The Hobbit

The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien is an example of a romance. According to Northrop Frye, a romance is a tale of a hero who is greater than man and nature. This hero embarks on a quest to defeat an enemy or obtain something of value. Bilbo goes on a quest with the dwarves to reconquer the fortune that once belonged to the dwarf Thorin’s royal father. Although the quest isn’t in Bilbo’s best interest he takes on the quest with the dwarf’s right along him the entire way as his loyal companions. His sage is the wise old wizard named Gandalf, who always seems to appear at just the right times. Even though the characters of The Hobbit may not fit these roles exactly, the story still qualifies as a romance. Although in the beginning Bilbo doesn’t come off as much of a hero: they originally described him as a very afraid, unadventurous small hobbit, “we are plain quiet folk, and have no use for adventures.” When Bilbo first encounters Gandalf the hobbit doesn’t quite remember Gandalf by face but Gandalf indeed remembers him, “I don’t think I know your name?” After the quick discussion, which Bilbo was not comfortable with, the hobbit invites him over for tea the next day. Gandalf sets up a meeting with the dwarves at the hobbits house by leaving a symbol on his door. Gandalf chooses him as their thief because he knows that there is more to Bilbo than Bilbo even knows. On page 23 Gandalf says “If I say he is a burglar, then a burglar he is.” Their quest was for them to go