The Hobbit is the story of the adventure that transformed Bilbo from a comfort loving, routine governed creature into a certified adventurer. There are many moments in the story when changes are noticed in Bilbo's character but one of the most striking and profound is when he made the choice to continue down the tunnel into Smaug's lair. This was the choice that all Bilbo's other choices and actions built up to. The fact that Tolkien wrote, "going on from there was the bravest thing he ever did" makes this moment the most transformative for Bilbo. The choice to continue on transformed Bilbo not only into a burglar, but also the hero of the epic journey.
Vairë
5 comments:
(take 2)
Vaire,
I totally agree, and would like to add my two-cents. Still more important (in the long run) than the transformation and reputation of Bilbo, is the reputation of Hobbits. While Bilbo is definitely making progress for himself, he is also bringing Hobbits further and further into history and the world at large. In the eleventh chapter, we see Bilbo become the only driving force for the company to continue on. Interesting how at first, Bilbo didn't have an interest to go while the dwarves were fierce, full of endurance, and were very brave. When looking for access to the mountain, all but Bilbo give up--including the King of Dwarves. Talk about proving yourself to those that doubt you and your kind.
While I agree that his choice to continue down the tunnel is very important, I would argue that the choice to give the Arkenstone to the elves required just as much bravery and was just as significant because while he betrayed his friends it was ultimately what helped all end well.
I think the moment Bilbo decided to leave Bag End is also worth mentioning here. While walking down the tunnel into Smaug's fortress was certainly the bravest act Bilbo ever performed (and giving the Arkenstone to the elves was a significant betrayal of his friends), his decision to leave the comfort of his home was the catalyst for all these displays of bravery. The moment when Bilbo runs from his home to catch up with the Company is also the first example of Bilbo having agency over his life, setting the precedent for his choices — like walking down the tunnel — later on.
-Varda*
It’s worth noting that Bilbo acts very differently from this point onwards. While he did figure out how to free them from the dungeons of the Wood-elves, for the most part he didn’t do much except when he had to do it to survive. After this point he participates more actively in trying to solve all the Dwarves’ problems. He volunteers to go back down to Smaug after they know he woke up, and he takes it upon himself to help mediate peace between the Lake-men, Wood-elves, and Dwarves. His old self might have just made sure he was safe and left everyone else to straighten out their own problems.
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.