Why the hobbit is a successful book

Essay by velo116High School, 12th grade August 2002

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A Believable Hero

What is a hero? One commonly thinks of a man from another planet with super strength, speed, and vision, or perhaps an untouchable sports figure. But how often is a small, plump hobbit who enjoys the comforts of his home and a routine consisting of tea time and afternoon snacks considered a hero? In fact, even such a person is considered a hero, and Bilbo Baggins is this person. In The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkein, Bilbo is nothing short of a hero. For a hero does not have to be a towering man or a larger-than life sports figure, but rather a person who has conquered his fears and accomplished his goal. The Hobbit is a successful book because its tale takes an ordinary person and transforms him into a hero.

By nature, Hobbits are not adventurers. They are a peaceful people who enjoy being to themselves and having everything in order.

Never would a hobbit decide to leave on a quest of thievery and danger. Like most hobbits, Bilbo enjoys his snug little hole until he is confronted by Gandalf the wizard. After some convincing, this hobbit reluctantly signs a contract to help the dwarf Thorin and Thorin's thirteen companions regain their family's treasure. Despite his reluctance, Bilbo turns out to be the most admirable character in the book.

Bilbo begins to show his valor and courage in each event that he encounters. Early in the book when Bilbo and the dwarves are confronted by Trolls, Bilbo courageously goes to investigate the situation. Despite being caught, he still shows courage. Rather than having Bilbo become instilled with strength, cunning, and skill overnight, Tolkein has him progress slowly but surely down his path to heroism, which makes Bilbo's story even more believable. Each time Bilbo is...