Morality In 'The Hobbit' By J R. R Tolkein

This memorable beginning to “The Hobbit” by J.R.R Tolkein immediately evokes an image of Bilbo Baggins of Bag End. As an upright middle-aged hobbit, he is settled into the slow pace of his life – until thirteen dwarves fall through his door and change him forever. Through the entire novel he is pushed to his limit until he is forced to change. However, despite how his character develops, he retains his original morals, which help define his life-altering friendship with Thorin Oakenshield, Dwarf Prince and King under the Mountain.

This picture illustrates Bilbo’s dual nature; he is a respectable hobbit, so he smokes his pipe, maintains his home, and engages in hobbitish activities like gardening. However, he spends great amounts of time looking

While quote number two is not from the novel, it accurately reflects the first conscious change to Bilbo’s personality. The hobbit was presented with a choice when he was told of the Company’s quest – refuse to join and go back to a life of comfort and safety, or take a risk and explore the unknown world beyond the Shire borders. The image relates more to the line from the movie because it shows the physical and mental changes that occur simultaneously – dignified Bilbo Baggins running through Hobbiton, carelessly waving a long contract about to embark on a great journey.

Bilbo Baggins is terrified in this scene for both his and the rest of the Company’s safety. He is about to be eaten, and instead of freezing up he manages to make one of the trolls pity him (unfortunately the other trolls are still hungry). This shows Bilbo’s great resourcefulness in using the surrounding people and things to his advantage. This is a skill he frequently uses with his relatives to avoid too much interaction. He also uses this skill in the Battle of Five Armies when he steals the Arkenstone and gives it to the Elven King and