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Bildungsroman In The Hobbit

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A quest novel contains a certain number of specific elements including a quester, nemesis, place to go and reason to go there, a real reason to go there, and many hardships along the way. On this journey, Bilbo faces a fierce dragon and a variety of challenges on his way to the Lonely Mountain to save the dwarves and discover more about himself. A bBildungsroman exemplifies the spiritual education and form of the main character within a novel. The Hobbit fits as a bBildungsroman because throughout his journey, Bilbo becomes strong-willed and well educated, as compared with his original character, a hobbit who feared adventure and knew little about the rest of Middle Earth. The Hobbit acts as both a quest story and a bBildungsroman as Bilbo …show more content…

After the defeat of Smaug, Bilbo noticed early on the turn that each of the dwarves had taken with their lust for gold and silver. “All the same Mr. Baggins kept his head more clear of the bewitchment of the hoard than the dwarves did” (260). Noticing how people had changed over a certain worldly possession shows how Bilbo’s intelligence improved as he had seen what intentions the dwarves had and how the treasure had manipulated their minds. After noticing the sudden change in the mindset of the dwarves, Bilbo acted quickly and used the Arkenstone, the heart of the mountain and most important stone to Thorin, to his advantage. Bilbo gave the people of Lake-town a chance to persuade Thorin, the new king of the Kingdom Under the Mountain, into giving them supplies to survive in ruins of Dale. “‘This is the Arkenstone of Thrain,’ said Bilbo, ‘the Heart of the Mountain; and it is the heart of Thorin. He values it above a river of gold. I give it to you. It will aid you in your bargaining’” (294). Bilbo had seen how the dwarves disrespected the people of Lake-town and knew could not deny his impulses to help those in need of assistance. His experience throughout his journey built up this personality within him of a caring, intelligent, and brave individual who will do whatever necessary to help everyone he

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