Reviewed by: Librarian
Of course, I’m not being original when I claim this as one of my all-time favorite books. Most everyone loves The Hobbit. But after the wild success of The Lord of the Rings movies, I’d like to suggest the crazy notion that The Hobbit is better than the trilogy that succeeded it. Why? To start with, it’s far, far funnier than the very serious books that make up The Lord of the Rings. I identify more with good-hearted, bumbling Bilbo Baggins than I do with the heroic, tragic Frodo or his loyal, sentimental sidekick Samwise. The early dialogues between Bilbo and Gandalf or between Bilbo and the dwarves are hilarious, as are the scary, thrilling scenes with Bilbo and Gollum or with Bilbo and the dragon, Smaug. The big difference is that Bilbo is the butt of all the jokes in the first chapter, but by the end of the novel, he’s the trickster, playing clever jokes on the dwarves and on Smaug.
Another quality I love about The Hobbit is it’s refusal to glamorize the hero. At the beginning of the novel, Bilbo is foolish, self-satisfied, and not very resourceful. Gandalf and the dwarves overwhelm him, trick him and bully him. His first attempt at thievery, when he tries to steal from the trolls, is a complete failure. Later on, as he develops into a seasoned adventurer, Bilbo shows himself capable of great courage and intelligence. However, Bilbo also lies to his friends occasionally, and benefits from some amazing strokes of luck, such as the finding of the ring. In other words, like most of us he’s complicated — sometimes a bit selfish, sometimes a bit foolish. When he gets into a dangerous situation, he panics. He can’t stand the discomforts of outdoor travel. These aren’t very heroic traits, but most of us would react in the same way. It’s these human qualities that make Bilbo’s heroic actions all the more inspiring and admirable.
What do you think? Of Tolkein’s books, which is your favorite? Who’s your favorite character? Do you love Bilbo as much as I do, or do you identify more with Frodo? Or with someone else? What do you like the most abouttt Tolkein’s books?
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April 12th, 2006 at 11:19 am
Another great work of fantasy is the Riddle of the Stars Trilogy, “RiddleMaster of Hed”, “Heir of Sea and Fire” and “Harpist in the Wind” by Patricia McKillip. These works are shorter and make for easier reading, but the writing is absolutely beautiful and the mythology very rich and textured. The main character, Morgon of Hed, not unlike Bilbo, also starts off as a reluctant hero, though the similarities end there, for one thing he is much taller.
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June 26th, 2006 at 1:37 pm
I think i can agree with you,although Gandalf is my favorite character.
July 6th, 2006 at 10:48 am
I liked the Hobbit and really do love the sense of humor in everything all mixed up with adventure. The mystery, suspense, and adventure of Lord of the Rings is very intriging as well. I’m not gonna say my fave character is Legolas. I’m not. It’s not all in the ears, it’s umm in the hairy feet?
Chris: You get hundred points for a good argument.
BookFan: Yeah, Gandalf is cool.
March 15th, 2007 at 9:19 am
I don’t really think the Hobbit is better. It’s way funnier, though.
I don’t think the Lord of the Rings is better than the Hobbit, either, but they are two very different moods.
I could read the Hobbit more often than The Lord of the Rings, because it’s shorter, quicker, and more light-hearted.
I agree, BookFan, Gandalf is the best.