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 does not go on adventures, in fear of leaving his hobbit hole. 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. Bilbo does not accept the offer at first because he thinks that the trip is childish, when really, Bilbo demonstrates his childish nature by not being willing to try new things. Because he himself is still considered immature, he turns down the offer; a mature individual would look at the challenge as a way of growing, not as the removal from their comfort zone. Unexpectedly, however, the "Tookish" nature sparks inside of Bilbo, and ignites the hidden adventurous character i...