Exploring the Factors that Define a Person's Identity in The Hobbit by J.R. Tolkien

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Exploring the Factors that Define a Person's Identity in The Hobbit by J.R. Tolkien

Identity is the basis of individuality. It determines who one is; who

one chooses to be; how one is perceived by others. This philosophy is

applied no differently in 'The Hobbit', written by J.R. Tolkien. It is

a fantasy-adventure tale about a peaceful creature called a hobbit

named Bilbo Baggins, who is hauled into an adventure by a well-known

wizard, Gandalf. He sets off with thirteen dwarves in a quest for the

treasure belonging to the leader of the dwarves, Thorin. On the way,

they encounter hungry trolls, wicked goblins, loyal eagles, giant

man-eating spiders and other strange creatures unknown to man. Their

biggest challenge will have yet to come, however. A vicious dragon by

the name of Smaug. Once they are past this, victory is theirs. Or is

it? 'The Hobbit' is a deeply analytical story. Each character has been

brought alive by Tolkien with its own characteristics and features. To

continue with the opening matter that was started earlier, each

character has its different personality and identity. The three main

characters, as you may have probably already guessed, are Bilbo,

Gandalf, and Thorin. These are the most important characters, with the

most different attributes one can possibly imagine. Bilbo, being the

'hero' of the story, is the definite protagonist, while Thorin, one

would perhaps say, is the antagonist. Gandalf is a character that is

basically a 'good guy', but doesn't show up as often as the others.

One of the reasons for the choice of these specific characters was

because of their extremes in persona. The following content will

...

... middle of paper ...

... could be talking about why Gandalf decided to assist the Dwarves in

this specific adventure, as he probably may have had his pick of the

lot. This is quite a good issue, but not the best. Several others

require proper thinking. Themes could be discussed. The plot could be

discussed. Themes of isolation of characters could also be discussed.

Even a comparison with 'The Hobbit' and its sequel, 'Lord of the

Rings' would be a nice idea for a report. It is interesting to see the

changes one goes through during experience. Even when one may think it

is the least expected.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/hobbit/study.html

www.mi.uib.no/~respl/tolkien/ -

www.berghuis.co.nz/abiator/unit/hobbit/hindex2.html

www.hobbitlore.com

www.coldal.org.uk/hobbit.htm]

www.ced.appstate.edu/whs/hobbit.htm

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