Book Summary: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkein

(9th grade +)

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Introduction

“In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.” With this famous opening line, J.R.R. Tolkien invites readers into the cozy yet adventurous world of Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit. As a lifelong booklover and former English major, I consider this beloved classic essential reading for young and old alike. Tolkien’s captivating tale serves as the perfect introduction to his richly imagined fantasy realm of Middle-earth.

Originally published in 1937 by George Allen & Unwin, The Hobbit has never been out of print. At around 300 pages, it is a quick and enchanting read, especially compared to Tolkien’s more epic Lord of the Rings trilogy that followed. The book was an immediate success and was nominated for the Carnegie Medal and awarded a prize from the New York Herald Tribune for best juvenile fiction.

Summary

The story centers on Bilbo Baggins, a respectable and rather timid hobbit who enjoys the quiet comforts of his snug hobbit-hole. Hobbits, Tolkien tells us, are small, peaceful creatures who love food, cheer, and the simple pleasures of home. Bilbo’s contented life is interrupted by the arrival of the wizard Gandalf and thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield. The group has embarked on a quest to reclaim the dwarves’ treasure from Smaug, the fearsome dragon who destroyed their kingdom under the Lonely Mountain. To Bilbo’s surprise, Gandalf has volunteered him to join the expedition as the party’s “burglar.”

Reluctant at first, Bilbo soon finds himself swept up into a grand adventure across the magical landscape of Middle-earth. With Gandalf’s wise guidance, Bilbo and the dwarves encounter trolls, goblins, giant spiders, and wood-elves as they make their way toward the Lonely Mountain and a confrontation with Smaug. During the journey, the unassuming Bilbo discovers his own reserves of cleverness and courage. His keen wits enable him to outwit the creature Gollum in a game of riddles and to find the secret entrance into the mountain. Although Bilbo often longs for the comforts of home, his compassion and sense of loyalty keep him true to his companions and their cause.

Tolkien brings Bilbo’s quest to life with vivid descriptions of Middle-earth’s inhabitants and landscapes. From the elven sanctuary of Rivendell to the eerie Mirkwood forest, each new setting is infused with a sense of wonder and ancient history. The novel’s characters are equally memorable, particularly the proud dwarf leader Thorin Oakenshield, the eccentric wizard Gandalf, and of course the unlikely hero Bilbo. Even the dragon Smaug, glimpsed only briefly, looms as a terrifying yet strangely magnificent presence. Tolkien’s use of poetry and song throughout the novel adds to the impression of a fully realized legendary past.The story centers on Bilbo Baggins, a respectable hobbit who enjoys the quiet comforts of his snug hobbit-hole. Hobbits, Tolkien tells us, are small, peaceful creatures who love food, cheer, and the simple pleasures of home. Bilbo’s contented life is interrupted by the arrival of the wizard Gandalf and thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield.

With Gandalf’s wise guidance, Bilbo and the dwarves encounter trolls, goblins, giant spiders, and wood-elves as they make their way toward the Lonely Mountain and a confrontation with Smaug. During the journey, the unassuming Bilbo discovers his own reserves of cleverness and courage. His keen wits enable him to outwit the creature Gollum in a game of riddles and to find the secret entrance into the mountain.

Characters

Tolkien brings Bilbo’s quest to life with vivid descriptions of Middle-earth’s inhabitants and landscapes. From the elven sanctuary of Rivendell to the eerie Mirkwood forest, each new setting is infused with a sense of wonder and ancient history.

Gandalf

• Powerful and enigmatic wizard who sets the story’s events in motion
• Has great magical abilities but his true power and nature are shrouded in mystery
• Sees Bilbo’s untapped potential for courage and resourcefulness
• Provides guidance and help to Bilbo and the dwarves at critical points
• Has a mischievous sense of humor but also a short temper
• Unquestionably a force for good, working to counter rising evil in Middle-earth
• His knowledge, wisdom and foresight make him an invaluable ally

Bilbo Baggins

• The unlikely hero of the story, going from timid homebody to brave adventurer
• At the beginning, a typical hobbit – fond of comfort, food and his peaceful life
• Has hidden depths of cleverness and courage that emerge over the course of the quest
• Quick wits and humble ingenuity get the group out of many dangerous scrapes
• Has a strong moral compass and sense of loyalty
• Becomes an unlikely leader, facing Smaug alone and figuring out the dragon’s weakness
• Returns home much changed by his experiences, but still with his humble, generous spirit intact

Gollum (Sméagol)

• A strange, slimy creature who lives deep in the caves of the Misty Mountains
• Formerly a hobbit-like creature named Sméagol, but corrupted by the power of the One Ring
• Has a split personality, alternating between his Sméagol and Gollum personas
• Speaks in a distinctive manner, often referring to himself in the third person and making a “gollum” noise in his throat
• Possesses the magic ring that Bilbo finds, which turns out to be the One Ring
• Engages in a game of riddles with Bilbo, with the stakes being Bilbo’s life and a way out of the caves
• Becomes enraged when he realizes his “precious” ring is missing, and pursues Bilbo
• Bilbo ultimately spares Gollum’s life out of pity, a decision that has far-reaching consequences in The Lord of the Rings
• Represents the corrupting influence of power and the way it can twist a person’s mind and body
• His tragic backstory is explored more fully in The Lord of the Rings, where he plays a pivotal role

Although Gollum appears only briefly in The Hobbit, his encounter with Bilbo is one of the most memorable and consequential scenes in the book. It’s a testament to Tolkien’s skill as a writer that he could create such a fascinating and complex character in just a few pages.

Gollum’s riddles are clever and enigmatic, hinting at his cunning and his long, lonely life in the dark. His desperation to get his “precious” back is both pitiable and frightening, showcasing the ring’s power to corrupt. Bilbo’s decision to spare Gollum is a moment of mercy that stands out in the story, and it’s one that has significant ramifications later in Tolkien’s legendarium.

In many ways, Gollum is a foil to Bilbo – a glimpse of what the hobbit could become if he allowed himself to be consumed by the ring’s power. Gollum’s fate is a warning about the dangers of greed and obsession, themes that run throughout The Hobbit and Tolkien’s other works. Despite his brief appearance, Gollum is an essential part of the story and a character that lingers in the reader’s mind long after the book is finished.

The Elves

• Wise, ancient and in tune with nature, but can also be dangerous and distrustful
• Elrond, the master of Rivendell, is a powerful elf lord who provides shelter and advice
• The wood-elves of Mirkwood, led by Thranduil, are more suspicious and hostile
• Legolas, Thranduil’s son, is mentioned in passing as a messenger
• Depicted as otherworldly and inscrutable, with motives often unclear to other races

Smaug

• A terrifying, arrogant dragon – the personification of greed and destruction
• Attacked the Lonely Mountain, killing many dwarves and claiming their treasure
• Massive, powerful, cunning and cruel, with armored scales and fiery breath
• Vain, proud and scornful, toying with Bilbo and trying to manipulate him psychologically
• His overconfident pride is his weak spot, allowing Bilbo to learn about his vulnerability
• His wrath is terrible when enraged, unleashing fury on the innocent Lake-town

The Dwarves

Thorin Oakenshield

• The proud, determined leader of the dwarves and the rightful king under the Lonely Mountain
• A formidable warrior and a charismatic leader, inspiring great loyalty in his followers
• Can also be haughty, stubborn and quick to anger
• His driving goal is to reclaim his people’s homeland and treasure from Smaug
• Proves his bravery and leadership, but also falls prey to greed and pride
• Redeems himself by admitting his faults and making peace before he dies in battle

Balin

• One of the oldest and wisest of the dwarves, and a close advisor to Thorin
• More cautious and less quick-tempered than Thorin, often taking the lead in negotiations
• Has a special fondness for Bilbo and is one of the first to accept the hobbit

Dwalin

• A powerful warrior and Balin’s younger brother
• One of the tallest and strongest of the dwarves, wielding the elvish sword Glamdring
• Fiercely loyal to Thorin and always ready for battle

Fili and Kili

• The youngest dwarves, Thorin’s nephews and his designated heirs
• Often mischievous and reckless, but also brave and eager for adventure
• Kili is a skilled archer, while Fili wields two swords
• Both are killed defending Thorin in the Battle of Five Armies

Dori, Nori, and Ori

• Three brothers, not as individually distinct as some of the other dwarves
• Dori is the strongest dwarf and often carries Bilbo
• Nori is described as sly
• Ori is the youngest of the three

Oin and Gloin

• Brothers, with Oin being the older
• Oin has a long grey beard
• Gloin (father of Gimli from The Lord of the Rings) has a white beard
• Gloin is the company’s treasurer and banker

Bifur, Bofur, and Bombur

• A trio of dwarves not related to Thorin but still loyal members of the company
• Bifur only speaks in dwarvish, not the common tongue
• Bofur is cheerful and fond of a good meal
• Bombur is Bofur’s brother and the fattest dwarf

The novel’s characters are equally memorable, particularly the proud dwarf leader Thorin Oakenshield, the eccentric wizard Gandalf, and of course the unlikely hero Bilbo. Even the dragon Smaug, glimpsed only briefly, looms as a terrifying yet strangely magnificent presence. Tolkien’s use of poetry and song throughout the novel adds to the impression of a fully realized legendary past.

Analysis & Evaluation

While The Hobbit is often considered a children’s book, the story contains themes and insights that speak to readers of all ages. Bilbo’s journey from comfort-loving homebody to resourceful adventurer suggests that we all possess untapped reserves of strength and ability. The corrupting influence of greed is another recurring motif, as seen in the dragon Smaug’s lust for treasure and the Arkenstone gem’s bewitching effect on Thorin. By contrast, Bilbo’s humble spirit and concern for others mark him as the story’s true hero.

Since its publication, The Hobbit has enchanted millions of readers around the world. The novel’s enduring appeal is a testament to Tolkien’s gifts as a storyteller and the universal journey of self-discovery that Bilbo represents. Readers who fall under the spell of Bilbo’s adventures can explore Tolkien’s wider mythology in The Lord of the Rings and his other writings about Middle-earth.

I wholeheartedly recommend The Hobbit for readers of all ages looking to embark on an unforgettable adventure. Bilbo Baggins may be a small hobbit, but his story has the power to inspire and delight us all. In Thorin’s words to Bilbo, “There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West. Some courage and some wisdom, blended in measure.” May we all strive to live up to Bilbo’s example of humility, compassion, and quiet heroism.

About the Author

J.R.R. Tolkien (1892-1973) was an English writer, poet, philologist, and professor best known as the author of the classic fantasy works The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion. After serving in World War I, Tolkien embarked on an academic career and began writing the stories that would become his epic tales of Middle-earth. His books have sold more than 150 million copies worldwide and have been translated into over 50 languages. Tolkien was a close friend of fellow author C.S. Lewis and was a member of the literary group known as The Inklings.

Where to Buy

The Hobbit can be purchased at my bookstore Scattered Books and online at Bookshop.org. As the first book in Tolkien’s Middle-earth saga, it makes an excellent gift for any fantasy fan or a young person ready to begin their reading journey.

Spoilers/How Does It End

Warning: Major plot spoilers ahead!

In the climax of The Hobbit, Bilbo and the dwarves finally reach the Lonely Mountain, where Smaug the dragon is guarding the dwarves’ treasure. Bilbo enters the mountain alone and has a confrontation with the dragon. Through flattery and riddling talk, Bilbo discovers that Smaug has a weak spot on his jewel-encrusted underbelly – a bare patch that could be pierced by an arrow.

When Smaug realizes Bilbo’s intent, he flies into a rage and attacks Lake-town, assuming (incorrectly) that the men there helped the dwarves. The thrush that overheard Bilbo’s conversation with Smaug tells Bard, a skilled archer, about the dragon’s weakness. Bard shoots Smaug with a special black arrow, killing the dragon, but Lake-town is destroyed in the process.

With Smaug dead, the dwarves reclaim the mountain and its treasure. However, the men of Lake-town and the wood-elves of Mirkwood also lay claim to a portion of the treasure. Thorin, now consumed by greed, refuses to share and fortifies the mountain. Bilbo tries to defuse the situation by secretly giving the Arkenstone, the most valued jewel in the hoard, to the elves and men to use as a bargaining chip.

Just as war seems inevitable, an army of goblins and wargs attacks. The dwarves, elves, and men unite to fight this common enemy in what becomes known as the Battle of Five Armies. Although the good side prevails, Thorin, Fili, and Kili are killed in the battle. Bilbo returns home to the Shire with only a small portion of the treasure, but rich in wisdom and experience.

The story ends with Bilbo back in his comfortable hobbit-hole, but forever changed by his adventures. Gandalf visits and remarks that Bilbo is not the same hobbit who left. This sets the stage for the sequel, The Lord of the Rings, in which Bilbo’s magic ring turns out to be the One Ring, setting another epic quest in motion.

Publication History

• First published on September 21, 1937 by George Allen & Unwin in the UK
• First print run of 1,500 copies sold out by December 1937 due to positive reviews
• Houghton Mifflin published the first US edition in early 1938
• Tolkien made revisions to later editions, most significantly changing the “Riddles in the Dark” chapter in the second edition (1951) to better align with The Lord of the Rings
• The book has never been out of print and has sold tens of millions of copies worldwide in over 50 languages

Reception and Legacy

• Nominated for the Carnegie Medal and awarded a prize for best juvenile fiction by the New York Herald Tribune in 1938
• Widely read by both children and adults, recognized as a classic in the fantasy genre
• Success led to the publisher requesting a sequel, which Tolkien delivered in The Lord of the Rings, published in three volumes from 1954-1955
• Adapted into various media including a 1977 animated television special and a trilogy of live-action films (2012-2014) directed by Peter Jackson

About the Author

• John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (1892-1973) was an English writer, poet, philologist, and professor best known as the author of the high fantasy works The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion
• Rawlinson and Bosworth Professor of Anglo-Saxon at Oxford University from 1925-1945 and Merton Professor of English Language and Literature there from 1945-1959
• Close friend of C.S. Lewis and member of the informal literary discussion group The Inklings
• Invented several languages, including Quenya and Sindarin, two of the major languages of his Middle-earth legendarium
• The Hobbit began as a story Tolkien told to his children, later developed into a complete novel that set the stage for his more complex Middle-earth works
• Continued to work on Middle-earth writings up until his death in 1973; his son Christopher organized and published much of this later material, most notably in The Silmarillion (1977)

Themes and Motifs

• The growth of an unlikely hero, as Bilbo develops from a timid homebody to a brave adventurer
• The corrupting influence of greed, as seen with the dragon Smaug hoarding treasure and the Arkenstone’s effect on Thorin
• The value of friendship and cooperation, as Bilbo and the dwarves must work together to overcome obstacles
• The clash between good and evil, with the climactic Battle of Five Armies
• The enduring appeal of a well-crafted fantasy world and its inhabitants

Illustrations

• Tolkien provided numerous illustrations for The Hobbit, including drawings, paintings, and maps, which helped establish the visual iconography of Middle-earth
• Subsequent editions have featured the art of renowned illustrators like Michael Hague, Alan Lee, and Jemima Catlin

Certainly! Here’s the full bibliographic information for The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien:

Title: The Hobbit, or There and Back Again
Author: J.R.R. Tolkien (John Ronald Reuel Tolkien)
Illustrator: J.R.R. Tolkien (original illustrations)
First Publisher: George Allen & Unwin (UK)
First Publication Date: 21 September 1937
First US Publisher: Houghton Mifflin (US)
First US Publication Date: 1938
Genre: High Fantasy, Juvenile Fantasy
Pages: 310 (first edition)
ISBN: Varies by edition, for example:

• ISBN-10: 0618968636 (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt hardcover edition, 2001)
• ISBN-13: 978-0618968633 (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt hardcover edition, 2001)

Preceded by: None
Followed by: The Lord of the Rings
Original Language: English
Adaptations: Various, including 1977 animated television film, 2012-2014 live-action film trilogy directed by Peter Jackson
Translations: Over 50 languages worldwide

Note: Publication dates, publishers, and ISBN numbers may vary depending on the specific edition and country of publication.

For citation purposes, a typical MLA (9th edition) book citation might look like this:

Tolkien, J.R.R. The Hobbit, or There and Back Again. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2001.

An APA (7th edition) citation would be formatted as follows:

Tolkien, J. R. R. (2001). The Hobbit, or There and Back Again. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.