The following thesis aims at analysing Bilbo’s quest for identity and maturation in J.R.R. Tolkiens “The Hobbit”.
It has been said that “The Hobbit” not only offers a fantasy world but also deals with the human psyche. First of all, the theoretical and more general part will be explaining the hero’s journey, the Monomyth of Campbell, its quest-plot, establishing the basis for the later analysis of Bilbo’s character. In the third chapter Bilbo’s quest will be examined, investigating his character as it is intermingled between the Baggins and Tookish part of his family. It will be displayed how his two natures are at first rather opposing each other and how Bilbo develops so that they complement each other.
Furthermore, the most important stages of his development are presented: the trolls, Gollum, the spiders in Mirkwood and finally Smaug. It will be shown how the first three stages are crucial turning points and prepare Bilbo for his final ordeal Smaug and how they shaped his character for the rest of the journey and the rest of his life. Furthermore, the causes of Bilbo’s development will be investigated focusing on what made him do the things he did and what makes him let go of his immature way of life.
In addition, the thesis will focus on the "back" of the story, Bilbo’s homecoming, examining how Bilbo changed throughout his journey, what he learnt, what he achieved, and how he is coming to peace as a better and mature hobbit. In the end, all thoughts and ideas will be summed up and it will be critically looked back at what the thesis dealt with.
The hero’s journey is not an unfamiliar theme of investigation in literature and always enjoyed a vast popularity. Campbell’s Monomyth is the major concept of this paper to explain how the hero’s character is shaped throughout his journey. Tolkien, as well as many before him, was influenced by Campbell’s idea. Campbell’s theory did not only influence literature but also film and comic, such as Star Wars and The Ultimate Spider-Man.
Genuinely, the idea of myths is to convey moral values and provide moral instruction. The idea of the Monomyth cannot only be applied to a literary hero but also to any other human being. The quest of Bilbo Baggins will serve as an example of the hero’s journey in which many features of the Monomyth can be found. Moreover, the idea of the journey is made clear through Bilbo’s quest as he not only has to take physical hurdles but also psychological ones.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. The Heroe's Journey
- 2.1. Separation
- 2.2. Initiation
- 2.3. Return
- 3. Bilbo's Quest for Identity
- 3.1. Baggins vs. Took
- 3.2. Important Stages
- 3.2.1. Trolls
- 3.2.2. Gollum
- 3.2.3. Spider
- 3.2.4. Smaug
- 3.3. Causes for the Change
- 3.4. Coming Home
- 4. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This thesis analyzes Bilbo Baggins's journey of self-discovery and maturation in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit. It uses Joseph Campbell's "Hero's Journey" monomyth as a framework to examine Bilbo's transformation from an unadventurous hobbit to a courageous hero. The analysis focuses on how Bilbo's experiences shape his identity and lead to personal growth.
- Bilbo's internal conflict between his Baggins and Tookish natures.
- The application of Campbell's monomyth to Bilbo's quest.
- Key stages in Bilbo's development and their impact on his character.
- The causes of Bilbo's transformation and the factors contributing to his growth.
- Bilbo's homecoming and the lasting effects of his adventure.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the enduring popularity of Tolkien's works, particularly The Hobbit, and its appeal to both children and adults. It highlights the book's genre, fantasy, and its importance in the development of fantasy literature. The chapter establishes Bilbo Baggins as an unlikely hero whose journey focuses on a quest to reclaim dwarvish treasure, stolen by the dragon Smaug. The introduction also touches upon Tolkien's personal connection to the story and its thematic resonance with the search for personal growth and meaning in life. It briefly mentions the significance of the "Hero's Journey" archetype in understanding Bilbo's transformation.
2. The Heroe's Journey: This chapter lays the theoretical groundwork for the analysis by introducing Joseph Campbell's concept of the "Monomyth," or the hero's journey. It explains the structure of the hero's journey, highlighting its relevance to various myths and legends across cultures and time periods. The chapter establishes the monomyth as a framework for understanding the personal development of the hero and provides a foundation for analyzing Bilbo's transformation throughout the narrative.
3. Bilbo's Quest for Identity: This chapter delves into the core of the thesis, examining Bilbo's quest for identity and maturation within the context of his family lineage—the conflict between his more conservative Baggins side and his adventurous Tookish heritage. It analyzes several crucial encounters: with trolls, Gollum, the spiders in Mirkwood, and finally, Smaug. Each encounter is presented as a pivotal moment contributing to Bilbo's development, pushing him to confront his fears and embrace his unexpected heroic potential. The chapter explores the causes and consequences of this transformation, demonstrating how these encounters shape Bilbo's character and prepare him for his final confrontation with Smaug.
Keywords
The Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, Hero's Journey, Monomyth, Joseph Campbell, identity, maturation, fantasy literature, character development, coming-of-age, Baggins, Took, Tolkien, Middle-earth, Smaug.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Bilbo Baggins's Journey in *The Hobbit*
What is the main topic of this academic text?
This academic text analyzes Bilbo Baggins's journey of self-discovery and maturation in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, using Joseph Campbell's "Hero's Journey" monomyth as a framework. It examines how Bilbo's experiences shape his identity and lead to personal growth.
What are the key themes explored in the analysis?
The analysis focuses on Bilbo's internal conflict between his Baggins and Tookish natures, the application of Campbell's monomyth to Bilbo's quest, key stages in Bilbo's development and their impact, the causes of his transformation and contributing factors, and his homecoming and the lasting effects of his adventure.
What is the structure of the analysis?
The analysis is structured into four chapters: an introduction establishing context and the significance of The Hobbit; a chapter explaining Joseph Campbell's "Hero's Journey" monomyth; a central chapter deeply analyzing Bilbo's quest for identity through key encounters; and finally, a conclusion. The text also includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
How does the text utilize Joseph Campbell's "Hero's Journey"?
The text uses Campbell's "Hero's Journey" (also known as the monomyth) as a theoretical framework to analyze Bilbo's transformation. It examines how Bilbo's experiences align with the stages of the monomyth, illustrating his progression from an unadventurous hobbit to a courageous hero.
What key encounters are analyzed in relation to Bilbo's development?
The analysis examines several crucial encounters as pivotal moments in Bilbo's development: his encounters with trolls, Gollum, the spiders in Mirkwood, and Smaug. Each encounter is presented as contributing to his confrontation of fears and embrace of his heroic potential.
What is the significance of Bilbo's Baggins and Tookish natures?
The text highlights the internal conflict between Bilbo's more conservative Baggins side and his adventurous Tookish heritage as a central element driving his development and transformation throughout his journey.
What are the concluding points of the analysis?
The conclusion summarizes Bilbo's overall transformation, highlighting the lasting impact of his adventure on his character and identity. It reinforces the effectiveness of using the Hero's Journey framework to understand Bilbo's personal growth.
What are the keywords associated with this analysis?
Keywords include: The Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, Hero's Journey, Monomyth, Joseph Campbell, identity, maturation, fantasy literature, character development, coming-of-age, Baggins, Took, Tolkien, Middle-earth, Smaug.
- Quote paper
- Katja Grasberger (Author), 2015, Bilbo’s quest for identity and maturity in J.R.R. Tolkien’s "The Hobbit", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/323285
