In-Class Exercise: The Hobbit, Chapters 10-19

One major theme of The Hobbit, and seemingly Tolkien's works in general, is the significance of the seemingly insignificant. In this section of The Hobbit, one quote that, to me, really conceptualizes this idea is, "While there's life there's hope" (Tolkien 254). Bilbo, a hobbit that desperately desired to return to his comfy, warm home in the Shire, is attempting to provide hope to his dwarf companions during their dangerous quest. This change of character, especially from Bilbo, is significant because it provides the dwarves with the motivation and endurance to move forward. This seemingly "insignificant" creature, as he is initially portrayed, and his words of encouragement are hugely important with regard to the outcome of Tolkien's The Hobbit. This moment establishes the idea that anyone can truly make a difference, no matter how small.