“The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien is a classic novel that has captured the hearts of millions of readers worldwide. The story follows Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who embarks on an adventure with a group of dwarves and a wizard named Gandalf. Throughout the journey, Bilbo encounters various challenges, including a fierce dragon named Smaug, and discovers his inner strength and courage.
One of the most interesting aspects of “The Hobbit” is its use of allegory. Allegory is a literary device that uses symbolism to convey a deeper meaning. In “The Hobbit,” Tolkien uses allegory to explore themes such as greed, power, and the corrupting influence of evil. By examining these themes through the lens of allegory, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the novel’s message and the world in which it was written.
In this article, we will explore the allegorical elements of “The Hobbit” and how they contribute to the novel’s overall meaning. We will examine the characters, settings, and events in the story and uncover the hidden symbolism that lies beneath the surface. Whether you are a longtime fan of Tolkien’s work or a newcomer to Middle-earth, this article will provide you with a fresh perspective on one of the most beloved stories of all time.
Background on ‘The Hobbit’
‘The Hobbit’ is a novel by J.R.R. Tolkien that was published in 1937. It is a prelude to ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and introduces readers to the world of Middle Earth during its Third Age. The book tells the story of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who is recruited by a group of dwarves to help them reclaim their lost treasure from the dragon Smaug.
Tolkien was a professor of Anglo-Saxon at Oxford University and was inspired by his love of mythology and language to create his own world. He began writing ‘The Hobbit’ in the 1920s, and it was first published by George Allen & Unwin in 1937.
The novel was an instant success, and it has since become a classic of children’s literature. It has been translated into over 50 languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide. ‘The Hobbit’ has also been adapted into several films, including a trilogy directed by Peter Jackson.
Overall, ‘The Hobbit’ is a timeless tale of adventure, friendship, and bravery that has captivated readers of all ages for generations.
Overview of Allegory in Literature
Allegory is a literary device that uses characters, events, and settings to represent abstract ideas and concepts. It is a powerful tool that writers use to convey complex ideas in a more accessible and engaging way. Allegory is often used to explore themes such as morality, politics, and religion.
One of the most famous examples of allegory in literature is George Orwell’s Animal Farm. The novel uses farm animals to represent the different factions of the Russian Revolution and the subsequent rise of Stalinism. Another well-known example is William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, which uses a group of boys stranded on an island to explore the darker aspects of human nature.
Allegory can be an effective way to communicate complex ideas to a wide audience. By using concrete examples and relatable characters, writers can engage readers and make their ideas more accessible. However, allegory can also be a double-edged sword. When used poorly, it can come across as heavy-handed or didactic, and can turn readers off.
Allegorical Elements in ‘The Hobbit’
Throughout ‘The Hobbit’, J.R.R. Tolkien uses various allegorical elements to convey deeper meanings and themes. One such element is the character of Bilbo Baggins, who represents the common man and his journey towards self-discovery. Bilbo’s reluctance to leave his comfortable life in the Shire mirrors the fear and uncertainty that many people feel when faced with the unknown.
Another allegorical element in ‘The Hobbit’ is the journey itself. The quest to reclaim the treasure from Smaug represents the struggle for power and wealth, which can corrupt even the noblest of characters. The dwarves’ greed and obsession with gold is a cautionary tale about the dangers of materialism.
Tolkien also uses allegory to explore the themes of war and peace. The Battle of the Five Armies represents the futility and destruction of war, while the peaceful resolution of the conflict through negotiation and compromise highlights the importance of diplomacy and cooperation.
Bilbo Baggins as an Everyman
Bilbo Baggins is the protagonist of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit.” He is a hobbit who is content with his life and enjoys his comfortable home. However, when Gandalf the wizard and a group of dwarves come to his home, he is convinced to embark on an adventure.
Bilbo is an everyman character, representing the average person who is reluctant to leave their comfort zone but is capable of great things when given the opportunity. His journey represents the journey of self-discovery that every person must take in their life.
Throughout the story, Bilbo faces challenges and overcomes them, learning more about himself and his capabilities. He learns to be brave, resourceful, and loyal to his companions.
Bilbo’s everyman qualities make him a relatable character to readers. His journey inspires readers to look within themselves and discover their own strengths and capabilities.
The Journey as a Life’s Quest
The journey that Bilbo Baggins embarks on in The Hobbit can be viewed as a metaphor for life’s quest. Just like Bilbo, everyone has a journey to take, and it is up to them to decide whether to accept the call to adventure or not.
Throughout the story, Bilbo faces numerous challenges and obstacles, from battling goblins and spiders to outwitting Smaug the dragon. These challenges represent the trials and tribulations that one may encounter on their own journey through life.
However, Bilbo also gains valuable experience and knowledge from his journey, just as one can learn and grow from their own experiences. He discovers courage and strength within himself that he never knew he had, and he also learns the importance of friendship and loyalty.
Ultimately, Bilbo returns home a changed hobbit, just as one can return from their own journey with a newfound sense of purpose and understanding. The journey may be difficult and uncertain, but it is also filled with opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
The Battle of Good vs. Evil
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien explores the classic theme of good vs. evil. The novel presents a world where the forces of good and evil are in constant conflict. The characters in the novel represent the different sides of this conflict.
Bilbo, the protagonist, is a hobbit who represents the forces of good. He is a peaceful creature who is forced to leave his comfortable life to embark on a dangerous journey. On the other hand, Smaug, the dragon who guards the treasure, represents the forces of evil. He is a powerful and cunning creature who will stop at nothing to keep the treasure.
The battle between good and evil is not just a physical one, but a moral one as well. The novel explores the idea that good and evil are not always clear-cut, and that there can be shades of grey. For example, Gollum, who is initially portrayed as a villain, is later revealed to have a tragic backstory that makes the reader sympathize with him.
Smaug as a Symbol of Greed
Smaug, the dragon, serves as a symbol of greed in The Hobbit. His hoarding of treasure represents the dangers of greed and the consequences it can bring. Smaug’s greed is so great that he is willing to kill anyone who tries to take his treasure away from him.
Smaug’s personality is also reflective of his greed. He is arrogant, selfish, and ruthless. He sees himself as above all others and believes that he deserves to have everything he desires. His greed blinds him to the fact that his actions have consequences and that his hoarding of treasure has caused harm to others.
The Ring’s Power and Temptation
The Ring of Power is the central theme of J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel, The Hobbit. It is a ring that possesses immense power and is capable of granting the wearer immense power. The ring’s power is so great that it can corrupt even the most virtuous of beings.
The ring’s power is also a source of temptation. It is capable of seducing even the most resolute of individuals. The character of Gollum is a prime example of this. Gollum was once an ordinary hobbit but was corrupted by the ring’s power and became obsessed with possessing it.
The character of Bilbo Baggins is also tempted by the ring’s power. He is initially reluctant to take possession of the ring but is eventually seduced by its power. Bilbo’s temptation is a testament to the ring’s allure and its ability to corrupt even the most innocent of individuals.
Races of Middle-Earth and Their Symbolism
The world of Middle-Earth is populated by a diverse range of races, each with their own unique characteristics and symbolism. The most prominent races in The Hobbit are the dwarves, elves, and humans.
Dwarves are known for their love of riches and their skill in mining and crafting. They are often portrayed as stubborn and gruff, but also loyal and brave. In The Hobbit, the dwarves represent the working class and the importance of hard work and perseverance.
Elves are graceful and wise, with a deep connection to nature and magic. They are often depicted as mysterious and aloof, but also compassionate and powerful. In The Hobbit, the elves represent the upper class and the importance of knowledge and wisdom.
Humans are the most varied of the races, with different cultures and beliefs. They are often portrayed as ambitious and adaptable, but also prone to greed and corruption. In The Hobbit, the humans represent the middle class and the importance of balance and moderation.
The Hero’s Transformation
The Hobbit’s protagonist, Bilbo Baggins, undergoes a significant transformation throughout the novel. Initially, he is a timid and unadventurous hobbit who is content with his comfortable life in the Shire. However, as the story progresses, he becomes more courageous and resourceful as he faces various challenges.
One of the most notable examples of Bilbo’s transformation is his encounter with Gollum. At first, he is terrified of the creature and wants nothing more than to escape. However, he manages to outsmart Gollum by playing a game of riddles and winning the ring that later becomes a crucial element in the story.
Another significant turning point in Bilbo’s transformation is his confrontation with the dragon Smaug. Despite his fear, he manages to sneak into the dragon’s lair and steal a valuable cup, demonstrating his newfound bravery and cunning.
Nature and Industrialization
The Hobbit is a story that explores the relationship between nature and industrialization. Tolkien uses the contrast between the natural world and the world of industry to highlight the negative effects of industrialization on the environment. The dwarves’ quest for treasure is a metaphor for the destructive nature of industrialization and its impact on the natural world.
Tolkien’s writing is full of descriptions of nature, from the rolling hills of the Shire to the dark forests of Mirkwood. He portrays nature as a source of beauty and wonder, and contrasts it with the ugly, destructive world of industry. The dwarves’ obsession with mining and smelting is portrayed as a destructive force that threatens the natural world.
The theme of nature versus industrialization is also reflected in the character of Smaug. Smaug is a dragon who hoards treasure, and his destruction of the dwarves’ homeland is a metaphor for the destructive impact of industrialization on the environment. Smaug’s death, at the hands of Bard the Bowman, is symbolic of the triumph of nature over industry.
Tolkien’s World War I Experience
J.R.R. Tolkien’s experience in World War I had a significant impact on his literary works, including “The Hobbit.” He served as a signals officer in the British Army and took part in the Battle of the Somme, which was one of the deadliest battles of the war.
Tolkien’s experiences during the war are reflected in his writing, particularly in the themes of loss, sacrifice, and the struggle between good and evil. The characters in “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” face similar challenges to those faced by soldiers during the war, such as the fear of death and the need to rely on their comrades for support.
Despite the grim realities of war, Tolkien’s works also contain messages of hope and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. His experiences during World War I helped shape his worldview and his writing, making “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” timeless classics that continue to resonate with readers today.
Mythological and Historical Influences
The Hobbit, written by J.R.R. Tolkien, is a fantasy novel that has been influenced by various mythological and historical events. Tolkien was a professor of Anglo-Saxon at Oxford University and was well-versed in Norse and Celtic mythology.
The novel’s plot is based on the traditional quest narrative, which is a common theme in mythology. The story follows Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit, on his journey to help a group of dwarves reclaim their treasure from a dragon. This quest narrative is similar to the epic poem Beowulf, which Tolkien had studied extensively.
Tolkien’s use of mythical creatures such as elves, dwarves, and dragons, draws inspiration from Norse mythology. The character of Smaug, the dragon, is reminiscent of the dragon Fafnir from the Volsunga Saga. Similarly, the character of Thorin Oakenshield, the leader of the dwarves, is based on the Norse god Thor.
In addition to mythology, Tolkien was also influenced by historical events such as World War I. The Battle of the Somme, in which Tolkien fought, is said to have inspired the battle scenes in the novel. The character of Bard the Bowman, who kills Smaug, is based on the English longbowmen who played a crucial role in the Battle of Agincourt.
Criticism and Interpretations of Allegory
Some critics argue that The Hobbit is a pure adventure story with no underlying allegorical meaning. However, others suggest that Tolkien’s work is heavily allegorical, with many elements representing real-world issues and events. For example, the character of Smaug has been interpreted as a representation of the greed and destruction caused by industrialization.
Despite Tolkien’s own denials of allegory, some readers have found parallels between The Hobbit and historical events such as World War I and the rise of fascism in Europe. Others have interpreted the story as a Christian allegory, with Bilbo’s journey symbolizing the Christian life and the dragon representing Satan.
While it is impossible to know for certain whether Tolkien intended The Hobbit to be allegorical or not, the fact that readers continue to debate this issue demonstrates the enduring power of the story and its ability to resonate with different audiences in different ways. Ultimately, the interpretation of allegory is left up to the reader, and each individual must decide for themselves what meaning they find in Tolkien’s work.