In The Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkien uses symbolism throughout the story to show how Bilbo went from cowardice to courageous. Hobbits are known to be unadventurous, bucolic, and somewhat shy. In the beginning of the adventure/quest, Bilbo wants to go home and doesn't want to be a burglar. But when Gandalf leaves Bilbo and the dwarves, he slowly starts to step out of his comfort zone. The symbols that represent Bilbo’s change include Bilbo’s home, the ring, and his sword. Bag End is where Bilbo lives. In the beginning of the book, Bilbo didn't want to go on the quest with Gandalf and the dwarves. Throughout the book, Bilbo always thought about his home and how he wished to go back to it. This shows his coward side, wanting to go home instead of going on an …show more content…
Tolkien uses to represent Bilbo’s is the ring. This ring is not an ordinary ring. When someone slips on the ring, it will make you invisible. When Bilbo wears the ring, he does things he would most likely not do without the ring. For instance, the situation where Bilbo faced Smaug, the Dragon. “Getting rid of dragons is not at all in my line, but I will do my best to think about it. Personally I have no hopes at all, and wish I was safe back at home.” This quote from chapter 12 shows how Bilbo doesn't really want to face Smaug, but only does it since he has something no one else has. He has the special ring, which allows him to face Smaug. Without the ring, he wouldn't be able to face Smaug. The ring provides power, and Bilbo uses that power to do stuff he wouldn't have done before. Although this may be true, others may also say that the ring represents service and loyalty (towards the dwarves). In the text, Bilbo also uses the ring to help the dwarves out of tough situations. For instance, how the dwarves were held by the wood-elves and Bilbo had gotten them out by using the ring. Bilbo using the ring shows change since he starts being bolder and more confident with his
In chapter 12 of “The Hobbit” Bilbo uses certain types of weapons or abilities to his advantage while talking to Smaug. Although he almost gets burnt to smithereens he uses the ring to help him slip away from the dragon. He also uses physical abilities like creeping around silently and effortlessly, he also uses his knowledge about dragons and riddles to help him communicate and cope with the dragon. In chapter 12 Bilbo uses the ring to his advantage by putting it on so he could steal the cup unnoticed by the dragon.
Bilbo Baggins finds another side of himself he is the one leading the group of dwarves. In chapter 8 Mr. Bilbo Baggins shows real bravery by been able to set himself and the dwarves free from the spiders. In chapter 9 Mr. Bilbo Baggins shows intelligence by been able to devise a plan to set the dwarves free from the wood elves prison. In chapter 12 it is Mr. Bilbo Baggins alone that goes into Smaug dragon’s lair and he is also able to find Smaug’s vulnerable spot. In chapter 16 Mr. Bilbo Baggins is willing to give up his share of the wealth to bring peace to the humans, dwarves, and
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.
While “killing the dragon is a deed that a cultural hero can do such as The Red Cross Knight or Beowulf” (Arslan 142), Bilbo is a different kind of hero. Bilbo is meant to represent the common man who is capable of stepping outside of his comfort zone to accomplish goals he never would think he could achieve. Through the long journey of an unsuspecting hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkien displays a dramatic change thought impossible by even Bilbo Baggins himself. Bilbo discovers his true potential, seen only at first by Gandalf, through his adventures under the Misty Mountains, in the forest of Mirkwood, and inside the Lonely Mountain.
Bilbo unfairly defeats him, and Gollum attacks him and tries to eat. Bilbo then hides and uses the ring and Gollum as a guide to leave the cave. This point in the story changes and develops Bilbo's character because it is the first time we see him acting on his own. Also in this chapter we can see Bilbo's bravery. We see his
Without thinking about it Bilbo slipped on the ring but, he tripped on a nick in the stone. Bilbo watched in amazement as Gollum ran past him without hesitation and started mumbling about another way out. Bilbo silently followed and found that there was an exit guarded by a group of goblins. Bilbo realized that the ring must have made him invisible and using this power he snuck
At the beginning of the story, Bilbo seems very cowardly, but soon proves that he is indeed brave. Bilbo is very tied up in his very boring, monotonous life and he really does not want to go on the adventure that he is
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.
Now, Bilbo has the ring and the same fate is in store for him. We see the beginning of this during the group's escape from the spiders. Bilbo had dropped the ring and was attempting to retrieve it. In doing so he sadisticly killed a baby spider and with a crazy gleam in his eye called the ring ‘my precious’, just like Gollum. We further see this in the sequel Lord of the Rings.
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 did not know that this would change his life “it was a turning point in his career, but he did not know it. He put the ring in his pocket almost without thinking; certainly, it did not seem of any particular use at the moment.” (68) Bilbo knew,”He must get away, out of this horrible darkness, while he had any strength left. He must fight. He must stab the foul thing, put its eyes out, kill it.
When Bilbo finds the ring it changes him forever, for he is able to do things he would have never done before or even dream of doing. When Bilbo faces tough situations the ring always gets him by, and after he has come out the victor, he feels accomplished and more confident of his skills. After going through this process countless times his skills in battle and intelligence increase, as well as his self esteem and respect. The ring in this specific book symbolizes change. Bilbo’s change from a hesitant, powerless hobbit to a confident human being capable of most anything.
Bilbo was a sheltered hobbit that loved to sit by the fire and eat second breakfast, but grew from there. His Took side started showing, leading him to be more courageous and take action. He battled evil goblins, giant spiders, and witty dragons, both mentally and physically. Bilbo’s valiant actions showed the dwarves that Gandalf chose him for a reason.
His inner conflict is a big problem because Bilbo constantly feels that the influence of both of his families play out like a tug-of-war for his real personality. Sometimes he feels a lot like a “Baggins”, and doesn’t want to do anything weird or socially strange, and gets upset about missing breakfast or supper, and misses his regular comforts from home and dislikes Gandalf and the dwarves for making his life complicated. But then other times he feels “Took-ish”, and is excited to be on an adventure for once in his life and wants explore and do amazing things, and then he’s pretty happy that he met Gandalf and the dwarves. He switches back and forth throughout the story, but I don’t think that either personas “won” or “took over” at the end. By the resolution of the story, Bilbo is very happy with both of his “personalities” and doesn’t feel quite so much anxiety over the it
An article written about symbolism in The Hobbit on Litcharts.com presents this idea like so, “...Sting symbolizes Bilbo’s changing nature and proves that ordinary things -- a dagger or a hobbit -- are full of surprises.” (The Hobbit Symbols) . Throughout a larger part of the book, Gandalf assures Thorin and the dwarves that Bilbo is the right man for the job. This is because Gandalf can recognize potential, and that is exactly what he saw in Bilbo. Time after time, even when it seems all hope is lost for Bilbo, Gandalf keeps his faith in him where the dwarves do not.