The HobbitAs the book, The Hobbit, by J. R. R. Tolkienbegins to conclude, Thorin Oakenshield sees the goodness in Bilbo Bagginsand apprehends the most significant parts of life. Since the beginning,Thorins principle objective is to become the King under the Mountain andto have all the gold and treasure. While Thorin is on his deathbed he tellsBilbo, “There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindlyWest.
Some courage and some wisdom, blended in measure. If more of us valuedfood and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world. “Unlike the dwarfs, Bilbo cherishes friendship and merriment over gold andwealth. He shows this by placing his life in danger numerous times by escapingferocious goblins and killing giant spiders to save Thorin and the otherdwarfs.
Bilbo cares more about others than himself, and Thorin noticeshow fortunate they are to have such a wise individual as a friend. Because of the goodness in Bilbo, he declinesthe treasure. It is offered to him since a promise was made in the beginningfor him to receive and equal portion of the riches. He refuses the treasurebecause he feels that the most precious possession he has is the friendshipwith the dwarfs and others that he encounters along the way. Also, Bilboenjoys near death experiences and thrills that accompany the quest forthe mountain. Although, from Bilbos words, he makes it seem as if theonly reason he does not take the treasure home is that his pony will onlycarry two chests.
Bilbo also thinks he did enough harm and becomes weary. He just wants to be back in his hobbit-hole. What use would Bilbo havefor the whole treasure? Bilbo was content without the riches which is whyhe declines the treasure. Thorin changes drastically by the end ofthe book. Now, Thorins quest is now fulfilled since he returned the mountainto the dwarfs reign.
For many years, a dragon, Smaug, took over the mountainuntil when Thorin and his company claim the mountain again. Another partof his quest was to have the Heart of the Mountain, the Arkenstone. Heaccomplished that when it was laid upon his breast by Bard, a friend, andBard exclaimed, “There it lay till the Mountain falls!” His death was necessaryfor the theme of the book to teach that kindness is superior of treasure. Finally, Thorin realizes this valuable lesson, but it is too late.
Thorin does not deserve respect or admirationbecause he did not realize that friendship and merriment is more meaningfulthan riches. Many creatures lost their life from the choices that Thorinmade and the selfishness he had. According to Bilbos perspective of Thorin,Bilbo stated, “He is quite ready to sit on a heap of gold and starve. “If Thorin would have given everyone their evenhanded portion of the fortune,the battle possibly could have been stopped, and there would have beenno hard feelings.
Instead, he was too avaricious, and that is why Thorinis not respectable and does not deserve our admiration. Therefore, in The Hobbit, Thorins perspectiveon life changes when he sees the goodness and kindheartedness in Bilbo. Bilbo would risk his life for any friend, but during the adventure allThorin wants is the treasure. As Thorin is on his deathbed, he noticeshow selfish he has been and wishes he could have transformed it. Meanwhile,Bilbo sets the perfect example.
He shows wisdom, courage, bravery, andabove all, nobility. Bilbo teaches a valuable lesson. His goal is to surviveand be happy, but most of the other characters only desire treasure. Inturn, Bilbo becomes an admirable and a remarkable companion.
