English, Old Norse, Finnish, Old High Herman, and several others, demonstrating a vast philological foundation to work from when it came to creating his own languages and history however he noted that language should not be derived purely for communicative factors, but the aesthetics of language should also be contemplated such as the pleasure of sound. This would suggest that he considered these factors …show more content…
His cousin Bilbo Baggins has passed on the Ring to Frodo, however the material possession of the Ring extends to embody Frodo’s responsibility in bearing it throughout his mission (Fisher, 23). The name Frodo derives from the Old English frod meaning wise, prudent (Fisher, 23). Wisdom is known as having the soundness of an action or decision with regards to the application of experience, knowledge, and good judgment. This name becomes more and more fitting to Frodo’s characteristics as the trilogy progresses. The wisdom that is associated with Frodo’s name continues to evolve as he embarks on his journey across Middle-Earth and vast experience of warfare. Whilst discussing Gollum in the Fellowship of the Ring, he goes on to say it was a ‘pity that Bilbo did not stab the vile creature, when he had the chance.’ Gandalf then explains that ‘It was Pity that stayed his hand. Pity, and Mercy: not to strike without need’ and that one should ‘not be too eager to deal out death in judgment. For even the very wise cannot see all ends’. Basically, Gandalf insists that even if there is a small hope of redemption, there is a still an opportunity, and that should not be dismissed in the