J.R.R. Tolkien creates a chimeric world in The Hobbit and fashions both a cast of characters and a setting which immerse the reader entirely in the lore of his “Middle Earth.” Nevertheless, the attempt at complete separation from the community in which Tolkien himself was an inhabitant in was not entirely successful; British attributes, mannerisms, and values pervade the story.
The Hobbit serves not merely as a rollicking adventure in a fantastical place among outlandish individuals, but also it offers insights into the British worldview of the author. Whether the seepage of Western culture into The Hobbit was intentional or not is debatable. Though it is possible that Tolkien had simply not perfected his writing style or fully created the milieu that his later novels would also feature in, consideration of Tolkien’s motive for including an English air to the book can give rise to interesting implications.
The plethora of British mannerisms and ethics in The Hobbit hint at a larger theme; that is, regardless of setting, or time period, basic moral standards (as epitomized by British standards) apply to all persons. Universal morals determine whether they are good or evil, and how their personality and choices shape their treatment by others. While some of the morals that Tolkien adheres to are widely accepted by a variety of cultures, others reflect intrinsically British values, which mirror the time and society that the author lived in.
Several British values are evidenced and expected by characters, including hospitality, respect of private property, obedience to a universal law, and a strong sense of cultural history. Hospitality is both expected and unquestionably provided at multiple points in the book, including when the Dwarves stay at Bilbo’s hole, and in two separate incidences when both the Elves and Beorn offer the travelers respite from the road. Respect of private property is also a strong theme. The Dwarves are outraged at Smaug’s theft of their treasure, Gollum is shocked by the loss of his “Precious,” and Thorin is outraged when he hears that Bilbo has stolen the Arkenstone. Each is an example of unlawful ownership, and any means are justified to restore rightful ownership. Thus, Bilbo feels the need to “pay back” the king of the Wood-Elves for the food that he stole while he secretly resided in the Elves’ fortress. Although Middle Earth contains many peoples, an adherence to basic laws still seem to be expected; contracts hold meaning and when they are broken, it is a serious offense. For example, Smaug questions the agreement between the Dwarves and Bilbo as a means of undermining the trust of the company, yet Thorin assures Bilbo that to break such a covenant would be unimaginable. Finally, just as the Brits prize their knowledge of the accounts of their ancestors’ deeds, Hobbits, Dwarves, and even the Goblins, constantly show a strong sense of cultural heritage. They sing songs and tell tales of their predecessor’s glory, and refer back to their actions and sayings as examples to follow. They are linked to the past, and proud of their ancestral traditions.
Tolkien’s great skill as a writer is demonstrated by the dynamic realism that many of his characters display. The majority of the individuals in the book are fluid and ever-changing. Though, like true people, most lean towards “good” or “evil” intentions, they make wise, unselfish decisions or foolish, egotistical ones with the unpredictability expected in real life, lending to a more engaging storyline. Though there are some static characters, including Smaug, Gollum, the Goblins, and Gandalf, who do not sway in the evil or good of their intentions as the story progresses, most, like the the Dwarves and Bilbo, defy simple or symbolic characterization.
The Dwarves, especially Thorin, are introduced in the beginning of the book as brave, virtuous characters on a noble expedition; they are eager to win back their ancestor’s treasure from a dragon, and restore the glory of their predecessor’s kingdom. As the story progresses, the dwarves demonstrate that they are fair (Thorin promises Bilbo an equal portion of the treasure), work together well,(the dwarves look out for each other, leaving no one behind) and are respectful and thankful of help (as seen in their interactions with Bilbo, Gandalf, and Beorn). However, as the The Hobbit reaches a conclusion, the dwarves, obsessed with their treasure, turn greedy and thoughtless; they refuse to offer the Men who aided them in the slaughter of the dragon a rightful share of the treasure, and disown Bilbo when he attempts to make peace between the two groups.
The character who demonstrates the greatest transformation in The Hobbit is Bilbo himself. The story’s namesake and protagonist, Bilbo develops throughout the adventure, growing less fearful, homesick, and reliant upon others. However, the greatest change seen in Bilbo is after the Ring comes into his possession. With the aid of the Ring, the otherwise innocent Hobbit begins a more nefarious lifestyle, sometimes for the good of his friends, but other times, merely to fulfill the strange desires of greed that the Ring bestows upon him. The first suspicious act that Bilbo ever attempts without prompting is shown shortly after he acquires the Ring. Rather than tell his friends of his discovery, Bilbo keeps the knowledge to himself. Later, he grows bolder with his new found invisibility, using it to fight enormous spiders and free his friends from the clutches of Wood-Elves, through burglary and deception. Later, in perhaps the most questionable action in the book, Bilbo keeps Thorin’s most treasured possession, the Arkenstone, to himself. This change in the trusting, well-meaning Hobbit is disturbing. We see it as a beginning of a progression that may lead to the utter transformation that Gollum, once a Hobbit himself, experienced.
Though the decisions of many in The Hobbit are unpredictable, the consequences of their actions rarely are; those who act well are generally rewarded, while those who act badly are punished. This choice of Tolkien in the treatment of his characters reflects a basic value that is deeply set in many cultures. While in real life, few actually reap the consequences of their deeds, many agree that in a perfect society, justice would be meted out so that all were treated according to their actions. The ease with which the good are rewarded and the bad are punished in The Hobbit reflects another choice of Tolkien to inject British values into the story.
The Hobbit can easily be considered a commentary on the English people, if not a satire. Rather like Mark Twain’s “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court ”, Tolkien’s novel explores what would happen if a stereo-typical Englishmen was uprooted from his comfortable place in society. Perhaps the most “British” character in is Bilbo himself. In way of speaking, dress, and habit, Bilbo is the perfect English gentlemen in all but his hairy feet. The British publication The Telegraph recently characterized the English people as “stubborn, stoical, indignant at injustice,” a description which aptly applies to Bilbo. At first, Bilbo is remarkably reluctant to change his way of life, and insists that he will not depart on the adventure. Finally, Bilbo’s motive for going along is his outrage that the Dwarves have been robbed of their treasure, the first example of many of his “indignations at injustice.” The Hobbit also demonstrates great stoicism, enduring the bitter journey with surprisingly good grace, and exhibiting cheer even when his fellow travelers feel that there is no hope. Overall, Tolkien’s view of the British is less biting then that of Twain’s view of Americans. By characterizing Bilbo, a representative of the English people, as a resilient, intelligent, and loyal person, Tolkien demonstrates his great pride in his countrymen.
Bibliography:
“Ten core values of the British identity” July 27, 2005.http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/telegraph-view/3618632/Ten-core-values-of-the-British-identity.html
The Hobbit serves not merely as a rollicking adventure in a fantastical place among outlandish individuals, but also it offers insights into the British worldview of the author. Whether the seepage of Western culture into The Hobbit was intentional or not is debatable. Though it is possible that Tolkien had simply not perfected his writing style or fully created the milieu that his later novels would also feature in, consideration of Tolkien’s motive for including an English air to the book can give rise to interesting implications.
The plethora of British mannerisms and ethics in The Hobbit hint at a larger theme; that is, regardless of setting, or time period, basic moral standards (as epitomized by British standards) apply to all persons. Universal morals determine whether they are good or evil, and how their personality and choices shape their treatment by others. While some of the morals that Tolkien adheres to are widely accepted by a variety of cultures, others reflect intrinsically British values, which mirror the time and society that the author lived in.
Several British values are evidenced and expected by characters, including hospitality, respect of private property, obedience to a universal law, and a strong sense of cultural history. Hospitality is both expected and unquestionably provided at multiple points in the book, including when the Dwarves stay at Bilbo’s hole, and in two separate incidences when both the Elves and Beorn offer the travelers respite from the road. Respect of private property is also a strong theme. The Dwarves are outraged at Smaug’s theft of their treasure, Gollum is shocked by the loss of his “Precious,” and Thorin is outraged when he hears that Bilbo has stolen the Arkenstone. Each is an example of unlawful ownership, and any means are justified to restore rightful ownership. Thus, Bilbo feels the need to “pay back” the king of the Wood-Elves for the food that he stole while he secretly resided in the Elves’ fortress. Although Middle Earth contains many peoples, an adherence to basic laws still seem to be expected; contracts hold meaning and when they are broken, it is a serious offense. For example, Smaug questions the agreement between the Dwarves and Bilbo as a means of undermining the trust of the company, yet Thorin assures Bilbo that to break such a covenant would be unimaginable. Finally, just as the Brits prize their knowledge of the accounts of their ancestors’ deeds, Hobbits, Dwarves, and even the Goblins, constantly show a strong sense of cultural heritage. They sing songs and tell tales of their predecessor’s glory, and refer back to their actions and sayings as examples to follow. They are linked to the past, and proud of their ancestral traditions.
Tolkien’s great skill as a writer is demonstrated by the dynamic realism that many of his characters display. The majority of the individuals in the book are fluid and ever-changing. Though, like true people, most lean towards “good” or “evil” intentions, they make wise, unselfish decisions or foolish, egotistical ones with the unpredictability expected in real life, lending to a more engaging storyline. Though there are some static characters, including Smaug, Gollum, the Goblins, and Gandalf, who do not sway in the evil or good of their intentions as the story progresses, most, like the the Dwarves and Bilbo, defy simple or symbolic characterization.
The Dwarves, especially Thorin, are introduced in the beginning of the book as brave, virtuous characters on a noble expedition; they are eager to win back their ancestor’s treasure from a dragon, and restore the glory of their predecessor’s kingdom. As the story progresses, the dwarves demonstrate that they are fair (Thorin promises Bilbo an equal portion of the treasure), work together well,(the dwarves look out for each other, leaving no one behind) and are respectful and thankful of help (as seen in their interactions with Bilbo, Gandalf, and Beorn). However, as the The Hobbit reaches a conclusion, the dwarves, obsessed with their treasure, turn greedy and thoughtless; they refuse to offer the Men who aided them in the slaughter of the dragon a rightful share of the treasure, and disown Bilbo when he attempts to make peace between the two groups.
The character who demonstrates the greatest transformation in The Hobbit is Bilbo himself. The story’s namesake and protagonist, Bilbo develops throughout the adventure, growing less fearful, homesick, and reliant upon others. However, the greatest change seen in Bilbo is after the Ring comes into his possession. With the aid of the Ring, the otherwise innocent Hobbit begins a more nefarious lifestyle, sometimes for the good of his friends, but other times, merely to fulfill the strange desires of greed that the Ring bestows upon him. The first suspicious act that Bilbo ever attempts without prompting is shown shortly after he acquires the Ring. Rather than tell his friends of his discovery, Bilbo keeps the knowledge to himself. Later, he grows bolder with his new found invisibility, using it to fight enormous spiders and free his friends from the clutches of Wood-Elves, through burglary and deception. Later, in perhaps the most questionable action in the book, Bilbo keeps Thorin’s most treasured possession, the Arkenstone, to himself. This change in the trusting, well-meaning Hobbit is disturbing. We see it as a beginning of a progression that may lead to the utter transformation that Gollum, once a Hobbit himself, experienced.
Though the decisions of many in The Hobbit are unpredictable, the consequences of their actions rarely are; those who act well are generally rewarded, while those who act badly are punished. This choice of Tolkien in the treatment of his characters reflects a basic value that is deeply set in many cultures. While in real life, few actually reap the consequences of their deeds, many agree that in a perfect society, justice would be meted out so that all were treated according to their actions. The ease with which the good are rewarded and the bad are punished in The Hobbit reflects another choice of Tolkien to inject British values into the story.
The Hobbit can easily be considered a commentary on the English people, if not a satire. Rather like Mark Twain’s “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court ”, Tolkien’s novel explores what would happen if a stereo-typical Englishmen was uprooted from his comfortable place in society. Perhaps the most “British” character in is Bilbo himself. In way of speaking, dress, and habit, Bilbo is the perfect English gentlemen in all but his hairy feet. The British publication The Telegraph recently characterized the English people as “stubborn, stoical, indignant at injustice,” a description which aptly applies to Bilbo. At first, Bilbo is remarkably reluctant to change his way of life, and insists that he will not depart on the adventure. Finally, Bilbo’s motive for going along is his outrage that the Dwarves have been robbed of their treasure, the first example of many of his “indignations at injustice.” The Hobbit also demonstrates great stoicism, enduring the bitter journey with surprisingly good grace, and exhibiting cheer even when his fellow travelers feel that there is no hope. Overall, Tolkien’s view of the British is less biting then that of Twain’s view of Americans. By characterizing Bilbo, a representative of the English people, as a resilient, intelligent, and loyal person, Tolkien demonstrates his great pride in his countrymen.
Bibliography:
“Ten core values of the British identity” July 27, 2005.http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/telegraph-view/3618632/Ten-core-values-of-the-British-identity.html
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