Monday, January 31, 2011
Hungry?
While analyzing The Hobbit for elements of the natural and supernatural, I stumbled upon and questioned Tolkien's consistent use of hunger among the different races and species. In our discussion group, we came to the conclusion that Tolkien uses the device to tie the numerous "unnatural beings" (i.e. hobbits, dwarves, trolls, gigantic spiders, dragons, etc.) a little closer to reality. It also unknowingly checks the reader's imagination, bringing a heavier emphasis on the plights of Bilbo and the dwarves. Very crafty Tolkien! "To be real is to feel hungry."
1 comment:
I agree with the idea that Tolkien uses hunger to make his characters more real to the reader. Also, since many readers are children, hunger is something they may be able to relate to. No child likes to be hungry, and might be able to feel the gravity of Bilbo's situation when they notice that he and his companions suffer from hunger.
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