On the Shelf

In this installment of On the Shelf I bring another up date on the epic story The Hobbit. A great number of events transpired this week within The Hobbit, all bringing about various not so subtle changes in our beloved protagonist Bilbo Baggins. The fearless adventuring party faces a plethora of legendary enemies including: goblins riding wolves, spell casting wood-elves, maniacal kings, and the ineffably powerful dragon, Smaug, who is sure to make anyone second guess how important this quest for glory really is. Along the quest we start to uncover the various perspective changes within the party, most notably about the party's view of Bilbo. Bilbo's use of the magic ring to solve just about any giant spider filled, prison bound, fire breathing , barrel-surfing problem that the dwarves manage to throw themselves into causes a dramatic shift in the role Bilbo plays. Bilbo changes from the mild, napping-on-the-front-porch-on-a-hot-summer-day hobbit to a crafty escape artist capable of saving his companions from anything. The quote below represents Bilbos dramatic change in character.

"It was at this point that Bilbo stopped. Going on from there was the bravest thing he ever did. The tremendous things that happened afterwards were as nothing compared to it. he fought the real battle in the tunnel alone, before he ever saw the vast danger that lay in wait."

 Additionally, Bilbo manages to hold onto his country boy roots, saving him from getting carried away with his quest and forgetting all about the qualities of his home that he loves so dearly.