Quest for Maturity
Maturity progresses from a quest. The Hobbit, by J. R. R. Tolkien, displays the different stages of maturity for each character. Some are further along than others, and some have not even started the process towards adulthood. The Quest symbolizes a journey towards maturity. Immaturity comes from the lack of experience. In the beginning of the novel, Bilbo Baggins never goes on any adventures. The content hobbit enjoys being in the comfort of his own house. Bilbo comes from a very wealthy family that "never had any adventures or did anything unexpected" (Tolkien 11). His yearning for adulthood, or his Tookish nature, is being subdued so that he is clinging to a childish way of life. Bilbo, like many other hobbits, has never had the experience acquired from a journey. Bilbo's lack of adventure shows the starting stages of his depression. Bilbo's life is dull and meaningless because of he avoids any kind of danger. Because Bilbo has not taken any risks, he has not gathered any knowledge from past mistakes or from taking chances. His life contains no meaning because he has not been put in an uncomfortable position. Tolkien conveys the idea that experience makes up the process of maturity. Bilbo shows his immaturity when he do
However, Thorin pays for his greedy nature with his death in battle. Even though Bilbo is maturing into a great hero, not everyone follows his example towards maturity. However his way of life changes when Gandalf comes to Bilbo's door offering him an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for an adventurous journey. His final acceptance shows his first, and definitely no the last, step in the process of acquiring adulthood. Thorin, on the other hand, is a very proud and high ranked dwarf, and he understands this completely, and wants others to understand it as well. Bilbo knows that being a good leader requires self-sacrifice. Unfortunately for Thorin, his quest for maturity comes too late. After they discover he has not died, they return his belongings back to him. A mature person understands that others live in this world, and they all deserve a fair chance. Even though Thorin set out to only find the Arkenstone, after seeing all the other treasure, Thorin "had an eye for many another wonderful thing that was lying there" (Tolkien 265). es not go on adventures, in fear of leaving his hobbit hole. Without experience, one cannot gain the understanding it takes to become an adult. For instance, Thorin Oakenshield thinks too highly of himself and cares only for his own satisfaction, which shows his immaturity. Before he dies, he finally gives up his pride and greediness.
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