Characteristics Of Bilbo In The Hobbit - 1136 Words

Bilbo Baggins is the last being in â€Å"The Hobbit† to be considered a monster. J.R.R. Tolkien made sure to depict Bilbo as an innocent, loving, and merciful being. However the reader cannot deny the fact that he possesses some characteristics of a â€Å"monster.† Dating back to the 1300s, monsters have been defined as people whom are of abnormal form and structure. It can be argued that every species, besides the humans, are monsters, including Hobbits like Bilbo. Furthermore Bilbo is unlike a typical Hobbit thanks to his Tookish lineage; therefore he is even more abnormal. Their neighbors, in part because of their wealth, have always respected the Bagginses but also because they never bother anyone (pg 3). Bilbo eventually loses all respect of†¦show more content†¦As seen in many monster stories throughout history, such as Bisclavret and Beowulf, monsters also live in isolation. Bilbo is no different. Hobbits are inherently known to remain in the confines of their homes at all costs, as it provides a sense of comfort and security, similar to the role the woods play for Bisclavret. Tolkien describes, on page 4, how Bilbo’s parents settled in their â€Å"hobbit-hole† and remained there until their deaths, which is also where Bilbo continues to live (pg 4-5). Even after begins his journey alongside the dwarves, he longs to sit in his home by the fire. In addition to being isolated homebodies, Hobbit’s are very fond of food. It is said that Hobbits are â€Å"inclined to be fat in the stomach† (pg 4). Their gluttonous tendencies plague Bilbo through his travels as he constantly dreams of food. The outward appearance of Bilbo and his need to live and eat separate from the world provides for a surface level analysis of Bilbo Baggins as one of the monsters of The Hobbit. It is important to remember that not all monsters are evil or act on malicious intent. Likewise, even though a character isn’t demonic doesn’t mean he isn’t still a monster. Bilbo never behaves in an inappropriate manner, and is in fact the protagonist of The Hobbit. Jeffrey Jerome Cohen provides two theses from his article â€Å"Monster Culture† that satisfies Bilbo’s character. Thesis #2: The Monster Always Escapes is perhaps the most obviousShow MoreRelatedThe Development of the Character of Bilbo Baggins1605 Words   |  7 PagesThe Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, as a child on his trip into adulthood. Throughout The Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, the protagonist, changes from a childlike hobbit to a fully matured hero. J.R.R. Tolkien divides the change in Bilbos character into the three major part of the book, prior to the quest, during the quest, and after the quest. Prior to the quest, Bilbo Baggins was a conservative, respectable and stubborn hobbit who lead a rich and comfortable life (Stephanie web). 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