In J. R. R. Tolkien’s The
Hobbit, an early scene that reveals to Bilbo the wishes of the dwarfs
brings out key components of both Gandalf and Bilbo’s characters. Once the
dwarfs explain to Bilbo the terrors that possibly await their adventure, “poor
Bilbo couldn’t bear it any longer…he began to feel a shriek building up inside,
and very soon it burst out” (17). Terrified, Bilbo faints and the dwarfs begin
to question their “burglar’s” will power. Gandalf responds to their questions
by addressing them: “I have chosen Mr. Baggins and that ought to be enough for
all of you…There is a lot more in him than you guess, and a deal more than he
has any idea of himself” (19). This specific quote reveals characteristics of
both Gandalf and Bilbo. By telling them that his statement “ought to be enough”
for them, this quote exemplifies Gandalf’s habit of making it known to the dwarfs
that his word is definitive. In a godlike manner, Gandalf’s statement stands as
proof of his authority—authority that remains in action throughout the novel.
On the other hand, by mentioning to the dwarfs that Bilbo has more in him than
anyone knows, Gandalf foreshadows any heroic actions made by Bilbo that are to
come. Since Gandalf’s word is one to remember and trust, it can be almost
certainly inferred that Bilbo will bring good fortunes to the dwarfs’ journey at
some point along the way.
Since Bilbo has gone against the Hobbits’ ways and gone on
an adventure, will he be accepted if he were to return? He longs for home frequently,
but what would happen if he were shunned upon return?
I think if Bilbo is successful on his adventure, then the Hobbits will accept him and probably be overly happy for him. Gandalf is a respectable idol in the community, which leads me to believe that he will still be accepted when he returns.
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