Fantasy literature appeals to many readers nowadays because of a unique combination of wisdom and imagination. Tolkien’s books are considered to be classical in the genre, so The Hobbit contains the most illustrative characteristics of it implemented at different levels of story-telling. Thus, such elements of narration as plot, characters, and setting contribute to the theme of the good’s victory over the evil by means of such qualities as courage, devotion, and openness.
Speaking about the plot, it is obvious that it is of great importance for developing the author’s message. From the beginning of the book, it is clear that Bilbo Baggins is the key character who is going to move the plot forward. His participation in the quest suggested by other characters makes up the core of narration, which develops by means of characters’ interaction and their transformation. The story starts with describing Bilbo’s quiet life, in which heroism is absent but so are troubling. However, the appearance of Gandalf, a wizard, makes the hobbit get out of his hole, both literary and metaphorically. He sends thirteen dwarfs to Bilbo in order to suggest him participate in an adventurous plan that requires stealing back the treasure, which was previously stolen by Smaug, a dragon. Although Bilbo has no experience with deals like that, he is flattered that Gandalf trusts in him, so he agrees to participate in the adventure that changes his life completely. In fact, the plot of the book reinforces the idea of courage when facing one’s own fears, which is the case with Bilbo. Throughout the plot, the author underlines that heroes are not those who are perfect but those who dare, despite all their flaws and imperfections. While dwarfs are captured by trolls and Gandalf has to take efforts in order to free them, Bilbo remains alone and suddenly faces a different kind of adventure when meeting Gollum with his magic ring, which he accidentally finds and steals. So, this stolen ring that helps become invisible appears to be Bilbo’s savior because Gollum subjects him to tricky tasks which he would never resolve. In fact, the author covers the importance of both individual and teamwork, which require different personal qualities. When Bilbo becomes a hero saving his friends, he is extremely happy, as he realizes his own transformation: “He felt a different person, and much fiercer and bolder in spite of an empty stomach, as he wiped his sword on the grass and put it back into its sheath. ‘I will give you a name,’ he said to it, ‘and I shall call you Sting.’’.
Thus, as can be seen from the above mentioned information, the book’s plot is largely based on the characters who are the driving force of the action. In fact, there is no denying the fact that Bilbo Baggins, the protagonist, is the one to whom the whole story is devoted. It is not accidental that the novel is named The Hobbit in order to reinforce the major focus being placed on Bilbo. It is important to understand why the author chooses Bilbo as the protagonist, which is clearly not accidental. Apparently, he is not the strongest, the smartest or the fastest creature among those pictured by Tolkien. As a paradox, because of this imperfection he becomes the main character of the book. By doing so, the author is willing to reinforce several important ideas. First of all, he wants to show that nobody is born a hero but everyone is able to become one. Secondly, he implies the idea that common people, not great or outstanding ones, are true makers of history. Finally, it is essential that the character of Bilbo is not static but it progresses throughout the book, so in this sense it is quite didactic about acquiring the best qualities by taking challenges. Although he has nothing special at first sight, Gandalf notices more: “……there is a lot more in him than you guess, and a deal more than he has any idea of himself. You may all live to thank me yet.” (Tolkien 5). An important thing about Bilbo’s character is his special kind of innocence, which is opposite to Gandalf’s experience and wisdom. Probably this is why Gandalf chooses him, as he sees his polarity, and it is well known how polarities can work in synergy. There is no special desire in Bilbo to be courageous but he has to become one, and there is no idea how to achieve what is required but he miraculously does. The author demonstrates that in many cases childish innocence works better than experience because it has no expectations. The fact that Bilbo is constantly lucky and rewarded by fortune for no special reason implies that he has some divine support, which makes sense according to Tolkien. The reason is that Bilbo is generous and not at all obsessed with the treasure for which he hunts, he is not attached to the results of his efforts, this is why he is free and natural. Gandalf is important to the book because he is the opposite of Bilbo on the one hand and because he is above the action on the other hand. He is a person, or rather a magician, who is not interested in some particular treasure or achievement. He seems to be more interested in the universal harmony and good, which he can help by attracting some of the books characters like Bilbo and Thorin.
The setting of the book is of primary importance, as it determines its belonging to fantasy genre. At the same time, by introducing this kind of fairy-tale setting, the author has an opportunity to talk to the reader about universal values in a highly symbolic language. In fact, the whole story becomes archetypal through the setting, as well as through fantasy plot and characters. Hobbiton, a village inhabited by hobbits refers back to medieval times when England used to be quite different from modernity. The very idea of living in holes is more than a fairy tale, it is a metaphor of human life or at least a certain lifestyle. Hobbits are used to living peacefully with no special adventures, and they seem to never leave their native place as they have no ambitious dreams. This province life of Hobbiton is contrasted with other lands as the setting changes throughout the book. Middle earth is the land of opportunities and challenges, which is unpredictable but leaves space for adventure and heroism.
In conclusion, it is worth saying that the plot, the setting, and the characters are essential elements of narration, which contribute to the author’s message about the role of courage in a person’s transformation. All these elements are based on opposition of polarities: the good and the evil, the native and the strange, the generous and the greedy, etc. The evolution of the main character is the final purpose to which all these elements contribute in the end.