Article in brief: Book review on “The Hobbit” which was written by J. R. R. Tolkien in 1937.
“Far over the Misty Mountains cold
To dungeons deep and caverns old
We must away ere break of day
To seek the pale enchanted gold.”
J. R. R. Tolkien
Professor Tolkien is probably the Godfather of the fantasy genre and the best fantasy writer that has ever lived. The Hobbit was written for the pleasure of his own children, and later on was enjoyed by children and adults alike across the globe (as it was translated into more than 50 languages). The writing style immerses you into the events of the novel, because the events are rather descriptive and throughout the story, J. R. R. Tolkien proves himself to be a master storyteller.
The Hobbit was, and still is, an inspiration behind so many fantasy novels. It is the epitome of fantasy and adventure stories. The story is a classic quest for adventure – a novel filled with magic, wonder and unforgettable characters. Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit from Middle Earth who lives his life quietly in the Shire, goes into the world with Gandalf, the Grey Qizard, and thirteen dwarves on a hero quest journey. Gandalf plays the role of a wise man who leads the party on their quest.
Bilbo’s journey begins with his job as a burglar to help the dwarves gain entrance to the Misty Mountains. However, after he reaches his full potential throughout the journey he returns home with more treasures than he could ever find in his life. He returns home after he faces and conquers the worst of his fears, and this is a far more valuable treasure than any gold found on a similar adventure.
“My dear Bilbo! Something has happened to you. You are not the hobbit you once were.” In order for the main character to come in full circle, this was a declaration from Gandalf of Bilbo’s transition and growth.
The novel discusses themes children love and aspire to relate to, such as bravery, friendship and heroism. We adults relate to the book too through Bilbo. There is a hobbit in every single one of us, because we all want the comfortable life over the unknown adventures that can take us away from the safety of our homes. It is one of the most realistic human concepts of the whole book, the difficulty to accept change over safety and comfort over the unknown.
And just like almost every book in the fantasy genre, the further the hero travels from home, the harder his quest becomes and it eventually ends with his return home as a stronger and a changed man.
I read this book during my teen years, and reading it again now proved to me that it still holds the magic I thought it held once before. I believe The Hobbit is a true classic literary piece in the fantasy genre.
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