bilbo baggins’ development from zero to hero ...seen in j.r.r. tolkien’s the hobbit: or there...

BILBO BAGGINS’ DEVELOPMENT FROM ZERO TO HERO

SEEN IN J.R.R. TOLKIEN’S THE HOBBIT: OR THERE AND

BACK AGAIN

AN UNDERGRADUATE THESIS

Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

for the Degree of Sarjana Sastra

in English Letters

By

LEONI PUTERI GUSVAYANTI

Student Number: 124214050

ENGLISH LETTERS STUDY PROGRAMME

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LETTERS

FACULTY OF LETTERS

SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY

YOGYAKARTA

2019

PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI

ii

BILBO BAGGINS’ DEVELOPMENT FROM ZERO TO HERO


BACK AGAIN

AN UNDERGRADUATE THESIS

Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

for the Degree of Sarjana Sastra

in English Letters

By

LEONI PUTERI GUSVAYANTI

Student Number: 124214050

ENGLISH LETTERS STUDY PROGRAMME

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LETTERS

FACULTY OF LETTERS

SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY

YOGYAKARTA

2019


v

STATEMENT OF ORIGINALITY

I certify that this undergraduate thesis contains no material which has been

previously submitted for the award of any other degree at any university, and that,

to the best of my knowledge, this undergraduate thesis contains no material

previously written by any other person except where due reference is made in the

text of the undergraduate theiss.

Yogyakarta, July 16, 2019

Leoni Puteri Gusvayanti


vi

LEMBAR PERNYATAAN PERSETUJUAN PUBLIKASI KARYA ILMIAH

UNTUK KEPENTINGAN AKADEMIS

Yang bertanda tangan di bawah ini, saya mahasiswa Universitas Sanata Dharma

Nama : Leoni Puteri Gusvayanti

Nomor Mahasiswa : 124214050

Demi pengembangan ilmu pengetahuan, saya memberikan kepada Perpustakaan

Universitas Sanata Dharma karya ilmiah saya yang berjudul

BILBO BAGGIN’S DEVELOPMENT FROM ZERO TO HERO


BACK AGAIN

beserta perangkat yang diperlukan (bila ada). Dengan demikian saya memberikan

kepada Perpustakaan Universitas Sanata Dharma hak untuk menyimpan,

mengalihkan dalam bentuk media lain, mengelolanya dalam bentuk pangkalan data,

mendistribusikan secara terbatas, dan mempublikasikannya di internet atau media

lain untuk kepentingan akademis tanpa perlu meminta ijin kepada saya maupun

memberikan royalti kepada saya selama tetap mencantumkan nama saya sebagai

penulis.

Demikian pernyataan ini saya buat dengan sebenarnya.

Dibuat di Yogyakarta

Pada tanggal 16 Juli 2019

Yang menyatakan,

Leoni Puteri Gusvayanti


vii


viii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would love to thank my father, Agus Haryanto, my mother, Erva Kristiani,

also my brother and sister for their never ending support to me when I was feeling

down while working on this thesis for these past 2 years.

I dedicate my appreciation to my thesis advisor Hirmawan Wijanarka,

M.Hum. for his advice, which is actually I can count the meeting with him with my

ten fingers. It is such an honor for me to have A.B. Sri Mulyani, Ph.D. as my co-

advisor. She is amazing as usual, thank you for your advice Mam. I also want to

say how grateful I am to have many of amazing lecturers, such as J. Harris

Hermansyah, S.S., M.Hum., Dra. Theresia Enny Anggraini, Ph.D., Ni Luh Putu

Rosiandani, M.Hum., Anna Fitriati, S.Pd., M.Hum., Scholastica Wedhowerti,

S.Pd., M.Hum., Elisa Dwi Wardani, S.S., M.Hum., Dewi Widyastuti, S.Pd.,

M.Hum., Dr. Bernardine Ria Lestari, Arina Isti’anah, S.Pd., M.Hum., Adventina

Putranti, M.Hum., Dr. P. Hary Susanto, S.J.. My enormous love is also addressed

to the beautiful Mbak Ninik “Sekretariat Fakultas Sastra”. I am very grateful and

look forward to cherishing them all.

I would like to say how blessed I am to have the best mate ever, Handoko

Wijaya, for being my best undergraduate thesis partner for these past 4 years. I also

want to give my love to my best friends, Feby Fadilia, Natasha Putri Drupadi, Caca

Ogeb, Cika Fitri, Mona Moncik, Putri Mpog, Nok “Si Cempluk”, Arinda, Sukma,

Patra, Dita, and Oyot. Thank you for always remind me to finish my undergraduate

thesis. Not to forget about the other college’s friends, such as Dessen, Glory, Aya,


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Dimas, Kicos, and Livia for their kindness and support. I feel blessed that I have

them on my side. Not to forget my dear family 234 SC Yogyakarta, I am very

grateful to meet them in Yogyakarta.

Last but not least, I would like to thank to my Ruang Kerja’s colleagues

Ayas Fitria, Rifky, Ben Purnomo, Yanto Black, Fani Cello, Tara Ujima, and the

other members of this family. I am blessed that I’ve met these people on my life.

Leoni Puteri Gusvayanti.


x

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE ........................................................................................................ ii

APPROVAL PAGE ............................................................................................. iii

ACCEPTANCE PAGE ........................................................................................ iv

LEMBAR PERNYATAAN PERSETUJUAN PUBLIKASI KARYA ILMIAH .... v

STATEMENT OF ORIGINALITY ................................................................... vi

MOTTO PAGE ................................................................................................... vii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ............................................................................... viii

TABLE OF CONTENTS ....................................................................................... x

ABSTRACT .......................................................................................................... xi

ABSTRAK ............................................................................................................. xii

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ......................................................................... 1

A. Background of the Study ......................................................................... 1

B. Problem Formulation ............................................................................... 3

C. Objectives of the Study ........................................................................... 3

D. Definition of Terms ................................................................................. 3

CHAPTER I1: REVIEW OF LITERATURE ..................................................... 5

A. Review of the Related Studies ................................................................. 5

B. Review of Related Theories .................................................................... 8

1. Theory of Characters and Characterization ...................................... 8

2. Theory of Character’s Development .............................................. 12

C. Theoretical Framework.......................................................................... 14

CHAPTER 1II: METHODOLOGY ................................................................... 15

A. Object of the Study ................................................................................ 15

B. Approach of the Study ........................................................................... 16

C. Method of the Study .............................................................................. 17

CHAPTER IV: ANALYSIS ................................................................................ 19

A. The Characteristics of Bilbo Baggins .................................................... 19

B. The Character’s Development of Bilbo Baggins from Zero to Hero .... 33

CHAPTER V: CONCLUSION ........................................................................... 53

BIBLIOGRAPHY ................................................................................................ 55


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ABSTRACT

Gusvayanti, Leoni Puteri. Bilbo Baggins Development From Zero To Hero Seen

in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit: Or There and Back Again. Yogyakarta:

Department of English Letters, Faculty of Letters, Sanata Dharma University, 2019.

The story of The Hobbit: Or There and Back Again attracts the writer to

discuss the characteristics of Bilbo Baggins, the main protagonist character in the

story. In the story, Bilbo’s character development had changed before and after he

joined the adventure.

There is one problem formulation that consist of two questions in this thesis.

The first is the characteristics of Bilbo Baggins in which commonly be seen before

he joins the adventure with Gandalf and the dwarfs. The second is about the Bilbo’s

development that makes her character changes from zero to hero.

The methods used in this thesis were library research and internet research.

The primary source used for this study was a novel from J.R.R. Tolkien, The

Hobbit: Or There and Back Again. In describing Bilbo’s characters, the writer

analyzed it by using an approach of New Criticism. The writer also used some

sources that relate to the theory of Character and Characterization and Personality

Development.

The results of the study are as follows. The first, the characteristics of Bilbo

Baggins before he joined the adventure was known as naive, stubborn, and easily

frightened. Furthermore, he reluctantly joined the adventure when he decided to be

a part of the quest. However, Bilbo was also known as a clever hobbit. The second,

Bilbo began to show his character development during the adventure with Gandalf

and the dwarfs. At first, he changed from a naive and easily frightened into a

courageous hobbit. Second, he began to show his enthusiasm toward the adventure,

which later he showed his capability in leadership and his skill to help the dwarfs.

Third, he showed himself that he was capable to be a hero in different ways. It could

be seen through his bravery, wisdom, and determination when he helped the dwarfs

during the adventure.

Keywords: Bilbo Baggins, character development, hobbit, new criticism, character,

characterization, leadership.


xii

ABSTRAK

Gusvayanti, Leoni Puteri. Bilbo Baggins Development From Zero To Hero Seen

in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit: Or There And Back Again. Yogyakarta: Program

Studi Sastra Inggris, Fakultas Sastra, Universitas Sanata Dharma, 2019.

Cerita The Hobbit: Or There And Back Again oleh J.R.R Tokien menarik

penulis untuk membahas tentang penggambaran karakter Bilbo Baggins, si tokoh

utama protagonis. Dimana di dalam cerita ini, Bilbo mengalami perubahan dalam

karakteristik dari sebelum hingga saat dia mengikuti petualangan.

Di dalam skripsi ini terdapat satu rumusan masalah yang terdiri dari dua

pertanyaan. Pertama yaitu mengenai penggambaran karakter pada Bilbo Baggins

secara umum yang terlihat sebelum dia mengikuti petualangan bersama Gandalf

dan para kurcaci. Kedua yaitu mengenai perubahan yang dialami oleh Bilbo

Baggins yang membuat dia dari yang bukan siapa – siapa menjadi pahlawan.

Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah penelitian kepustakaan

dan penelitian yang bersumber dari internet. Sumber utama dari bahan yang

dianalisis adalah sebuah novel dari J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit: Or There and Back

Again. Dalam penjabaran karakter pada Bilbo Baggins, penulis menganalisa dengan

menggunakan pendekatan New Criticism. Penulis juga menggunakan berbagai

sumber yang berhubungan dengan teori karakter dan karakterisasi, dan

perkembangan karakter.

Pada penelitian ini, hasil analisis yang di dapat adalah sebagai berikut.

Pertama, karakter Bilbo Baggins yang terlihat sebelum mengikuti petualangan

adalah polos, keras kepala, dan penakut. Selain itu, di saat dia pada akhirnya

mengikuti petualangan, Bilbo terlihat ogah – ogahan saat menjadi bagian dari

petualangan itu. Akan tetapi, Bilbo terkenal sebagai hobbit yang cerdas. Kedua,

Bilbo mulai memperlihatkan beberapa perkembangan karakter pada dirinya selama

berpetualang bersama Gandalf dan para kurcaci. Pertama, dia berubah dari yang

polos dan penakut menjadi pemberani. Kedua, dia mulai memperlihatkan

antusiasmenya sehingga menumbuhkan kredibilitas dalam leadership dan

kecakapannya untuk membantu para kurcaci. Ketiga, dia memperlihatkan bahwa

dirinya mampu menjadi seorang pahlawan dalam berbagai aspek. Hal itu terlihat

saat dia menolong para kurcaci dengan keberanian, kearifan, dan keputusannya

selama berpetualang.

Kata Kunci: Bilbo Baggins, character development, hobbit, new criticism,

character, characterization, leadership


1

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

A. Background of the Study

Literature is a body of written works related by subject matter, by language

or place of origin, or by prevailing cultural standards of merit (Baldick, 2001: 141).

There are many examples of written works in literature, such as poetry, prose, short

story, novel, and so on. Novel is an extended fictional prose which sometime the

story is short, some are non-fictional, some have been written in verse, and some

do not even tell a story (Baldick, 2001: 173). Novel has became the most important

literary genre of the modern age and the writer wants to discuss about one of the

most popular classic novels for children from one of J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, The

Hobbit: Or There and Back Again.

The Hobbit: Or There and Back Again is a fairy tale that becomes the most

recommended novel for children in that era until 21st century. It had been recreated

in a movie. The book was first published in 1937 by George Allen & Unwin in

United Kingdom. It was nominated for the Carnegie Medal and also awarded a prize

from the New York Herald Tribune for the best juvenile fiction. In the story, Bilbo

Baggins was the son of Belladona Took, who was a fairy and one of three

remarkable daughters of Old Took. He was also the son of the respectable Baggins

who was a hobbit. In fact, the hobbit was unadventurous. Bilbo was a type of an

ordinary hobbit who loved to stay at his home and did ordinary habits like the


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common hobbits. To know Bilbo Baggins’ characters, the writer must read closely

at the text as the critic said “One learns early on in The Hobbit that qualities of

character may be surmised by looking closely at the kind of language the character

uses” – Katharyn W. Crabbe in Bloom’s Guides: The Hobbit (Bloom, 2011: 45).

There are many differences of Bilbo’s characteristics as the Baggins and the Tooks.

However, the reader can understand later as the author, Tolkien, has described some

of Bilbo’s characteristics as the narrator. “These are narrative characteristics which

serve to illustrate for the reader how literature is to be read, that is, how details of

action or description may be used as the basis for inference” – Katharyn W. Crabbe

in Bloom’s Guides: The Hobbit (Bloom, 2011: 45). As Tolkien said to an

interviewer in Bloom’s Guides: The Hobbit, “The Hobbits are just rustic English

people, made small in size because it reflects the generally small reach of their

imagination, not the small reach of their courage or latent power” (Bloom, 2011:

56).

The story of Bilbo’s adventure with the dwarfs is very interesting to be

discussed. In the story, Bilbo develops from an ordinary to an incredible hobbit for

the readers. Therefore, the writer uses the theory of character and characterization

in order to analyze the characteristics of Bilbo Baggins and the personality

development to help the writer find Bilbo’s character development before and after

he joined the adventure.


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B. Problem Formulation

There is one problem formulation that consist of two questions in this study.

The problem formulations are formulated as follows:

1. How are Bilbo Baggins’ characters described before his adventure in

Tolkien’s The Hobbit: Or There and Back Again?

2. How does Bilbo Baggins’ character develop from zero to hero in Tolkien’s

The Hobbit: Or There and Back Again?

C. Objective of the Study

The aim of this study is to answer the questions stated in the problem

formulations. The first objective is to describe Bilbo Baggins’ characteristics that

can be seen before his adventure with Gandalf and the dwarfs. The second objective

is to show Bilbo’s character development during the adventure with Gandalf and

the dwarfs.

D. Definition of Terms

In order to avoid misunderstanding on certain terms, the writer explains the

term occurred in the title.

Development (refers to character development), as E.M Forster (1927: 46)

states that development is the changing of the character from the beginning until

the end of the story.


4

Hero/es or heroine (in literature), as Hourihan (2005: 95) states that the hero

is a man of action and it is in action that he expresses his nature—skill, courage,

dominance and determination.


5

CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

This chapter is about the review of related theories which aim to give the

relevance of the work that the writer used. This chapter consists of three main parts:

the review of related studies, review of related theories, and theoretical framework.

The first parts, the review of related studies is about the review of other researchers’

works that have the same topic, approach or theory used in this study. The second

part, the writer provides the theories to analyze the topic which has two major

theories, such as the character and characterization and the personality development.

The last part, the theoretical framework is about the contribution of the theories to

the work.

A. Review of Related Studies

There are some reviews of related studies in the same topic but they come

from different books from Sanata Dharma University, Yogyakarta. The theories are

used by the writer to help the writer understand more about character’s development.

The first study is “The Contribution of the Minor Characters to Charlie’s Character

Development in The Perks of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky” (2017) by

Zahmalia from English Letters Study Program, which she uses New Criticism as

her thesis approach. The thesis in her first problem formulation is about to see the

major and minor character and the second is to identify the contribution of the minor

characters to Charlie’s character development.


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In Charlie’s life, Patrick, Sam, and the other characters make Charlie out from

his shell. They make him become outgoing, try new things, until Charlie

finally discover his interest in writing (2017: 14).

She reveals the change of Charlie’s personality as an introvert which is shy,

emotional, pedantic, brave, observant, wallflower, and mentally unstable. He is

motivated by the minor character which gives him biggest impact for his character

development.

The second study is “A Study of Harry’s Personality Development in Harry

Potter and The Half-Blood Prince and Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows”

(2016) by Dewi from English Language Education Study Program which uses

psychological approach. Her work contains a description of Harry Potter and his

personality development. The thesis reveals about Harry Potter’s personality

development that can be seen from his personality determinants which are thinking

ability as an intellectual determinant, the feeling of frustrated and affection as an

emotional determinant, and Harry’s group status as a social determinant.

The third study is “The Personality Development of Hiccup in Cressida

Cowell’s How to Train Your Dragon” (2017) by Septiana from English Language

Education Study Program. This thesis only has one problem formulation, which is

about Hiccup’s personality development depicted in his preadolescence stage which

uses a psychological approach. The thesis reveals Hiccup’s several main

personalities in the exposition, which are phlegmatic, melancholic, and choleric.

However, at the end of the story Hiccup’s personalities are changed from

phlegmatic, melancholic, and choleric into melancholic and choleric at the end of


7

the story. The changing of Hiccup characters is caused by the change in social

pressure.

The fourth study is “The Daughter’s Personality Development Influenced by

The Mother’s Self-Esteem as Seen in Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women” (2017) by

Erene from English Language Education Study Program. The thesis has three

problem formulations, first is about how mother’s behaviors reveal her self-esteem.

Second is about how the daughter’s behaviors reveal their personality traits, and

last is about how the mother’s self-esteem influences the daughter’s personality

development. She concludes that the development can be seen from personality trait

that is reflected through emotional determinant, social determinant, and family

determinant.

The fifth study is “The Contribution of Ruth Baron and P.J. Waters’

Interaction to Their Character Development as Seen in Anna Campion and Jane

Campion’s Holly Smoke” (2013) by Danastri from English Letter Study Program.

The thesis has three problem formulations, the first is about characteristics of Ruth

Barin and P.J. Waters. The second is about their character development, and last is

about how their interaction contributes to their character development.

The writer’s thesis is similar to these related studies above which discusses

about the character development. The difference between the related studies lies in

the book that the writer used, The Hobbit: Or There and Back Again that has not

been discussed yet.


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B. Review of Related Theories

In order to elaborate the problems as mentioned in the problem formulation,

the following theories are used to identify these problem formulations. Therefore,

the first question will use the theory of character and characterization, which is

expected to construct the understanding of Bilbo Baggins’ characteristics in the

story, whereas the second question will mostly uses the theory of personality

development to break down all the possibility of Bilbo’s actions as a result of his

character development.

1. Theory of Characters and Characterization

Characters are the persons represented in dramatic or narrative work, who are

interpreted by the reader as being endowed with particular moral, intellectual,

and emotional qualities by interferences from what the persons say and their

distinctive ways of saying it – the dialogue – and from what they do – the

action (Abrams, 1999:32).

Characters in the story are important in a novel, without it, the readers will

get confused on understanding the story. The contribution of the character is to

understand the flow of the story and what the content of the story. E.M. Forster

(1927: 161-173) divides the characters into two types, flat and round characters.

The flat characters which are also called a type are built from a single idea or quality.

They are represented without individualizing detail and it can be described in a

single phrase or sentence. Meanwhile, the round characters are complex and fully-

developed figures in the story which show a true depth of personality.


9

Chris Baldick states that:

Characterization is the presentation of persons in narrative and dramatic

words, include direct and indirect methods which in direct method showing

the contribution of qualities description or commentary and in indirect

method invite the readers to make a conclusion from character’s actions,

speech, or appearance (Baldick, 2001:37).

Hence the characterization helps the readers to understand the whole story.

M.H. Abrams state that:

The character and characterization helps to build the story as in its plot which

described by the narrator or the author, and it can help the reader to understand

more about the characters and their personalities. There are distinction in

characterizing the person in a narrative, such as showing and telling which

the author presents the way of talking and acting of the character, may also

show the character’s inner thoughts, feelings, and responsive to the event in

order to evaluate qualities of the characters (Abrams, 1999: 33).

According to M.J. Murphy Ph.D (1972: 161-173), to know about the

characters and the personalities of the people that the author writes are based on

people in real life. However, the people in real life cannot do what the writer can

do, that is to know about people’s thought. The writer commonly uses the “eye of

god” method, a method in which the narrator is neither one of the characters nor the

author. The writer would be the first person in the narration, which involves the

consciousness of the character’s thoughts on their book. There are several ways in

which the author attempts to make their characters understandable and alive for the

readers.

a. Personal description

The author describes the character’s appearance and gives details about it.


10

b. Character as seen by another

The author describes the character through the eyes and opinions of the other

characters instead of describing it directly.

c. Speech

The author gives the reader an insight into the character of one person in the

book through what the characters say, the conversation with other characters, or

even the character’s opinion.

d. Past life

The author lets the reader to learn on something from the characters’ past life

so they can know about the characters’ personality.

e. Conversation of others

The author gives the clue to the readers through the conversation of other

characters and things they say.

f. Reactions

The author gives a clue to a person’s character by letting the reader to know

how that characters’ responses or reacts to various situation and event.

g. Direct comment

The author directly describes or gives a comment on a person’s character.


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h. Thoughts

This is the part when people cannot read others’ mind but the author can give

the readers direct knowledge of what the characters think about.

i. Mannerisms

The author can describe a person’s mannerisms, habits, or idiosyncrasies

which may also tell us something about their character.

According to Rimmon-Kenan (1983: 59-60) in Narrative Fiction:

Contemporary Poetics, there are two basic types of textual indicators of character.

Those are direct definition and indirect presentation.

a. Direct definition

The direct definition mentions the trait by an adjective, an abstract noun, or

some other kind of noun, and or part of speech.

b. Indirect presentation

Indirect presentation displays and exemplifies in various ways, leave the

reader inferring the quality they imply.

i. Action

The trait implies both one time action and habitual.

ii. Speech

The character’s speech, whether in conversation or silent activity in mind, is

also the social aspect of the character that can reveal the style of the character.


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iii. External appearance

The external description speaks for itself. It is used to imply the character

traits and sometimes its relation to the trait is explicated by the narrator.

iv. Environment

The character’s physical surrounding.

In other words, as in the character and characterization, the author uses direct

narration illustrating by the action, presenting characters by their action and giving

explicit comment less or not at all, and representing within characters inner self or

thought without the author’s comment.

2. Theory of Character’s Development

Character development changes the character’s personality, behavior, and

mind. Perrine (1974: 71) divides the character into two classifications, static and

dynamic characters.

a. Static Character

Static character does not undergo a change and it has the same characteristics

from the beginning until the end of the story.

b. Dynamic Character

Dynamic character or also called as a developing character will change in

certain conditions and it can be developed into some possibilities, such as

personality or outlook.


13

According to E.M Forster (1927: 46), character development is the changing

of the character from the beginning until the end of the story only if they are

experiencing a change in themselves, from personality, disposition, or outlook, and

will change into a better character but depend on the situation in the story.

Personality versus character states by Hurlock (1974: 8) is that character

implies a moral standard and involves a judgment of value. When it is used as

connection with personality, character relates to behavior that is regulated by

personal effort and will.

Hurlock (1974: 120-122) divides the development of characters into three

categories.

a. Better versus Worse

Personality changes for the better or for worse reflect the kind of life

adjustments that the individual makes at the time.

b. Quantitative versus Qualitative

In the quantitative changes, the characteristics already present reinforced,

strengthened, or weakened. Hence in the qualitative changes, the characters present

a complete replacement of a desirable trait by undesirable one or vice versa.

c. Slow versus Rapid Changes

Changes are regarded as slow if they are barely perceptible and gradual.

While in rapid changes are persistent.


14

C. Theoretical Framework

The character and characterization theories are used in this undergraduate

thesis in order to help the writer identifies the characteristics of Bilbo Baggins. As

Abrams (1999: 32-33) states that character and characterization help to build the

story as in plots which later will help the reader to understand more about the

characters and their personalities through the way of the characters’ talking, inner

thought, feeling, and response to the event.

Later on, the theory of character and characterization contributes to the theory

of character development, which defines that the character is developing. Bilbo

Baggins’ qualities, which were preferable as an ordinary hobbit, changed from the

beginning of the story before he joined the adventure until he joined the adventure

with the dwarfs and after the events.


15

CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

A. Object of the Study

The Hobbit: Or There and Back Again is a fiction book that was first

published by George Allen and Unwin in London, 1937. Then, the second edition

was published in 1957, third edition was in 1966, and it was reprinted in many times.

The author, John Ronald Reuel Tolkien was born on January 3, 1892 in

Bloemfontein South Africa. The Hobbit was a bestseller book as a story tale for the

children but even the adults read it and like the story. Then J.R.R. Tolkien began to

write again and produce the sequel of The Hobbit, turned into The Lord of the Rings,

which was eventually published in 1954-1955. The trilogy became one of the

bestselling book stories and launched a worldwide for the following years. In 2012,

he released The Hobbit’s movie An Unexpected Journey, then The Desolation of

Smaug was in 2013, and final stage movie of The Hobbit was The Battle of The

Five Armies released in 2014. The movie of The Hobbit had been nominated for 69

awards and it won 9 nominations since the first released. The second movie had 81

nominated and won 13 nominations. The last movie had 45 nominated and won 4

nominations.

J.R.R. Tolkien made the story coincidentally in summer night in 1928, when

he was grading a mountain of school certificate exam papers, he found himself

staring at an exam booklet and daydreaming (Bloom, 2011: 11). The point of the


16

story was about the adventure that Bilbo Baggins had with the dwarfs also Gandalf,

where he was chosen as the burglar to thief the Arkenstone from Smaug in the

Lonely Mountain. Bilbo Baggins was known as a respectable hobbit who never had

an adventure. One day, the wizard Gandalf and thirteenth dwarfs came to his house,

there Gandalf chose him as the burglar to help the dwarfs steal the Arkenstone from

the dragon Smaug in the Lonely Mountain. In spite of he reluctantly joined the

adventure, he still joined the quest with the dwarfs and Gandalf. There were many

obstacles that influence Bilbo’s characters changing from the beginning until the

end of the story. At last he gained strength on his own that he had never known

before and his characters changed from plain hobbit to a hero during the adventure.

B. Approach of the Study

The approach applied in this study is New Criticism. T.S Eliot states in A

Critical Approaches to Literature (Guerin, 2005: 100-101) that New Criticism

focuses on objectivity, impersonality, and the medium as the focal object of analysis.

New criticism opposes the prevailing interest of critics and the concern is not the

external circumstances or effects but a detailed consideration of the work itself.

“The distinctive procedure of New Criticism is close reading, the detailed analysis

of the complex interrelations and ambiguities (multiple meaning) of the verbal and

figurative components within a work” (Abrams, 1999: 181). New Criticism also has

basic concepts such as theme, formal elements (tension, ambiguity, imagery,


17

symbol, metaphor and simile), unity, close reading and textual evidence (Tyson,

2006: 135-149).

In additional, Bennet (2004: 11) states that New Criticism usually takes one

of two forms. First is explication, which is explaining the meaning line by line or

word by word. Second is analysis, which is examining the relation of part. As

Holman (1985: 295-296) states that there are three fundamental methods of

characterization, first is the explicit presentation by the author through direct

narration which is illustrated by the action. Second is the author presents the

characters by their actions and less or without the author’s comment. Third is

indirect method (looking through the character’s action, other’s opinion and dialog).

According to these statements, New Criticism focuses on the text and we

should pay attention to its form elements, point of view also the speaker’s voice.

The use of new criticism is to help the reader interpret the text with the evidence

through the textual evidence.

C. Method of the Study

In order to reach the objectives of the study, the writer used both library and

internet research to collect the needed theories. The primary source was J.R.R.

Tolkien’s book The Hobbit: Or There and Back Again. Second source was

collecting articles that discuss about Hobbit since the work has not been discussed

yet as undergraduate thesis.


18

The first step of analysis was reading the whole book The Hobbit: Or There

and Back Again. Second was deciding the problems that the writer wanted to

discuss. Third was deciding the theory and approach that would be used in this

undergraduate thesis, which later the writer had chosen character and

characterization and character development as this undergraduate thesis’ theories,

and new criticism as its approach. After that, the writer collected some references

and articles about the theory, approach and also about the character, Bilbo, both e-

book and printed book. Fifth was collecting the others thesis that related to the

writer’s undergraduate thesis. Sixth, in order to found the detail about Bilbo’s

character and characterization also his development, the writer collected some

evidences through reading the Hobbit’s book. Seventh was writing the whole results

of problem formulation one and two. Last was composing the conclusion from

analysis.


19

CHAPTER IV

ANALYSIS

This chapter is the main point of this work, where the writer analyses the

problem formulation above. The chapter consists of two main parts, which in the

first part of analysis is about Bilbo’s characteristics. The second part of analysis is

about Bilbo’s character development changing from zero to hero.

A. The Characteristics of Bilbo Baggins

As Murphy (1972: 161) states of personal description, the author describes

who hobbit is and how his appearances in general. It later helps the writer to

describe Bilbo’s characteristics.

They are (or were) a little people, about half our height, and smaller than the

bearded Dwarfs. Hobbits have no beards. There is little or no magic about

them, except the ordinary everyday sort which helps them to disappear quietly

and quickly when large stupid folk like you and me come blundering around,

making a noise like elephants which they can hear a mile off. They are

inclined to be fat in the stomach; they dress in bright colours (chiefly green

and yellow); wear no shoes, because their feet grow natural leathery soles and

thick warm brown hair like the stuff on their heads (which is curly); have long

clever brown fingers, good-natured faces, and laugh deep fruity laughs

(especially after dinner, which they have twice a day when they can get it).

(Tolkien, 2012: 4).

In the story, it tells that the Baggins are popular and respectable among the

neighborhood in The Hill because of their wealth and have zero experience of

adventure.

The hobbit was a very well-to-do hobbit, and his name was Baggins. The

Bagginses had lived in the neighborhood of The Hill for time out of mind,


20

and people considered them very respectable, not only because most of them

were rich, but also because they never had any adventures or did anything

unexpected (Tolkien, 2012: 3).

The interesting thing about Bilbo is the author tells that Bilbo is born not only

as the Baggins clan, but also the Took clan, which is known as an adventurer.

“There was still something not entirely hobbit like about them, and once in a while

members of the Took-clan would go and have adventures” (Tolkien, 2012: 4). Thus,

Bilbo would not only have the characteristics of the Baggins (ordinary hobbit) but

also the Took (adventurous hobbit), which later influences his character

development during the adventure. Therefore, in this chapter shows Bilbo Baggins’

characteristics before he joins the adventure and when he begins to join the

adventure.

1. Naive

At the beginning of the story, Bilbo meets Gandalf in front of his hobbit hole

while he is standing at his door, but he does not recognize him at first. There

Gandalf says “I am looking for someone to share in an adventure that I am arranging,

and it’s very difficult to find anyone” (Tolkien, 2012: 6). Then Bilbo answers, “We

are plain quiet folk and have no use for adventures. Nasty disturbing uncomfortable

things! Make you late for dinner! I can’t think what anybody sees in them” (Tolkien,

2012: 6).

According to M.J. Murphy (1972: 164), speech is given by the author to the

reader about the insight of the character through what the characters’ say, also by

their conversation or even opinion. Bilbo’s statement on “we are plain quiet folk

and have no use for adventures” supports Murphy’s theory, where the author shows


21

us about Bilbo stereotyping himself. There he tries to avoid Gandalf’s offer and

claims himself as a plain hobbit.

Bilbo tries to avoid Gandalf, even after he knows who Gandalf is. He gives

himself an excuse to refuse Gandalf’s offer yet he offers him to have a tea at his

house.

“What on earth did I ask him to tea for!” he said to himself, as he went to the

pantry. He had only just had breakfast, but he thought a cake or two and a

drink of something would do him good after his fright (Tolkien, 2012: 8).

The word of fright as in the citation above does not literally show that he is

frightened but more like he is being flustered because of Gandalf’s reputation;

“Gandalf, Gandalf! Good gracious me! Not the fellow used to tell such

wonderful tales at parties, about dragons and goblins and giants and the rescue

of princesses and the unexpected luck of widows’ sons?”

(Tolkien, 2012: 7).

Bilbo does not want to have a business with Gandalf because it would lead

him to do a dangerous thing, “just about the time when Bilbo is finishing his second

cake and beginning to think that he had escaped adventures very well” (Tolkien,

2012: 8). He is naive because of his judgment toward Gandalf’s reputation. He does

not want his comfortable life spoiled by him.

The next day, he expects Gandalf to come and he is able to have a tea with

him. However, Bilbo does not know that Gandalf wrote a sign at his door for the

dwarfs, which is the sign of Bilbo as the chosen one to have an adventure with them

as the burglar. Thus, the unexpected thirteenth dwarfs, Dwalin, Balin, Kili, Fili,

Dori, Nori, Oin, Ori, Gloin, Bifur, Bofur, Bombur, and Thorin come to his house

altogether.


22

In the corner, while the four dwarves sat round the table, and talked about

mines and gold and troubles with the goblins, and the depredations of dragons,

and lots of other things which he did not understand, and did not want to, for

they sounded much too adventurous (Tolkien, 2012: 10).

Bilbo shows his lack of interest towards their story, it is certainly because he

has never experienced those.

There the dwarfs sing about the journey to the Misty Mountain. As Bilbo

listens to their song, Bilbo looks out the window and starts to imagine about the

journey. “And very quickly he was plain Mr. Baggins of Bag-End, Under-Hill,

again (Tolkien, 2012: 16). “Very quickly he was plain Mr. Baggins” is a clear

evidence which supports Murphy’s theory of direct comment (1972: 170), where

the author directly describes or gives comment about Bilbo is naive.

2. Stubborn

Bilbo shows his quality as a stubborn hobbit before he joins the adventure,

which is seen in chapter one, An Unexpected Party. His stubbornness is seen when

Gloin talks about a sign on his door and underestimats him that he more looks like

a grocer than a burglar.

“In fact, if it had not been for the sign on the door, I should have been sure

we had come to the wrong house. As soon as I clapped eyes on the little fellow

bobbing and puffing on the mat, I had my doubts. He looks more like a grocer

than a burglar!” (Tolkien, 2012: 18).

Bilbo’s respond;

“Pardon me,” he said, “if I have overheard words that you were saying. I don’t

pretend to understand what you are talking about, or your reference to

burglars, but I think I am right in believing” (that is what he called being on

his dignity) “that you think I am no good. I will show you. I have no signs on

my door—it was painted a week ago—, and I am quite sure you have come

to the wrong house (Tolkien, 2012: 19).


23

The conversation between Bilbo and Gloin supports Murphy’s theory of

speech (1972: 164), where it shows Bilbo’s opinion about what Gloin says. “I think

I am right in believing” shows that he is denying the fact that there is a sign at his

door though there is a sign on his door made by Gandalf yet he does not know that.

The next evidence that shows Bilbo’s stubbornness is when he insists to know

how they would go to the Lonely Mountain, what he would get, and so on.

“Bless me!” said Thorin, “haven’t you got a map? And didn’t you hear our

song? And haven’t we been talking about all this for hours?”

“All the same, I should like it plain and clear,” said he obstinately, putting on

his business manner (usually reserved for people who tried to borrow money

off him), and doing his best to appear wise and prudent and professional and

live up to Gandalf’s recommendation (Tolkien, 2012: 22).

The author directly shows the readers that Bilbo is stubborn, by telling the

words “said he obstinately”. It implies that he insists to know anything in details

even though Thorin and the other dwarfs have already talked about journey. His

stubbornness shows off because he wants to save his dignity.

3. Reluctant

Bilbo finally joins the adventure with the dwarfs and Gandalf yet he often

dreams about his comfortable life during his journey to the Misty Mountain.

As Murphy’s theory of thought (1972: 171), the author gives the readers a

direct knowledge of Bilbo’s thought. It can be seen in the second chapter: Roast

Mutton when Bilbo is obligated to camp in the Lonely-lands. “Bother burgling and

everything to do with it! I wish I was at home in my nice hole by the fire, with the

kettle just beginning to sing!” It was not the last time that he wished that!” (Tolkien,


24

2012: 30). It proves that Bilbo is still thinking that the adventure is uncomfortable

thing because he easily gets annoyed by it. “Bother burgling and everything to do

with it!” and “I wish I was at home”. These evidences support Murphy’s theory of

thought (1972: 171), where the author gives the reader a direct knowledge about

what the character is thinking about. Bilbo cannot move on from his daily ordinary

life as an ordinary hobbit.

The author shows many evidences of how Bilbo always wants to go back to

his hobbit hole and enjoys his ordinary life. It can be seen before Bilbo, the dwarfs

and Gandalf arrives in Last Homely House, a house of the elves, whom is Gandalf’s

acquaintance.

“O!” said Bilbo, and just at that moment he felt more tired than he ever

remembered feeling before. He was thinking once again of his comfortable

chair before the fire in his favourite sitting-room in his hobbit hole, and of the

kettle singing. Not for the last time! (Tolkien, 2012: 43-44).

“He was thinking once again of his comfortable chair” and “not for the last

time!” shows Bilbo’s desire on his old life, which also shows the ‘ordinary him’.

Even after they are staying for fourteen days at that place, instead of

continuing his journey, he wishes to stay at that place “Bilbo would gladly have

stopped there for ever and ever—even supposing a wish would have taken him right

back to his hobbit-hole without trouble” (Tolkien, 2012: 48).

Another evidence are found when Bilbo wishes to be at home while he is

facing a hard time or struggle. It is seen in chapter four: Over Hilland Under Hill,

when he meets the goblins:


25

The goblins were very rough, and pinched unmercifully, and chuckled and

laughed in their horrible stony voices; and Bilbo was more unhappy even than

when the troll had picked him up by his toes. He wished again for his nice

bright hobbit-hole (Tolkien, 2012: 57).

Bilbo clings himself to his particular way of hobbit’s life and regrets his

decision to fulfill the quest with the dwarfs and Gandalf. Even after they all can

escape from the goblins, Bilbo is still grumbling about the situation and regretting

his decision, “Why, O why did I ever leave my hobbit-hole!” (Tolkien, 2012: 63).

Then Bombur reacted to him “Why, O why did I ever bring a wretched little hobbit

on a treasure hunt!” (Tolkien, 2012: 63). His reaction towards Bilbo is the result of

Bilbo’s reluctant action.

4. Easily Frightened

Bilbo is an easily frightened hobbit. It is because of he never has any

adventure and experiencing a dangerous thing before he joins the adventure with

the dwarfs. All of the thirteenth dwarfs and Gandalf come to his house and talk

about adventure to the Misty Mountain.

Suddenly in the wood beyond The Water a flame leapt up—probably

somebody lighting a wood-fire—and he thought of plundering dragons

settling on his quiet Hill and kindling it all to flames. He shuddered; and very

quickly he was plain Mr. Baggins of Bag-End, Under-Hill, again (Tolkien,

2012: 16).

As Murphy describes about the way in which the author attempts their

characters understandable by thought (1972: 171), “he thought of plundering

dragons” shows Bilbo’s imagination of the adventure. However, he later feels

“shuddered”. It explains that Bilbo is easily frightened by only imagining about the

adventure even before he is experiencing the adventure by himself. His easily


26

frightened characteristic is also seen when he heard that there is a possibility that

they might be not back alive.

Poor Bilbo couldn’t bear it any longer. At may never return he began to feel

a shriek coming up inside, and very soon it burst out like the whistle of an

engine coming out of a tunnel (Tolkien, 2012: 17).

“To feel a shriek coming up inside” indicates that he is frightened by the

journey. He shows his anxiety of in case he could not come back alive. The other

evidence that shows Bilbo’s quality as an easily frightened hobbit is when Gloin,

one of the thirteenth dwarfs is mocking him.

“Will he do, do you think? It is all very well for Gandalf to talk about this

hobbit being fierce, but one shriek like that in a moment of excitement would

be enough to dragon and all his relatives, and kill the lot of us. I think it

sounded more like fright than excitement!” (Tolkien, 2012: 18).

Gloin’s perspective supports Murphy theory of character seen by others (1972:

162). “I think it sounded more like fright than excitement” shows the dwarf’s first

impression of Bilbo.

The other evidence that shows his character as an easily frightened hobbit is

seen in the chapter two: Roast Mutton. Bilbo tries to confront the trolls alone yet he

got caught by them, and then the dwarfs come to rescue him and fighting begins yet

he hid himself to avoid the fight. ““It’s trolls!” said Bilbo from behind a tree”

(Tolkien, 2012: 38). The sentence “behind a tree” indicates that he is frightened and

is trying to save himself while his fellow dwarfs, except Thorin, try to save him

from the trolls. Even after Thorin comes and fights the trolls, which later they are

defeated by the trolls, Bilbo prefers to hide himself in a bush.

But just at the moment William came up behind and popped a sack right over

Thorin’s head and down to his toes. And so the fight ended. A nice pickle


27

they were all in now: all neatly tied up in sacks, with three angry trolls (and

two with burns and bashes to remember) sitting by them...; and Bilbo up in a

bush, with his clothes and his skin torn, not daring to move for fear they

should hear him (Tolkien, 2012: 38).

Another evidence that shows Bilbo’s characteristic as an easily frightened is

seen in chapter five; Riddles in the Dark. There he found a magic ring that could

make him invisible. He successfully defeats Gollum with the riddle games. He tries

to escape from him by out of the tunnel yet he meets goblins in the doorway with

full armour.

A pang of fear and loss, like an echo of Gollum’s misery, smote Bilbo, and

forgetting even to draw his sword he struck his hands into his pockets. And

there was the ring still, in his left pocket, and it slipped on his finger (Tolkien,

2012: 83).

The author describes about how Bilbo’s feeling “a pang of fear and loss”,

which shows that he is tremendously frightened and miserable. Even he forgets

about the dagger he has brought all the time that could save him from the danger

situation.

As the matter of fact, Bilbo has found the magic ring that belongs to Gollum.

The magic ring is accidentally slipped on his finger which made him invisible.

However, Bilbo manages to escape from Gollum yet he meets the goblins outside

the gateway. Unluckily, they accidentally see Bilbo’s shadow. Later the author

shows the readers about Bilbo’s reaction towards the situation:

Bilbo was dreadfully frightened, but he had the sense to understand what had

happened and to sneak behind a big barrel which held drink for the goblin-

guards, and so get out of the way and avoid being bumped into, trampled to

death, or caught by feel (Tolkien, 2012: 83).

The next evidence is seen on chapter seven: Queer Lodging when Bilbo,

Gandalf and the dwarfs are being rescued by the eagle from the wolves.


28

“Don’t pinch!” said his eagle. “You need not to be frightened like a rabbit,

even if you look rather like one. It is a fair morning with little wind. What is

finer than flying?”

Bilbo would have liked to say: “A warm bath and breakfast on the lawn

afterwards” (Tolkien, 2012: 105).

The word “frightened like a rabbit” shows that even the eagle’s thought of

Bilbo is such a frightened hobbit because of he is afraid of high. Thus, the reason

why he pinches the eagle because he stays on the ground for the whole time and has

never experienced it before.

The next evidence that shows Bilbo’s characteristic as an easily frightened

hobbit is seen in his reactions. They are about to meet Beorn and stay at his house

after listening to Gandalf’s story about him, who sometimes changed into a huge

black bear. “He changes his skin: sometimes he is a huge black bear, sometimes he

was a great strong black-haired man with huge arms and a great beard” (Tolkien,

2012: 108). The author gives a direct comment “And with that he went off along

the hedge taking the frightened hobbit with him” (Tolkien, 2012: 110). Afterward,

when they are all finally stay at Beorn’s house, Bilbo hears a growling sound

outside and starts to imagine what it is.

Bilbo wondered what it was, and whether it could be Beorn in enchanted

shape, and if he would come in as a bear and kill all them. He dived under the

blankets and hid his head, and fell asleep again at last in spite of his fears

(Tolkien, 2012: 120).

The author directly shows the situation about how is Bilbo’s feeling. “He

dived under the blanket and hid his head” indicates that he does not want his wild

thought comes true. And the words “fell asleep again” and “in spite of his fear”


29

show that Bilbo wants to stop imagining about growling sound because it only

makes him has negative thinking and grows his fear.

5. Clever

Bilbo’s cleverness is seen when Gandalf chose him as a burglar for the

journey to the Misty Mountain or known as the Lonely Mountain. There Thorin

asks for his idea about how they could manage to come inside the mountain.

“Supposing the burglar-expert gives us some ideas or suggestions” (Tolkien, 2012:

22). Bilbo’s answers, “First, I should like to know a bit more about things” (Tolkien,

2012: 22). “I should like to know“, shows that Bilbo wanted to make sure of things

before he decided to be in or not. Even though Bilbo seems stubborn when he

insisted to know the terms and conditions of the journey, it exactly shows Bilbo’s

ingenuity.

“All the same, I should like it plain and clear,” said he obstinately, putting on

his business manner, and doing his best to appear wise and prudent and

professional and live up to Gandalf’s recommendation. “Also I should like to

know about risks, out-of-pocket expenses, time required and remuneration,

and so forth”—by which he meant: “What am I going to get out of it? and am

I going to come back alive?” (Tolkien, 2012: 22).

Bilbo’s response shows that he carefully thinks about all the risks if he joins

the adventure. Even though he is stubborn, he wants to know the detail about the

adventure. Thus, he wants all well-prepared so that is why he wants to “doing his

best to appear wise and prudent and professional and live up to Gandalf’s

recommendation” (Tolkien, 2012: 22).

Bilbo shows his cleverness in the second chapter: Roast Mutton when he has

been asked by the dwarfs to see the light that they has seen in the woods and later


30

he finds out that these were a very large fire with the three trolls round it. At that

moment, he has to decide whether he goes back to the dwarfs, warning them about

trolls who likely to roast them or stole the trolls’ goods.

A legendary burglar would at this point have picked the trolls’ pocket—it is

nearly always worthwhile, if you can manage it—, pinched the very mutton

off the spits, purloined the beer, and walked off without their noticing him.

Others more practical but with less professional pride would perhaps have

stuck a dagger into each of them before they observed it.

(Tolkien, 2012: 33-34).

“Bilbo knew it. He had read of a good many things he had never seen or done.

He was very alarmed, as well as disgusted” (Tolkien, 2012: 34).

“He knew it” and “he had read of a good many things” support Bilbo’s quality

as clever because of his knowledge about trolls, which shows in the first citation

above. That is why he has the idea of stealing the trolls’ goods in their pocket.

Bilbo tries to pick up something from the troll’s pocket but unlucky he gets

caught later. However, even in the state of frightened, he is looking the way to safe

himself and trying to deceive the trolls about his identity ““Bilbo Baggins, a bur—

a hobbit,” said poor Bilbo, shaking all over and wondering how to make an owl-

noises before they throttled him” (Tolkien, 2012: 34).

When the trolls are trying to eat him while investigating him, he is trying to

look the way out safely:

“And please don’t cook me, kind sirs! I am a good cook for myself, and cook

better than I cook, if you see what I mean. I’ll cook beautifully for you, a

perfectly beautiful breakfast for you, if only you won’t have me supper.”

(Tolkien, 2012: 35)

“I’ll cook beautifully for you” and “if only you won’t have me supper” shows

Bilbo’s cleverness to get himself saved from the hungry trolls.


31

Move to chapter five, Riddles in the Dark, when he lost in a dark tunnel alone,

he shows the reader that even if he is frightened he still has the instinct about his

surroundings.

Suddenly without any warning he trotted splash into water! Ugh! It was icy

cold. That pulled him up sharp and short. He did not know whether it was just

a pool in the path, or the edge of an underground stream that crossed the

passage, or the brink of a deep dark subterranean lake.

He stopped, and he could hear, when he listened hard, drops drip-drip-

dripping from an unseen roof into the water below; but there seemed no other

sort of sound.

“So it is a pool or a lake, and not an underground river,” he thought.

(Tolkien, 2012: 67).

From the quotations above, the fact that Bilbo does not know about his

surrounding is because the tunnel is dark. However, when he walks into water, he

is trying to listen and guessing what kind of the drip of the water is and later he

acknowledged what it is. It proves that Bilbo is smart and had a good sense.

Then he meets Gollum, who is curious about who Bilbo is. Gollum wants to

know more about Bilbo and his sword, “and until he found out more about the sword

and the hobbit, whether he was quite alone really, whether he was good to eat, and

whether Gollum was really hungry” (Tolkien, 2012: 69). Because Gollum is curious

about Bilbo, he asks Bilbo to play riddles game with him and makes a deal: if Bilbo

could answer the riddles, he will do as Bilbo wishes to get out of the tunnel.

However, in return, if Bilbo cannot answer, he would eat him. When Gollum asks

his second riddles, Bilbo almost cannot answer as fast as the first time he answered

the first riddle.


32

“Half a moment!” cried Bilbo, who was still thinking uncomfortably about

eating. Fortunately he had once heard something rather this before, and

getting his wits back thought of the answer (Tolkien, 2012: 70).

“He had once heard something rather this before” explains that Bilbo has a

lot of knowledge, therefore he can answer the riddles easily. As Murphy describes

about thought (1972: 171), the author lets the readers know what Bilbo thinks about.

As Bilbo thought “this’ll puzzle the nasty little underground creature” (Tolkien,

2012: 70) shows that Bilbo ingenuity of understanding his surrounding and

knowing his opponent’s weakness. He comes up with a riddle that he thinks that

Gollum may not answer it “Bilbo was beginning to hope that the wretch would not

be able to answer” (Tolkien, 2012: 71).

Gollum is now impatient and more unpleasant because Bilbo can answer his

past two riddles. Thus, he makes a bit more difficult riddles to Bilbo yet he could

answer it.

Unfortunately for Gollum Bilbo had heard that sort of thing before; and the

answer was all round him any way. “Dark!” he said without even scratching

his head or putting on his thinking cap (Tolkien, 2012: 71).

“He said without even scratching his head” indicates that the riddle is a piece

of cake for him to answer yet Gollum thought that this one is a kind of difficult

riddle. Bilbo shows his ingenuity when he gives Gollum the riddle with unusual

word to make Gollum confused so later he could give the difficult one.

He asked to gain time, until he could think of a really hard one. This he

thought a dreadfully easy chestnut, though he had not asked it in the usual

words. But it proved a nasty poser for Gollum. He hissed to himself, and still

he did not answer; he whispered and spluttered (Tolkien, 2012: 72).

This proves that Bilbo knows how to take advantage of his opponent’s

confusion to think another riddles.


33

Bilbo starts to getting stuck with the riddles game and he cannot think the

other riddles until he is talking to himself but misunderstood by Gollum as the riddle.

“What have I got in my pocket?” he said aloud. He was talking to himself,

but Gollum thought it was a riddle, and he was frightfully upset.

“Not fair! Not fair!” he hissed.

Bilbo seeing what had happened and having nothing better to ask stuck to his

question (Tolkien, 2012: 74).

Clever shows the ability of learning and understanding things quickly, “Bilbo

seeing what had happened” shows Bilbo’s cleverness. He understands the situation

and takes the advantage of it once again to beat Gollum. Of course Gollum cannot

answer it easily, even he gets three chances to answer. Bilbo knows this situation

will lead in a bad situation because he cannot trust Gollum. Therefore, he is

anticipating all of bad possibilities that might happen next.

He knew, of course, that the riddle-game is sacred and of immense antiquity,

and even wicked creatures were afraid to cheat when they played at it. But he

felt he could not trust this slimy thing to keep any promise at a pinch. Any

excuse would do for him to slide out of it (Tolkien, 2012: 75).

B. The Character Development of Bilbo Baggins from Zero to Hero

“The hero is a man of action and it is in action that he expresses his nature—

skill, courage, dominance and determination” (Hourihan, 2005: 95). Bilbo Baggins

is not a hero at the beginning of the story. He is just a plain folk, lives in comfortable

life, and never has any adventure before he meets Gandalf and the dwarfs. However,

in the end of the story, he becomes a different hobbit. It proves since Tolkien has

mentioned it several times.


34

This is a story of how a Baggins had an adventure, and found himself doing

and saying things altogether unexpected. He may have lost the neighbours’

respect, but he gained—well, you will see whether he gained anything in the

end (Tolkien, 2012: 4).

The introduction that Tolkien give is such a big hint for the reader that Bilbo

will definitely change afterward. As E.M Forster describes about character

development, the changing of the character from beginning until the end of the story

only if they are experiencing a change in themselves (1927:54). Bilbo’s

development provides with many conflicts that appears during his adventure with

the Dwarfs. He gets many experiences or conflicts during his adventure with the

dwarfs that later changes him into a hero for his friends. His change is the result of

the Took’s blood inside him, who is loved and known as an adventurer. “But

certainly there was still something not entirely hobbit like about them, and once in

a while members of the Took-clan would go and have adventures” (Tolkien, 2012:

4).

Bilbo shows his desire to go to an adventure with the dwarfs is just a

beginning of his developing.

As they sang the hobbit felt the love of beautiful things made by hands and

by cunning and by magic moving through him, a fierce and jealous love, the

desire of hearts of dwarves. Then something Tookish woke up inside him,

and he wished to go and see the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and

the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking

stick (Tolkien, 2012: 16).

Bilbo’s unconsciousness as the Took helps him to encourage himself to go to

an adventure that he has never done before.

In the middle of his adventure, when he found the trolls’ treasure, there are a

lot of gold coins yet he takes a knife with him. “And Bilbo took a knife in a leather


35

sheath” (Tolkien, 2012: 41). As in the beginning of the story, Bilbo Baggins’

families are famous and are known as respectable and rich. Compares to Bilbo’s

first impression before and during the adventure, he prefers to take the knife than

the gold coins. It proves that his character is developing by the time he joined the

adventure.

The author also strengthens the fact of Bilbo’s character development (as

narrator) during the adventure when Bilbo is left behind in a dark tunnel alone “till

suddenly his hands met what felt like a tiny ring of cold metal lying on the floor of

the tunnel. It was a turning point in his career, but he did not know it” (Tolkien,

2012: 65).

Hence the writer will discuss Bilbo’s development from being an ordinary

hobbit to become a hero for the dwarfs.

1. From an Easily Frightened to be a Brave Hobbit

Bilbo is a plain and easily frightened hobbit. However, during his journey to

the Lonely Mountain with the dwarfs, he became brave. His bravery is seen for the

first time when he could overcome himself to follow the journey with the dwarfs

after reading the letter the dwarfs left on his mantelpiece.

To the end of his days Bilbo could never remember how he found himself

outside, without a hat, a walking-stick or any money, or anything he usually

took when he went out; and running as fast as his furry feet could carry him

down the lane, past the great Mill, across The Water, and then on for a mile

or more (Tolkien, 2012: 28-29).

Now the adventure for Bilbo has begun. While they are staying in the Lonely-

lands, the dwarfs give the first task to Bilbo as the burglar to go check the light that


36

they have seen there. Later he finds out that there are three trolls sitting round in a

large fire of beech-log. Instead of warns the dwarfs about them, he decides to steal

the troll’s goods from their pocket “Bert and Tom went off to the barrel. William

was having another drink. Then Bilbo plucked up courage and put his little hand in

William’s enormous pocket” (Tolkien, 2012: 34), yet he get caught by them. His

action supports M.J. Murphy’s theory of reaction (1972: 168), where Bilbo’s

response or react about the situation, in which he has to decide whether he wants

back to the dwarfs or steals the trolls’ goods. By the words “plucked up courage”

mean that Bilbo is success overcoming his fear and broke the stereotype as a plain

hobbit even though in the end, the trolls caught him.

Another evidence that shows Bilbo’s character development is when he gets

caught by the trolls and confronted the danger. When the dwarfs tried to save him,

instead of running from the battle between the trolls and the dwarfs, he bravely

confronts the trolls and helps his companions. “Bilbo did his best. He caught hold

of Tom’s leg—as well as he could” (Tolkien, 2012: 38). “Caught hold of Tom’s

leg—as well as he could” shows Bilbo’s courageousness.

Move to chapter five, Riddles in the Dark, Bilbo lost in a dark tunnel after

escaping from the Goblins. “No one was anywhere near him. Just imagine his fright!

He could hear nothing, see nothing, and he could feel nothing except the stone of

the floor” (Tolkien, 2012: 65). There he found a magic ring that can make people

who wear it cannot be seen yet he does not know that. After being quiet for a while,

he chooses to move on to where he is. “So up he got, and trotted along with his little

sword held in front of him and one hand feeling the wall, and his heart all of a patter


37

and a pitter” (Tolkien, 2012: 66). Bilbo oppressed his fear for being alone, as the

words “trotted” and “his heart all of a patter and a pitter”, he chooses to find a way

to get out of the tunnel. He protects himself with a little sword, which the sword

itself is a symbol of courage and power, which also means that he is anticipating

what will happen next.

Bilbo shows his development while facing Gollum alone in the dark tunnel.

Compares to his reaction before, when he can rely on the dwarfs, he prefers to

escape from fighting and hiding as well. However, he bravely confronts Gollum

even though he does not know the motive of Gollum’s presence.

The hobbit jumped nearly out of his skin when the hiss came in his ears, and

he suddenly saw the pale eyes sticking out at him.

“Who are you?” he said, thrusting his dagger in front of him.

(Tolkien, 2012: 69)

By the words “thrusting his dagger in front of him”, it indicates that Bilbo is

trying to show his power towards his opponent. He is trying to show that he is ready

to fight Gollum. It continues when Gollum asks him to play riddle games. He agrees

to play with him even though he does not know his motive.

“Very well,” said Bilbo, who was anxious to agree, until he found out more

about the creature, whether he was quite alone, whether he was fierce or

hungry, and whether he was a friend of the goblins (Tolkien, 2012: 69).

Bilbo shows his development on his decision, even though he is “anxious to

agree” yet he wants to know who his opponent is. It also shows us that Bilbo gains

his strength.

Move to chapter eight; Flies and Spider, Bilbo shows his bravery by beating

the great spider with his hand while it tries to tying him up when he is being sleepy.


38

Soon he would not have been able to move at all. As it was, he had a desperate

fight before he got free. He beat the creature off with his hands—it was trying

to poison him to keep quiet, as small spiders do to flies—until he remembered

his sword and drew it out. Then the spider jumped back, and he had time to

cut his legs loose. After that it was his turn to attack (Tolkien, 2012: 143).

The quotation above shows that the situation triggers Bilbo to fight back,

instead of crying for help. He is beating the great spider shows that he is developing

from easily frightened to be a brave hobbit.

The author also directly tells the readers about Bilbo’s feeling being fierce

and bolder after killing the giant spider.

Somehow the killing of the giant spider, all alone by himself in the dark

without help of the wizard or the dwarves or of anyone else, made a great

difference to Mr. Baggins. 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 (Tolkien, 2012: 144).

The sentences “he felt a different person, and much fiercer and bolder” shows

that he is consciously acknowledge the changing on himself. “As he wiped his

sword on the grass and put it back into its sheath” symbolizes his courageousness

and pride.

However, after he killed the giant spider, who he called it Sting, he got scared

of the giant spiders in the branches above him.

Suddenly he saw, too, that there were spiders huge and horrible sitting in the

branches above him, and ring or no ring he trembled with fear lest they should

discover him. Standing behind a tree he watched a group of them for some

time.

Bilbo was horrified, now that he noticed them for the first time dangling in

the shadows, to see a dwarvish foot sticking out of the bottom of some of the

bundles (Tolkien, 2012: 145).


39

From the citation above, we can see that Bilbo is very frightened about the

presence of the giant spiders even if he used the magic ring that made him invisible.

By the words “trembled with fear lest they should discover him”, “standing behind

a tree”, and “Bilbo was horrified” proves that Bilbo is scared. However, he

convinces himself to confront the spiders.

Standing now in the middle of the hunting and spinning insects Bilbo plucked

up his courage and began to a new song (Tolkien, 2012: 147).

Out came his little sword. He slashed the threads to pieces and went off

singing.

The spiders saw the sword, though I don’t suppose they knew what it was,

and at once the whole lot of them came hurrying after the hobbit along the

ground and the branches, hairy legs waving, nippers and spinners snapping,

eyes popping, full of froth and rage. They followed him into the forest until

Bilbo has gone as far as he dared (Tolkien, 2012: 148).

The words “plucked up his courage”, “out came his little sword”, and “slashed

the threads” show that Bilbo is changing from an easily frightened to be a brave

hobbit, which he bravely provoked the spiders to save his friends. “Bilbo has gone

as far as he dared” shows his limit yet also shows his bravery.

Moves to chapter twelve; Inside Information, Bilbo shows his other side of

him. As Murphy states of past life (1972: 166), which the author lets the reader

learn something from the character’s past life, Bilbo feels that he is totally different

hobbit that he used to be.

He was trembling with fear, but his little face was set and grim. Already he

was a very different hobbit from one that had run out without a pocket-

handkerchief from Bag-End long ago. He had not had a pocket-handkerchief

for ages. He loosened his dagger in its sheath, tightened his belt, and went on

(Tolkien, 2012: 196 - 197).


40

The sentence “he was trembling with fear, but his little face was set and grim”

indicates that even though Bilbo is frightened, yet he consciously accepts the

situation. His fright indicates that he is ready to confront the risk. The sentences

“already he was a very different hobbit from one that had run out without a pocket-

handkerchief from Bag-End long ago” and “he loosened his dagger in its sheath,

tightened his belt, and went on” show Bilbo’s development from the old hobbit who

is naive and comfortable with his hobbit life to the new Bilbo Baggins, which is

consider as bravery. “He had not had a pocket-handkerchief for ages” and “he

loosened his dagger in its sheath, tightened his belt” shows Bilbo’s development

before and after he joins the adventure.

The next evidence that proves Bilbo’s bravery is when he finally confronted

Smaug the dragon.

Bilbo was now beginning to feel really uncomfortable. Whenever Smaug’s

roving eye, seeking for him in the shadows, flashed across him, he trembled,

and an unaccountable desire seized hold of him to rush out and reveal himself

and tell the truth to Smaug. In fact he was in grievous danger of coming under

the dragon-spell. But plucking his courage he spoke again (Tolkien, 2012:

206).

From the citation above, it tells that Bilbo is in “grievous danger” yet he

manages it because his character developed from time to time so far. We can see

the difference of him when he is at his hobbit hole imagining the dragon, as it is

seen in the citation bellow.

Suddenly in the wood beyond The Water a flame leapt up—probably

somebody lighting a wood-fire—and he thought of plundering dragons

settling on his quiet Hill and kindling it all to flames. He shuddered; and very

quickly he was plain Mr. Baggins of Bag-End, Under-Hill, again (Tolkien,

2012: 16).


41

Now Bilbo confronts the real dragon yet he is “plucking his courage he spoke

again” (Tolkien, 2012: 206). It proves that Bilbo changes from an easily frightened

to be a brave hobbit.

2. From a Naive to be a Useful Hobbit

As the story goes, Bilbo’s changing from a naive and reluctant hobbit to be a

useful hobbit if we compares to how the dwarfs opinion about Bilbo was more

trouble than use so far. However, Bilbo changes the dwarfs’ opinion of him since

he found the magic ring. As in the chapter eight, Flies and Spiders, Bilbo provesn

himself and the dwarfs that he could be useful for the dwarfs. In the book says, “he

had taken off his ring when he rescued Fili and forgotten to put it on again” (Tolkien,

2012: 149). By showing himself in front of Fili, one of the thirteenth dwarfs, it

shows that Bilbo wants the dwarfs know that he can be useful for them though later

he unintentionally forgets to wear his magic ring.

As Murphy states that character can be seen through conversation of others

(1972: 162), Thorin agrees that Bilbo is useful for them so far. Thus he wants the

contribution of Bilbo as the burglar to prove them that their opinion are not wrong.

“Now is the time for our esteemed Mr. Baggins, who has proved himself a

good companion on our long road, and a hobbit full of courage and resource

far exceeding his size, and if I may say so possessed of good luck far

exceeding the usual allowance—now is the time for him to perform the

service for which he was included in our Company; now is the time for him

to earn his Reward” (Tolkien, 2012: 195).

Bilbo proves his usefulness towards the dwarfs. He goes to the under

mountain as the dwarfs’ spy. There he meets Smaug the dragon, which at first it

intentionally let Bilbo to observe the situation. He goes back to the dwarfs after that.


42

And his chief thought was: “I’ve done it! This will show them. ‘More like a

grocer than a burglar’ indeed! Well, we’ll hear no more of that”.

Bilbo lay with his eyes shut, gasping and taking pleasure in the feel of the

fresh air again, and hardly noticing the excitement of the dwarves, or how

they praised him and patted him on the back and put themselves and all their

families for generations to come at his service. (Tolkien, 2012: 199).

The first passage above tells that Bilbo is satisfy and successfully fulfill his

desire with his contribution towards the dwarfs. The sentence “how they praised

him and patted him on the back and put themselves and all their families for

generations to come at his service” shows the dwarfs’ satisfaction towards Bilbo’s

work. They felt grateful to hire Bilbo as their burglar. At the second passage above

shows that Bilbo is proud of himself. His sarcasm “more like a grocer than a burglar

indeed” shows his pride and it breaks the dwarfs’ opinion that he is a useless burglar.

3. The Development of Bilbo Baggins’ Ability in Leadership

Bilbo’s development get influences by his action during the journey. The

adventure changed him and later he became the leader for the dwarfs since they had

admitted that Bilbo could be the one whom they can lean on. Even though Thorin

was the leader for the dwarfs, but Bilbo often led them and became the decision

maker for all of them. Later he gained trust by his company, the dwarfs.

It is a fact that Bilbo’s reputation went up a very great deal with the dwarves

after this. If they had still doubted that he was really a first-class burglar, in

spite of Gandalf’s words, they doubted no longer (Tolkien, 2012: 87).

Getting trust from the followers is important for the leader. A leader cannot

lead a group of people if they doubt their leadership capability.

“I am going to disappear,” he said. “I shall draw the spiders off, if I can; and

you must keep together and make in the opposite direction. To the left there,

that is more or less the way towards the place where we last saw the elf-fires.”


43

It was difficult to get them to understand, what with their dizzy heads, and the

shouts, and the whacking of sticks and the throwing of stones; but at least

Bilbo felt he could delay no longer—the spider were drawing their circle ever

closer.

Then Balin, who had grasped Bilbo’s plan better than the rest, led an attack

(Tolkien, 2012: 151).

The citation above shows that Bilbo had capability to lead. His capability to

lead could be seen through his instinct to make a plan at the danger situation.

From which you can see that they had changed their opinion of Mr. Baggins

very much, and had begun to have a great respect for him (as Gandalf had

said they would). Indeed they really expected him to think of some wonderful

plan for helping them, and were not merely grumbling (Tolkien, 2012: 152).

The citation above shows the dwarfs’ perspective toward Bilbo now was

different. It proved that Bilbo success on changing his image as a reluctant hobbit

and gained his friends’ respect toward his capability to be a leader.

Afterward, Bilbo and the dwarfs were successfully run away from the giant

spiders yet became the Elvenking’s prisoners exclude Bilbo. It is happened because

he used the magic ring before the elves captured and brought them to the

Elvenking’s palace.

“I am like a burglar that can’t get away, but must go on miserably burgling

the same house day after day,” he thought. This is the dreariest and dullest

part of all this wretched, tiresome, uncomfortable adventure! I wish I was

back in my hobbit-hole by my own warm fireside with the lamp shining!” He

often wished, too, that he could get a message for help sent to the wizard, but

that of course was quite impossible; and he soon realized that if anything was

to be done, it would have to be done by Mr. Baggins, alone and unaided

(Tolkien, 2012: 161).

The citation above shows that Bilbo was reluctant to confront the obstacle

and wished to be at his hobbit-hole. However, he realizes that he cannot escape

from that palace alone without his friends. Later he discoveres where the dwarfs’


44

imprisonment. He goes to the dwarfs’ prisons and one by one he unlocked the

prison’s doors that the dwarfs belong to. The citation below is an evidence that

Bilbo is capable to lead the dwarfs. Even though he reluctantly joins the adventure,

as seen in the citation above, yet he is aware of his duty to save his friends.

“You just follow me! We must all keep together and not risk getting

separated. All of us must escape or none, and this is our last chance. If this is

found out, goodness knows where the king will put you next, with chains on

your hands and feet too, I expect. Don’t argue, there’s good fellow!” (Tolkien,

2012: 164-165).

“You just follow me!” shows that Bilbo starts to empower the dwarf, which

is also show his leadership’s ability.

Afterward, Bilbo begins his desperate plan to get the dwarfs out from the

Elvenking’s palace yet they disagree about the plan.

“Very well!” said Bilbo very downcast, and also rather annoyed. “Come

along back to your nice cells, and I will lock you all in again, and you can sit

there comfortably and think of a better plan—but I don’t suppose I shall ever

get hold of the keys again, even if I feel inclined to try.”

That was too much for them, and they calmed down. In the end, of course,

they had to do just what Bilbo suggested, because it was obviously impossible

for them to try and find their way into the upper halls, or to fight their way

out of gates that closed by magic; and it was no good grumbling in the passage

until they were caught again. So following the hobbit, down into the lowest

cellars they crept (Tolkien, 2012: 165 - 166).

The first passage of two passages above shows the way on how Bilbo

convinces the dwarfs to agree his instruction. He gives the dwarfs an option which

absolutely will disadvantage them if they do not follow his plan. As a result, the

dwarfs finally follow his plan calmly. These prove Bilbo’s capability as a leader,

where the dwarfs trusted him to lead them.


45

As the result of Bilbo’s capability to empower the dwarfs, Thorin, the leader

of the dwarfs, trusts Bilbo to lead their journey.

“And I suppose we ought to thank our stars and Mr. Baggins. I am sure he

has a right to expect it, though I wish he could have arranged a more

comfortable journey. Still—all very much at your service once more, Mr.

Baggins. No doubt we shall feel properly grateful, when we are fed and

recovered. In the meanwhile what next?” (Tolkien, 2012: 179).

The expression “In the meanwhile what next” proves that the dwarfs trust

Bilbo to lead them. Then Bilbo answers, “I suggest Lake-Town” (Tolkien, 2012:

179) shows that Bilbo knows what he is doing and what he wants to do. It makes

him a good leader because he makes the dwarfs respect on his decision.

The next evidence that shows Bilbo’s ability is when he makes Thorin and

the other dwarfs follow his plan.

Now strange to say Mr. Baggins had more than the others. He would often

borrow Thorin’s map and gaze at it, pondering over the runes and the message

of the moon-letters Elrond had read. It was he that made the dwarves begin

the dangerous search on the western slopes for the secret door (Tolkien, 2012:

189).

From the citation above, “now strange to say Mr. Baggins had more than the

others” and “he would often borrow Thorin’s map and gaze at it” shows Bilbo’s

concern and capability to lead the journey. If we compare to the first intention of

Gandalf hiring Bilbo as the burglar, which the dwarfs doubted him, now the dwarfs

are confident of Bilbo’s capability to lead through his resourcefulness during the

journey. Thorin trusts Bilbo to lead the journey and let him borrow the map to make

a decision for them. It is also happened to other dwarfs, they followed Bilbo’s

command as if he was their leader though the fact that Thorin is the leader of the

dwarfs. However, Bilbo proves them his capability as a leader.


46

Move to the chapter twelve; Inside Information, it tells how Bilbo proved his

capability as a leader. It is happened because Thorin often asks him on what they

are supposed to do.

“What then do you propose we should do, Mr. Baggins?” asked Thorin

politely (Tolkien, 2012: 202).

“What are we to do now, to-day?” (Tolkien, 2012: 203).

Then Bilbo answers;

“Well, if you really want my advice, I should say we can do nothing but stay

where we are. By day we can no doubt creep out safely enough to take the

air”.

“Now I will make you an offer. I have got my ring and will creep down this

very noon—then if ever Smaug ought to be napping—and see what he is up

to” (Tolkien, 2012: 203).

Now that the situation is different, Bilbo changes the role of him from being

a burglar to a leader. He uses his cleverness to think of a plan. It surely proves that

Bilbo is a good leader because the dwarfs listen to what he says, as in the citation

below.

Naturally the dwarves accepted the offer eagerly. Already they had come to

respect little Bilbo. Now he had become the real leader in their adventure. He

had begun to have ideas and plans of his own (Tolkien, 2012: 203).

The author directly says that Bilbo becomes “the real leader in their

adventure”. It shows that Bilbo developed his instinct to rules the adventure.

4. The Development of Bilbo Baggins From Zero to Hero

Hourihan (2005: 27) states that there are sequence of events that implicit in

the nature of the hero, the will, ambition, activism, rationality and view of the world.

“The hero is a man of action and it is in action that he expresses his nature—skill,

courage, dominance and determination” (Hourihan, 2005: 95). Bilbo is not typical


47

of a hero that we are familiar with. However, Bilbo is undoubtedly a hero for several

reasons, first is he has fulfilled the quest, second is he acquired a weapon and last

he made some heroic decisions. Bilbo shows his quality as a hero when he fulfilled

the quest to join the dwarfs to recapture the dwarfs’ treasures that was stolen by the

dragon Smaug in the Lonely Mountain.

It begins with a little sword he got from the trolls’ cave. He used the sword

for self-defense while he is being lost alone after escaping from the goblins in the

dark tunnel. where he met Gollum. ““Who are you?” he said, thrusting his dagger

in front of him” (Tolkien, 2012: 68). Compare to his action beforehand, he did not

have the courage to use his sword correctly, he was only keeping it without using

it.

“But in slapping all his pockets and feeling all round himself for matches his

hand came on the hilt of his little sword—the little dagger that he got from

the trolls, and that he had quite forgotten” (Tolkien, 2012: 66).

The quotation above shows “he had quite forgotten” which means Bilbo has

the sword that he can use it every time he was in danger. For example when the

dwarfs and him got caught by the Goblins, yet he does not use it until he “thrusting

his dagger in front of him” (Tolkien, 2012: 68), which indicates that he is becoming

the hero for himself and using the sword for self-defense.

Even though Bilbo is physically not constructed as a hero-like, he is a hero

by his courage, wisdom, and ethics, which seen when he spares Gollum’s life. With

the help of the sword and the magic ring (the ring of invisibility), Bilbo spares

Gollum’s life while his wild thought wants to kill him.


48

He was desperate. He must get away, out of this horrible darkness, while he

had any strength left. He must fight. He must stab the foul thing, put it eyes

out, kill it. It meant to kill him. No, not a fair fight. He was invisible now.

Gollum had no sword. Gollum had not actually threatened to kill him, or tried

to yet. And he was miserable, alone, lost. A sudden understanding, a pity

mixed with horror, welled up in Bilbo’s heart (Tolkien, 2012: 81).

“He must fight”, “not a fair fight” and “a sudden understanding, a pity mixed

with horror” shows that Bilbo’s heroism lies in his courage, ethics, and wisdom.

His courageous is seen because he wants to fight Gollum. His ethics of a fair fight

with Gollum which means both parties either with or without a weapon and his

wisdom for his mercy towards Gollum.

All these thoughts passed in a flash of a second. He trembled. And then quite

suddenly in another flash, as if lifted by a new strength and resolve, he leaped

(Tolkien, 2012: 81-82).

The citation above is the result of Bilbo’s mercy towards Gollum who chooses

to escape than kill Gollum.

Move to chapter eight, Flies and Spiders, as Hourihan states that a hero

expresses his nature of determination (2005: 27), Bilbo was willing to save his

friends and took a risk to rescue them “Bilbo saw that the moment had come when

he must do something” (Tolkien, 20012: 146). In other hand, Bilbo was also known

as a clever hobbit, thus his cleverness made him took a risk by provokes the spiders

to save his friends “the idea came to him to lead the furious spiders further and

further away from the dwarves, if he could; to make them curious, excited and angry

all at once” (Tolkien, 2012: 146).

Another evidence shows Bilbo is a hero when he sacrifices himself to save

Bombur.


49

Suddenly Bilbo noticed that some of the spiders had gathered round old

Bombur on the floor, and had tied him up again and were dragging him away.

He gave a shout and slashed at the spiders in front of him. They quickly gave

way, and he scrambled and fell down the tree right into the middle of those

on the ground. His little sword was something new in the way of stings for

them. How it darted and fro! It shone with delight as he stabbed at them. Half

a dozen were killed before the rest drew off and left Bombur to Bilbo (Tolkien,

2012: 150).

As in the citation above, Bilbo gave a shout and slash the spiders that was in

front of him shows his willingness to save Bombur. He bravely killed the spiders

and took all the risks to save Bombur. If we compare to his action beforehand, for

example when the dwarfs were fighting with the trolls, he hid himself in a bush and

did not dare to make a noise, “Bilbo up in a bush, with his clothes and his skin torn,

not daring to move for fear they should hear him” (Tolkien, 2012: 38). However,

he gave a shout and killed the spider without hesitation. And again, he was now

equipped by the dagger and ready to be in the battle with the dwarfs. “The battle

began. Some of the dwarves had knives, and some had sticks, and all of them could

get at the stones; and Bilbo had his elvish dagger” (Tolkien, 2012: 150). It proves

that Bilbo was changing during his adventure with the dwarfs and showing his

quality as a hero.

Bilbo showed his determination and willingness to risk his life when the

dwarfs and he were trapped inside of the tunnel that connected the way between the

inside of The Lonely Mountain, where the dwarfs’ kingdom used to be, and the

outside of the secret passage.

“Come, come!” he said. “‘While there’s life there’s hope!’ as my father used

to say, and ‘Third time pays for all.’ I am going down the tunnel once again.

I have been that way twice, when I knew there was a dragon at the other end,

so I will risk a third visit when I am no longer sure. Anyway the only way out


50

is down. And I think this time you had better all come with me” (Tolkien,

2012: 214 - 215).

The sentence “So I will risk a third visit when I am no longer sure” shows

Bilbo’s sincerity to find a way to escape from there even though he was not sure if

they could make it or not.

The next evidence that shows Bilbo’s willingness to risk his life was when he

tried to provoke Smaug the dragon to deceive him. However, there was no sign of

Smaug’s existence.

At length Mr. Baggins could bear it no longer. “Confound you, Smaug, you

worm!” he squeaked aloud. “Stop playing hide-and-seek! Give me a light,

and then eat me, if you can catch me!” (Tolkien, 2012: 215).

Smaug the dragon already left behind the Lonely Mountain without the

dwarfs and Bilbo knowledge it. The dwarfs saw that the situation was safety enough,

thus Thorin giave Bilbo the reward as he promised before.

With that he put on Bilbo a small coat of mail, wrought for some young elf-

prince long ago. It was of silver-steel, which the elves call mithril, and with

it went a belt of pearls and crystals. A light helm of figured leather,

strengthened beneath with hoops of steel, and studded about the brim with

white gems, was set upon the hobbit’s head (Tolkien, 2012: 219).

Bilbo got the mail armor and the helm of figured leather, which made from

the steel, from Thorin showed that Bilbo was considered as a real warrior.

The last two evidences show Bilbo’s heroism. First is after event of Smaug

the dragon was defeated by Bard, the line of Girion. The Elvenking and the Lake-

men were coming to them to get some rewards in exchange for the destruction of

the Lake Town because of Smaug the dragon. However, Thorin was blinded by his

belongings as the son of Thrain, the King under the Mountain. Bilbo felt that the


51

war would be happened if he did not do something. Luckily Bilbo had found the

Arkenstone of Thrain while he was inside of the mountain. He kept it without any

of the dwarfs knew about that. As the result, he gave the Arkenstone to the

Elvenking and Bard to prevent the war.

“This is the Arkenstone of Thrain,” said Bilbo, the Heart of the Mountain;

and it is also the heart of Thorin. He values it above a river of gold. I give it

to you. It will aid you in your bargaining.” Then Bilbo, not without a shudder,

not without a glance of longing, handed the marvellous stone to Bard, and he

held it in his hand, as though dazed (Tolkien, 2012: 248).

The citation above shows Bilbo’s determination. He trusts his instinct that his

decision was worth to prevent the war.

“But how is it yours to give?” he asked at last with an effort.

“O well!” said the hobbit uncomfortably. “It isn’t exactly; but, well, I am

willing to let it stand against all my claim, don’t you know. I may be a

burglar—or so they say: personally I never really felt like one—but I am an

honest one, I hope, more or less. Anyway I am going back now, and the

dwarves can do what they like to me. I hope you will find it useful” (Tolkien,

2012: 248).

The way of Bilbo wants to prevent the war made him a true hero. When he

said, “I am willing to let it stand against all my claim” shows his sincerity to make

a conciliation between both parties. The other evidence is when the war happened

because Thorin refused to spare his belongings and it ended with Thorin was being

defeated by the Elvenking and the Lake-men armies.

Bilbo knelt on one knee filled with sorrow. “Farewell, King under the

Mountain!” he said. “This is a bitter adventure, if it must end so; and not a

mountain of gold can amend it.”

“There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West. Some

courage and some wisdom, blended in measure. If more of us valued food and

cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world. But sad or

merry, I must leave it now. Farewell!” (Tolkien, 2012: 262 - 263).


52

The last farewell from Thorin proves that the title of Hero suits Bilbo in any

ways. The sentence “some courage and some wisdom, blended in measure” proves

that Bilbo is qualified to be called as a hero because of his will, courage, and

determination.

Bilbo was only an ordinary hobbit who loved to live in comfort, in the inside

of his hobbit hole. He was naive, stubborn, yet clever. He was easily frightened

because he had never had any adventure. And while he joined the adventure, he

reluctantly joined the adventure. However, the adventure changes him to a new

version of Bilbo Baggins who is brave and useful. Not only merely changes his

personalities, the adventure gains his ability in leadership and heroism.


53

CHAPTER V

CONCLUSION

In the book The Hobbit: Or There and Back Again, Bilbo Baggins is

considered by the neighbourhood as a respectable hobbit. The Baggins’ clans are

known for their wealth and never had any adventure. However, his mom’s clans,

The Tooks, are not as respectable as the Baggins because they are known as the

adventurer. The hobbits are common with their comfortable life, includes Bilbo.

Bilbo is described as a naive, stubborn, easily frightened, yet such a clever

hobbit before he joins the adventure with the dwarfs. At first, when Gandalf offers

him to join the adventure, he insists the offer. He thinks that the adventure is such

a “nasty disturbing uncomfortable thing” (Tolkien, 2012: 6). He does not want to

be a part of the journey at first. However, later he accepts the offer yet reluctantly

join it.

As the adventure begins, Bilbo does not show his willingness to join the

adventure. Therefore, he often wishes to be at home and regrets his decision.

However, as the time goes, as the obstacle comes, he slowly changes into a better

version of himself.

The turning point of Bilbo’s development is when he found the magic ring

during his adventure. He changes from an easily frightened to be a brave hobbit.

The changes make him more useful for the dwarfs. It proves that he is able to fulfil

the quest. Another that, the adventure makes him to become more active as a leader,


54

though he is chosen as the burglar. Not only he gains his ability of leadership, but

also gains trust from the dwarfs. Later, the most important of Bilbo’s development

is when he is considered as a hero. It is not because he can fight, in other hand, he

cannot fight because he is not constructed as a hero. Still, he is considered as a hero

because of his bravery, his determination, his wisdom and his willingness towards

his friends, the dwarfs. These reasons make Bilbo’s change from zero to hero.


55

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