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Exploring the Factors that Define a Person's Identity in The Hobbit by J.R. Tolkien

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Exploring the Factors that Define a Person's Identity in The Hobbit by J.R. Tolkien

Identity is the basis of individuality. It determines who one is; who one chooses to be; how one is perceived by others. This philosophy is applied no differently in 'The Hobbit', written by J.R. Tolkien. It is a fantasy-adventure tale about a peaceful creature called a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins, who is hauled into an adventure by a well-known wizard, Gandalf. He sets off with thirteen dwarves in a quest for the treasure belonging to the leader of the dwarves, Thorin. On the way, they encounter hungry trolls, wicked goblins, loyal eagles, giant man-eating spiders and other strange creatures unknown to man. Their …show more content…

He is pleased with his comfortable life filled with meals and snacks. He is not keen of going off on adventures, or seeking any excitement whatsoever, unlike his mother, Belladonna Took. His tense and tremendously apprehensive condition becomes incredibly apparent when he screams in a fright during the dwarves discussion of their forthcoming adventure. Initially, he is fussy with neatness and attention, such as skipping one meal out of his daily five. As the plot thickens, he becomes a kind-hearted and wise hero, risking his own life for his companions. Eventually he becomes their leader, despite Thorin's position as heir to the king of Thror. Bilbo, as the chief characters, is included in each theme and instalment in the novel. The quest, which primarily belonged to the dwarves developed into being his as well. In verity, the pursuit for Bilbo is not only for the treasure, but for his own self-discovery. At the start, however, he does not know this. Bilbo uncovers things about himself that he didn't even know possibly existed within him. In the cliché theme of 'good versus evil', Bilbo, without question, automatically jumps to the 'good' side. In his character, there are no uncertain borders, as there are in the temperaments of the dwarves. From the beginning to the end he stays an honourable and honest hobbit,

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