Book Report
The Hobbit was one of the best stories I have read. Therefore, I think it should stay in the current high school curriculum. This story of adventure is about a benign, ignorant creature called a hobbit. This hobbit’s name is Bilbo Baggins. One day, Bilbo gets an unexpected party in his hobbit- hole from twelve dwarves and the wizard, Gandalf the Gray. He is then recruited to be their burglar on their way to the Lonely Mountain to reclaim its vast treasure from the dragon Smaug. The group travel into the wild where they encounter trolls, goblins, the Elves of Rivendell, forest elves, giant spiders, and the men of Lake- town. While in the goblin tunnels, Bilbo meets a nasty creature called Gollum. He also finds a mysterious ring that makes him invisible when worn. Eventually, the party overtakes the Lonely Mountain, inherit its treasure, and split it with the men and the forest elves that helped them. Tolkien demonstrated comparison, characterization, word choice, and dramatic monologue.
The world of The Hobbit is very similar to ours. It allows us to compare their world with ours. We can relate to many of the concepts Tolkien writes about, though the fictional characters are what intrigue its readers. Gandalf is a more humble, subtle type of wizard, yet still potent, strong, and bold. Dwarves have always played a rather small part in stories. In The Hobbit, Tolkien gives more depth to their characters by making them well known in their world to be excellent miners and blacksmiths. Elves, I always thought, were like dwarves: short, mysterious. However, in The Hobbit, Tolkien gives a whole new side to them. They are majestic, tall, and brilliant. But, Tolkien introduces a new “species” to us: hobbits. Hobbits are stout, simplistic creatures, which eat 7 meals a day, not including snacks, making them pudgy. Tolkien grabs our curiosity with these characters.
The languages of The Hobbit test you whilst reading. For example, the elvish language makes elves even more esteemed. The writing is elaborate and the speech is smooth. But, Tolkien overall challenges the reader throughout the book with his choice of wording. We, not being from his era, can learn how to decipher some of the phrases he writes about so that when we read another classic, from the same timeframe, we can use those skills to enhance our ability to understand.
In this book, Bilbo often talks or thinks to himself. This gives readers another perspective on a situation or conflict in the book. It is also helpful to the readers to provide the thoughts of the main character in order to have insight on the depth and complexity on this character.
This well- written novel is a treasure for many generations, young and old, to enjoy. I highly recommend that it stays in the curriculum.
