Split Personality Bilbo

Bilbo seems to be in a constant struggle with himself. His Took side and his Baggins side are constantly at ends with each other since encountering Gandalf. Gandalf awakens that Took side of him, causing Bilbo to long for adventure. Tolkien describes Bilbo as reserved and content with life at the Hill just like his father, despite his mother's blood. "The chance never arrived" for the adventurous Took side too emerge "until Bilbo Baggins was grown up, being about fifty years old or so" (Tolkien). I think that Gandalf came to see Bilbo knowing the effect he would have. "He had not been down that way under The Hill for ages and ages, not since his friend the Old Took died" (Tolkien). Gandalf came to The Hill seeking a descendant of Took for an adventure.

You can see the strain that Bilbo experiences as the tale continues. Once he realized Gandalf's intentions, Bilbo tries to send him away. "Sorry! I don't want any adventures, thank you. Not today. Good morning! But please come to tea- any time you like! Why not tomorrow? Come tomorrow!" (Tolkien). Gandalf takes advantage of the internal struggle and feeds the adventurous side with things like Thorin's song.

Took and Baggins serve as a foil in the story. Bilbo's internal deputes serve as representation of the turmoil people face in society. They struggle to live comfortably as they are or take risks to gain a better standing in life or interesting stories. In both situations Bilbo is happy. He enjoys the quiet life in The Hill and yet he is filled up by the adventurous life.

What do you think Tolkien's intentions are by having Bilbo be so conflicted? Is there any deeper meaning or does Tolkien serve only to create an entertaining character with an interesting beginning?