The Hobbit is a fantasy novel written by J. R. R. Tolkien and published in 1937. The story follows hobbit Bilbo Baggins as he joins a group of dwarves on a journey to reclaim their homeland from the dragon Smaug. Along the way, they encounter a variety of obstacles, including giant spiders, trolls, and giant eagles, as well as the mysterious and powerful Gollum.
BOOK INFO
version: CLASSIC, EBOOK, AUDIOBOOK
number of pages: 300
literary movement: MODERNISM
literary genre: FANTASY
1st edition: 1937
years of writing: 1930 - 1932
SUMMARY
The novel is set in the fantasy world of Middle-Earth, which is richly detailed and populated with a variety of different races, such as dwarves, elves, and hobbits. The world is also home to a variety of different creatures, such as dragons, goblins, and giant wolves.
One of the main themes is the concept of heroism and the idea that ordinary individuals can do extraordinary things. Bilbo, who is initially reluctant to join the dwarves on their quest, ultimately becomes a hero through his actions and bravery. The novel also explores the theme of greed. The dwarves are motivated by their desire to reclaim their homeland and the treasure that it contains.
WRITING STYLE
The novel is written in a simple and accessible style, making it suitable for both children and adults. It is filled with humor, adventure, and action, making it a fast-paced and exciting read. The Hobbit is considered a classic of fantasy literature and has had a lasting influence on the genre.
THEMES OF THE BOOK
The novel is notable for its exploration of fate and destiny. How the characters’ actions can shape their own fate. The characters are also shown to have the ability to change, grow, and learn from their experiences, making it more than just an adventure story.
The novel main theme is also friendship. Bilbo develops a deep bond with the dwarves, particularly Thorin, the leader of the group. Their journey together is full of challenges and obstacles, but their friendship and loyalty to each other helps them to overcome these difficulties.
Another important theme in the novel is the idea of home and belonging. Bilbo, who starts the journey as a contented and comfortable hobbit, finds that his experiences have changed him. He is no longer able to return to his old life. He has to find a new place where he belongs, and he ultimately chooses to stay in the company of the elves, who accept him as one of their own.
Another theme is power, as the characters struggle with the corrupting influence of the dragon’s hoard and the ring that Bilbo finds in the lair of Gollum. The ring is revealed to be a powerful and dangerous object that can change the fate of Middle-Earth. The characters have to make difficult decisions about how to use it, if at all.
MAIN CHARACTERS
Bilbo Baggins
Is the main character of The Hobbit. He is a hobbit, a small and timid creature who is content with his comfortable life in the Shire. He is initially reluctant to join the dwarves on their quest, but through his experiences, he becomes braver, more confident, and ultimately a hero.
Thorin Oakenshiled
Is the leader of the dwarves and the main driving force behind the quest to reclaim their homeland from Smaug. He is proud, stubborn, and fiercely determined to succeed, but he also has a deep sense of loyalty and friendship for Bilbo.
Gollum
Is a strange, slimy creature who lives in the depths of a cave. He is the former owner of the ring that Bilbo finds, and his obsession with the ring drives much of the action in the novel.
Gandalf
Is a powerful wizard who serves as the guide and mentor to Bilbo and the dwarves. He is wise and powerful, but also mysterious and unpredictable.
Beorn
Is a shape-shifter who lives in the forest and helps the dwarves on their journey. He is powerful, fierce, and protective of his home, but he also has a kind and generous side.
Elrond
Is the leader of the elves, who lives in the hidden valley of Rivendell. He helps the dwarves and Bilbo on their journey and provides them with valuable information and assistance.
Bard
Is a human archer and leader of Lake-town. He helps the dwarves and Bilbo in their final battle against Smaug.
Smaug
Is the dragon who stole the treasure of the dwarves and is the main antagonist of the story. His hoard of gold and treasure is the main goal of the dwarves’ quest.
Glóin and Balin
Are two of the dwarves who are part of Thorin’s company. They are loyal friends and companions to Thorin and play an important role in the story.
Kíli and Fíli
Are two of Thorin’s nephews, they are young and enthusiastic. They play a key role in the company, helping in the quest and providing comic relief.
Bombur
Is one of the dwarves. He is known for his appetite, and his clumsiness often causes trouble for the group.
Dori, Nori, and Ori
Are three other dwarves who are part of Thorin’s company. They play a supporting role in the story, but they also have their own moments of bravery and determination.
These characters are the main characters of the story. Each one has their own unique personality, background, and motivations. Their interactions and conflicts drive the action and the plot of the story. They all play an important role in the story, and their development and growth throughout the novel is an essential aspect of the story.
I’m going on an adventure!
BILBO BAGGINS
TOP 10 POINTS
- The Hobbit is a fantasy novel that follows hobbit Bilbo Baggins as he joins a group of dwarves on a journey to reclaim their homeland from the dragon Smaug.
- The novel is set in the fantasy world of Middle-Earth, which is richly detailed and populated with a variety of different races and creatures.
- The main theme of the novel is the concept of heroism and the idea that ordinary individuals can do extraordinary things.
- The novel also explores the themes of greed, as the dwarves are motivated by their desire to reclaim their homeland and the treasure that it contains.
- The novel is written in a simple and accessible style, making it suitable for both children and adults, it’s filled with humor, adventure, and action.
- The novel explores the idea of fate and destiny, and how the characters’ actions can shape their own fate.
- The novel explores the theme of friendship. Bilbo develops a deep bond with the dwarves, and their friendship and loyalty to each other helps them to overcome the difficulties.
- Another important theme in the novel is the idea of home and belonging.
- The novel explores the theme of power, as the characters struggle with the corrupting influence of the dragon’s hoard and the ring that Bilbo finds.
- The Hobbit is a novel that appeals to readers of all ages and is widely considered as one of the greatest works of J.R.R. Tolkien. It’s popularity has led to several adaptations and it continues to be a favorite among readers of all ages.
The Hobbit is a novel that appeals to readers of all ages, it is a classic of fantasy literature. It is widely considered as one of the greatest works of J.R.R. Tolkien. The book’s popularity has led to several adaptations, including films, video games and plays. It has inspired countless other works of fantasy, and it continues to be a favorite among readers of all ages.
MOVIE ADAPTATION
The Hobbit is a film series consisting of three epic fantasy adventure films based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s 1937 novel of the same name. The three movies in the series are The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012), The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013), and The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014).
The movies were directed by Peter Jackson and produced by New Line Cinema, MGM, and WingNut Films. The first movie was released in December 2012. The movies follow the journey of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who is recruited by a wizard named Gandalf to help a group of dwarves reclaim their lost kingdom from the dragon Smaug.
These movies were largely well-received by critics and audiences alike, and were successful at the box office, grossing over $2.9 billion worldwide. However, some fans of the original book criticized the films for their length and the inclusion of additional material not found in the book.
ABOUT WRITER
J.R.R. Tolkien, full name John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, was an English writer, poet, and academic who is best known for his fantasy novels The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. He was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa on January 3, 1892, but moved to Birmingham, England with his family when he was three years old. His father, Arthur Tolkien, was an English bank manager and his mother, Mabel Tolkien, was a talented artist and musician.
