Compare And Contrast The Maze Runner And The Hobbit

The Maze Runner vs. The Hobbit

The fantasy genre usually contains a very similar theme. A different world, a quest, and a main hero. The main hero typically goes on a quest to save a race, or the world they are in. This quest reveals traits and qualities of the character that would have never been revealed if he or she did not go on the quest. During this quest the protagonist always has a friend or friends that aid them in completing their quest. Usually without the main hero’s friends he or she would not have been able to complete their quest due to fear, or some sort of obstacle. “Alby: If you ain’t scared, you ain’t human.” (Dashner p.9). Being scared during a foreign journey that forces thinking outside the box is expected of humans.

Even though Thomas and Bilbo do not choose their groups, these characters are essential. Without the character’s group they would not have been compelled to complete their quest. After getting thrown in to the maze, Thomas meets Alby, Newt, and Minho. Each of these characters help bring out the best qualities in Thomas and push him to be a better person. Alby helps Thomas without even realizing it. Just as the maze doors were about to close Alby came limping around the corner. Thomas jumped in to the maze to help him just as the doors closed. This caused him to be brave when Alby needed him. He was told that nobody survived a full night in the maze. That’s the number on rule do not enter the maze at night. “Minho: Whatever, dude. Break the number on rule, kill yourself, whatever.” (Dashner p.113). Thomas though he knew the odds were against him he pushed and managed to survive the night saving Alby. This is something he never would have done without Alby. This act of braveness also earned the respect of the group. “Minho looked at Thomas “I nominate this shank to replace me as keeper of the runners.”” (Dashner p.158). Newt also help Thomas but he actually knew he was helping him. Newt was fair and supportive to Thomas throughout the whole time he was there. Newt helped Thomas get a feel for the place as well as broke him out of the

Bilbo does not feel he is accepted by the dwarves. The dwarves have been together for generations and are literally family. The first time Bilbo meets the dwarves, he feels like an outcast because he is not part of their family. Thorin the leader does not like the idea of Bilbo joining them on their journey because he thinks Bilbo will be a burden “Thorin: He 's been lost ever since he left his home. He should not have come, he has no place among us.” (Peter Jackson, Warner Brothers, 2012) The do not even give Bilbo a weapon, this could be because they do not trust him yet, or because they doubt he has a fighting chance. Either way because of this doubt in Bilbo he feels like an outsider. During their journey, Bilbo is always fighting for a way to fit in to the group. He fights for and with them, saves them even in if it put him in emanate danger, and he never tries to find a way out. The other dwarves see this earlier than Thorin does and attempt to make him feel welcome. “Balin: Don 't mind him, laddie. Thorin has more cause than most to hate Orcs.” (Peter Jackson, Warner Brothers, 2012) As you can see this dwarf tells Bilbo not to mind Thorin, and tries to comfort him. Though Bilbo tries really hard to fit in Thorin is the leader and still does not accept him. The biggest reason he feels unaccepted is that all of these dwarves come from a long line of brave of fierce warriors. These dwarves have fought in wars