The Hobbit is a fantasy novel written by J R. R. Tolkien in 1937. It tells the story of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who embarks on a quest to journey across Middle-earth and win a share of a treasure guarded by a dragon. The book, which is part of the popular series The Lord of the Rings, has been incredibly influential in the fantasy genre and has been adapted into multiple films and video games.
One of the best ways to explore the themes and characters of The Hobbit is through writing an essay. Here are five suggested essay topics:
1. A Study of the Characterization of Bilbo Baggins: In The Hobbit, Bilbo transforms from an unassuming hobbit to an adventurous hero. Using specific passages from the book, discuss how Tolkien develops Bilbo’s character and how his growth impacts the story.
2. A Comparison of Gandalf and Saruman: Though both are powerful wizards, these two characters have drastically different views of power and morality. Compare and contrast the ideologies of each character and explain how their values shape the plot of The Hobbit.
3. Analyzing the Role of Magic in Middle-earth: In Tolkien’s world, magic is a powerful force that can both help and harm. Explore the ways in which Tolkien utilizes magic within The Hobbit and explain how his use of magic impacts the characters and their choices.
4. Exploring the Dwarves of The Hobbit: The dwarves of The Hobbit are portrayed in different ways throughout the novel. Discuss how Tolkien’s portrayal of the dwarves shaped the plot and explain how their presence adds depth to the story.
5. A Study of Tolkien’s Representation of Nature: In The Hobbit, Tolkien employs various techniques to portray nature. Analyze the ways in which Tolkien used nature as a character and explain how his descriptions of nature impact the plot and themes of the book.