The Hobbit Themes
The main themes in The Hobbit are the meaning of heroism, the consequences of greed, and the longing for home.
- The meaning of heroism: The novel suggests that heroism is defined not by fearlessness but by persevering despite one's fears.
- The consequences of greed: Many of the figures and creatures in the novel are driven by greed, a force that causes conflict and erodes camaraderie.
- The longing for home: Bilbo and the company are dwarves are motivated by a desire for home, whether by returning to one's origins or by recovering a lost ancestral homeland.
Themes: All Themes
Themes: The Meaning of Heroism
In The Hobbit, heroism comes from unlikely places. The tale traces Bilbo’s transformation from a fearful hobbit, concerned only with himself and his private livelihood, to a brave leader who makes sacrifices for his friends.
Heroism often takes understated forms. Sometimes merely a private thought of sacrifice proves one’s bravery. For example, when Bilbo finally escapes from the goblin caves alone, he does not know whether his friends have...
(Read more)Themes: The Consequences of Greed
Many characters in The Hobbit are driven by greed. The dwarves, most especially Thorin Oakenshield, are driven by their desire to reclaim their long-lost treasure. This leads to many foolhardy actions. As the narrator puts it,
When the heart of a dwarf, even the most respectable, is wakened by gold and by jewels, he grows suddenly bold, and he may become fierce.
Greed leads Thorin to refuse a truce with men and elves in exchange for a share of the...
(Read more)Themes: The Longing for Home
The idea of home or a homeland is central to many of the characters in The Hobbit. From the beginning, Bilbo is defined as a lover of home. For Bilbo, home stands for safety, security, and bucolic simplicity and happiness. Throughout the journey, Bilbo’s strongest desire is to make his way back to the comfort of his home. The memory of home often brings him sanity and solace on the long, dangerous, and often lonely journey. At the end of his...
(Read more)Expert Q&A
How does the theme of good versus evil compare between The Hobbit and A Wizard of Earthsea?
Tolkien and Le Guin have radically different visions of good and evil in The Hobbit and A Wizard of Earthsea. Tolkien's themes are heavily influenced by his traditional Catholicism, viewing evil primarily through the lens of corruption, a theme embodied in such antagonists as The Hobbit's Smaug. Le Guin's vision breaks with the traditional bifurcation of good and evil altogether, with Ged reconciling with his shadow. That being said, both writers venerate humility in their respective works.
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