Analyzing Style: J. R. R. TOLKIEN'S THE HOBBIT

Essay by rockonz723High School, 11th gradeA+, May 2004

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Perhaps one of the greatest fantasy novels of all time, The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien not only demonstrates stylistic principles of 20th century writing but also includes an enthralling plot, endearing characters and enough exciting dangerous scenes to contain the attention of the average teenage reader. The follows the adventures of a hobbit, name Bilbo Baggins as he explores the realms of Middle Earth with a wizard and a band of dwarves to slay the dragon known as Smaug and reclaim the treasure of the dwarven mines of old. Along the way, the merry band encounters many obstacles, which include a trio of trolls, goblin hordes within the Misty Mountains, the creature Gollum, giant spiders, dark elves, and finally the dragon Smaug. Ensuing the slaying of the dragon, war threatens to break out between the humans and the elves against the dwarves and Bilbo. Peace is achieved just before an army of goblins and wargs marches on the elves, humans and dwarves.

The eagles, whom Bilbo had befriended previously in the story, arrive just in time to save them from a goblin victory. Bilbo then returns home with "Sting," his sword, his elfish chain mail, and magic ring to his home in the Shire, preferring not to go on any more adventures for quite some time. Of course, as with any story, the plot is irrelevant if the tale is not told in an organized fashion, with vivid imagery and with exemplary word choice. These elements of style, as used in Tolkien's novel, takes Bilbo adventures to the next level so to speak, placing this book onto the catalog of the greatest literary works of the 20th century.

Organization and arrangement of ideas is one of the most critical points to any expression, especially in literary works. Since...