Exploring the Character of Bilbo Baggins
A Brief Look into the Character of Bilbo BagginsIn literary classic The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien, one of the heroes is Bilbo Baggins. Bilbo is a curious, brave, and loyal character who accompanies the classic company of dwarves on a quest to vanquish the dragon Smaug and take back the Lonely Mountain. While he may initially seem unwilling to join in the adventure, it quickly becomes apparent that Bilbo is very brave and loyal, owning up to difficult tasks even when he is overcome with fear. CuriosityBilbo is a very inquisitive character, eager to explore the world ahead of him. In the famed riddle scene with Gollum, Bilbo's creativity and cleverness provide the answers needed for the group to progress forward. He is often known to go off by himself and explore the unknown so that he can make the most informed decisions for his party. His curiosity is a major factor in his success on the journey.BraveryMany times throughout the tale, Bilbo is put in danger- yet he does not back down. He is brave enough to take on a myriad of obstacles from finding the Arkenstone to rescuing his party from their imprisoned state in a wood-elf kingdom. During these moments, Bilbo is able to be courageous and face the challenge, no matter how little he knows or how dangerous the situation. LoyaltyDespite some of his party members' appreciation for him ranging from admiration to distrust, Bilbo is loyal to the dwarves and their cause. He could have easily stayed at home in the safety and comfort of the Shire, yet he chose to travel with the dwarves so that they may take the Lonely Mountain back and restore the dwarf kingdom. Bilbo is a beloved character in The Hobbit, for all these reasons. He is curious, brave, and loyal- a combination that helps him succeed and grow on his quest for Erebor.