Fairy Tales and Fantasy Literature

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Though Hobbits are known to be “homebodies,” they clearly have their place in Middle Earth. Difficult though it may be for them to step out of their shell, or in this case, hole, once taken out of their comfort zone, they quickly adapt. Bilbo proves that he is not quite the naive shut-in that the dwarfs took him for when he exhibits superior knowledge in acing all the tests given him.

But is it truly in his nature–this lust for adventure? As the reader can see, Bilbo develops, or at least exhibits more blatantly, a duality in his character. The one side, being timid, a homebody, a lazy shut-in that delights in a simple cup of coffee by the fire. The other side, coming from his mother, Belladonna Tooks: a man with a lust for adventure–eager to break out of his shell and do something important in his life.

In his first deadly encounter with the trolls, Bilbo fails miserably. He is still used to being at home, and misses the comfort of food and firelight. However, he quickly adapts to the adventurous world around him. In his encounter with Gollum, Bilbo realizes what it will take to get past the creature. Tolkien writes, “‘Very well,’ said Bilbo, who was anxious to agree, until he found out more about the creature, whether he was quite alone, whether he was fierce or hungry, and whether he was a friend of he goblins” (Tolkien 81). Here, we see Bilbo is quickly learning from his mistakes, and the clever adventurer begins to take hold. However, his homey side  never quite leaves him, as he is still thinking about food while riddling with Gollum.

The next instance Bilbo exhibits incredible courage is the spider incident. Here, Tolkien sums it all up in one line: “Bilbo saw that the moment had come when he must do something” (172). And he did. This is an ultimate turning point for Bilbo–his “Tookishness” starts to overpower his cowardly side. However, this does not come without a price. As a result, Bilbo becomes a much more miserable character.”‘I am like a burglar that can’t get away but must go on miserably burgling the same house day after day…This is the dreariest and dullest part of all this wretched tiresome, uncomfortable adventure!” (189). The adventure also takes a toll on his natural optimistic nature. “Bilbo, however, did not feel nearly so hopeful as they did. He did not like being depended on by everyone” (191). Throughout this story, we see the constant struggle between brevity and comfort. Bilbo is becoming increasingly less Hobbit-like as he develops into a more cynical adventurer.

Bilbo also exhibits a change in character when he steals the Arkenstone without telling anyone. He is so mesmerized by the jewel, that he just takes it–the treasure rightfully belonging to Thorin. “Suddenly Bilbo’s arm went towards it drawn by its enchantment…but he lifted it, shut his eyes, and put it in his deepest pocket” (257). This is not the same Bilbo that prepared dinner for all thirteen dwarves, asking for nothing in return. Now, not only is he a cynic, but a thief as well. Is all this change for the better? Or is Bilbo slowly morphing into a Gollum-like state of selfishness, misery, and greed?