Bilbo Baggins Character Analysis

Bilbo finally evolves into a brave hero and fits in with the dwarf party. Chapter eight shows Bilbo freeing himself by cutting down a spider web and described feeling different about himself. He then goes on to name his sword as many legendary heros have before which shows qualities of heroism and leadership. He also expresses his bravery and intelligence in chapter nine by devising a plan to get the party out to Esgoroth. Last but certainly not least Bilbo discovers how to use the key to get to the great dragon Smaug.

Bilbo is confronted by Gollum in the goblin caves. Bilbo wielded a dagger which he “thrusted [it] infront of him” (Tolkien 34). Gollum lacked weapons giving Bilbo the greater advantage but because Bilbo sympathized with Gollum, he decided to spare Gollum’s life and negotiating peace with the enemy rather than engaging in violence. Rather than killing Gollum, Bilbo embraces the irregular heroic quality of empathy. Bilbo develops a sense of affinity for the dwarves and their quest after seeing their “fierce and jealous love, the desire of the hearts of dwarves'' (Tolkien 8), which drives his aspirations to aid them rather than seeking glory for himself.

For example, he must use his intellect and resourcefulness to survive when confronted by trolls, goblins, and gigantic spiders. In addition, he must compete in a riddle-solving contest with Gollum, the creature who possesses the Ring that will become central to "The Lord of the Rings" narrative. In each situation, Bilbo demonstrates courage and intelligence, outwitting his opponents despite his diminutive stature. When Bilbo confronts the dragon Smaug, he displays one of the most courageous acts of his life. Bilbo infiltrates the dragon's lair and challenges him to a game of wits, using his knowledge of the dragon's vulnerabilities to trick him into divulging his weak spot.

Bilbo’s long and perilous journey with the dwarves’ taught him that he does not have to live a life that is considered “respectable” by his neighbors. Bilbo could have adventures and make a difference while still being himself. “Bilbo was no longer quite respectable… He was held by the hobbits of the neighborhood to be ‘queer.’ I am sorry to say, he did not mind.

When people go places and step out of their comfort zones, sometimes they come back a different person. In The Hobbit, Bilbo is an ordinary hobbit, but after his adventure, it is apparent that Bilbo is now a hero. Three events that occur that show this transformation are when Bilbo jumps over Gollum, when Bilbo slays a spider, and when Bilbo travels to the Elvenking and Bard in order to make peace. The moment Bilbo leaps over Gollum demonstrates to the reader how Bilbo is beginning to go from hobbit to hero.

Throughout Bilbo’s journey he develops and changes from being in his own little

Bilbo is able to adapt to any situation that is thrown at him. One example that sticks out, is his use of the ring when fighting off the spiders after only having it for a short amount of time. “Hobbits are clever at quietness, especially in woods, as I have already told you; also Bilbo had slipped on his ring before he started. That is why the spiders neither saw nor heard him coming”(168). This incident that involved these spiders, showed several of Bilbo's personality traits.

Change is something that is hard for most people to accomplish. Change can mean going out of your comfort zone to fulfill something that has the delusion of being absolutely mental. Bilbo goes through a dramatic change in The Hobbit from being the unadventurous, dull hobbit to being the unshrinking, adventurous hero. He does this when he finds the ring, when he frees the dwarves from the giant spider’s webs, and when he helps the dwarves escape from the Wood Elves.

Along the way, they overcome many obstacles that threaten their lives and put their trust for one another to the test. Bilbo learns that there is more to him than he realizes and through hard work and dedication, he can accomplish almost anything. Overcoming these problems and learning more about himself helped Bilbo change from an ordinary, self-doubting hobbit into a clever, courage-filled, loyal hero. In the beginning, Bilbo has no desire to go on an adventure of any kind, but he quickly learns about the cleverness he obtains when he is forced to make quick decisions.

Bilbo, however, possessed none of those qualities, he was in fact, a Hobbit. A Little Hobbit living in a comfortable hole, in The Shire. Hobbits never went on adventures, it was not done. However, this hobbit did, and all it took was a party and a bit of prompting from a wize wizard. He had begun his journey as a regular Hobbit,

Even though this part of the hero’s journey was portrayed pretty similarly, there is still a bit of a difference. They both used their instincts, but Bilbo was influenced a bit by the dwarves. His Took side had shown while the dwarves were contemplating whether he was fit for the adventure or not. This made him want to prove himself to them. Instincts aren’t normally the cause of the call to adventure, but for some reason, these two very different novels are similar this way.

In the story “The Hobbit” Bilbo can be seen as the hero when he sacrifices his family’s name to be a part of the quest to get Thorin's gold back Bilbo's first approach is his attempt on stealing the trolls’ treasure. He later is met by the goblins, Gollum, elves, and spiders. Each fear he faces develops Bilbo as a hero, getting him ready for his greatest quest, stealing the treasure from Smaug.. Another example of Bilbo putting others before himself is the treasure he willing to give in order to bring peace to the men, elves, and dwarves. Last, but not least, Bilbo is willing to sacrifice his life for a cause bigger than himself.

Gandalf calls Bilbo to adventure at the beginning of the story, and Bilbo is forced to realize that “adventures are not all pony-rides in May-sunshine” (Tolkien 33). Bilbo’s journey to a hero begins with gaining an understanding that he must expose himself to uncertainty in order to help his group. After Bilbo crosses the first threshold with help from Gandalf, he finds himself in the ‘belly of the whale’ with

Bilbo's helplessness is demonstrated when the dwarves see the light in the distance where the trolls are and instead of Bilbo going back to tell the dwarves what he sees, he decides to try and pick-pocket the trolls. After hearing all this Bilbo ought to have done something at once. Either he should have gone back quietly and warned his friends that there were three fair-sized trolls at hand in a nasty mood, quite likely to try toasted dwarf, or even pony, for a change; or else he should have done a bit of quick burglary. A really first-class and legendary burglar would at this point picked the trolls' pockets - it is nearly always worthwhile, if you can manage it.

The Hobbit Literary Analysis Would you be able to step out of your comfort zone for the sake of adventure and a promise of treasure? This was the predicament Bilbo Baggins is unexpectedly presented with one sunny afternoon. Thirteen dwarves appear at his door and put forward their offer. Bilbo is a little apprehensive at first but soon comes to the realization that in his ordinary life of a Hobbit in the Shire he will never get another opportunity like this again. When reading The Hobbit, being able to step out of your comfort zone is a major key.