On the Shelf

This week I bring to you the final update for the novel, “The Hobbit”. I just finished the great novel last night while half-way paying attention to one of those wonderful made-for-T.V. sci-fi movies. The sci-fi movie made an excellent foil for The Hobbit; The Hobbit is remarkably well written and moves beyond the predictable realm of “the not even scary guy who abruptly enters frame with a loud noise” shocker moments. While on the note of sharp contrast, the ending of the novel brings up a major contrast between Bilbo and his picture perfect foil, Thorin. When the adventuring party finally makes it to the Lonely Mountain, Thorin takes great pride in claiming the treasure as his own to dispense as he pleases, modeling that five year old child on the playground who won’t share HIS jungle-gym with the rest of the kids. While sitting atop his gratuitous pile of gold, silver, gems, and priceless jewelry, Thorin manages to start an unwinnable war with the men of the lake who helped him earn his golden throne (ex. Killing the dragon that once guarded it). Bilbo, taking advantage of his natural leadership and benevolence, sneaks out to the enemy camp and makes a selfless offer to prevent the war from commencing. Bilbo offers to give his claim to the treasure to the men of the lake in order to appease the war-bound men and elves. Our little King Midas disowns Bilbo for his “treachery” and war is on the verge of fruition. After a great chain of plot twisting of events, Thorin formally apologizes to Bilbo and attempts to redeem himself from his greed by renouncing his action. The book ends with Bilbo’s return journey, where he is exceedingly generous in rewarding the friendly faces who helped him complete his quest. This conclusion shows that even though Bilbo developed into a natural leader, a crafty escape artist, and a peacemaker, Bilbo still maintained his devotion to a life of simplicity.