Apologia

APOLOGIA

Dylan Woodley
October 2nd, 2011
Mrs. McConkey
ENG3UE

The Hobbit is a classic novel, but what does that mean? A classic novel is universally enjoyed and is relatable by all. That's not to say that it is a generic piece of text that everyone says, "Yeah, I feel ya, man," to, not unlike an American Top 40 pop song who's foundations are rooted in a metaphor concocted by a mediocre lyricist. It must also stand the test of time, and be enjoyed by multiple generations. Furthermore, the most powerful classic novels make an impact on society in some way. In Tolkien's case, he redefined an entire genre and inspired countless authours.

The Hobbit practically rewrote the fantasy/adventure genre, which is profoundly evident in modern literature. One of the most common themes among today's stories is the "there and back again" motif, a theme that was publicized by The Hobbit. Bilbo's journey from a small underground hut to soaring mountains filled with trolls and elves and dwarves and dragons, back to the humble abode has inspired many an authour, and simply by glancing at fantasy novels written after The Hobbit, it's clear that Tolkien's writing has been world changing. The inspiration might not be direct in every case, but the motif has become so overwhelming that those wishing to write a fantasy adventure novel can't help but draw some themes from The Hobbit.

Another important element of a novel in order for it to be considered classic is for it to revolve around a universal theme that everyone can at the very least relate to. Because of this necessity, novels that are written for a niche audience cannot become classics, as only a select portion of society can adequately connect to what the authour is trying to say. Tolkien did not write for a niche audience, however. Although his stories originated from tales he told to his children before bed, they include themes that are universally appealing. The most pronounced theme in The Hobbit is the underlying greed that motivates the characters on their adventure. Living in a capitalistic world, it was easy for me to personally connect to the theme of this novel, as I'm sure it is for many other readers. This personal connection was fundamental for my enjoyment of the novel, as it creates characters that are believable and realistic.

This leads me into my third point. The characters that Tolkien created for his novel are lifelike; so lifelike, in fact, that one could believe they exist if it weren't for the fact that they are fictional creatures. The obvious greed that motivates the dwarves is symbolic of how society functions, and because of this, we as an audience can develop connections between the real world and the fictional one that was invented by the authour. This bond is what creates the sense of reality within the written piece. The Hobbit can almost come across as Tolkien's viewpoint on the world he lived in at the time, mixed with fantasy elements to tell a story. Thus, the personalities and lessons that are evident within the characters have an effect on the audience, as it subtly teaches us of the dangers of personal sovereignty and the repercussions of the injustice we impose upon others.

Finally, in order for a novel to be considered classic, it must leave an impression on the reader. A classic novel does not go unnoticed after being completed, instead, the reader ponders the meaning behind the story and the lessons that can be learned from the novel. "Now a novel is not a sermon, and one of the worst sins of a novelist is to become a preacher" (Authour of an essay that the class received some time ago, 9). The Hobbit isn't a textbook of morals and human dignity, but it does contain features and passages that symbolize teachings we can receive by reading the novel. Bilbo's entire journey can teach us the value in taking the first step in a journey, as it can seem like the most difficult one. He was comfortable with the world he was living in, as many of us probably are, but by going on the adventure with the strange wizard at his doorstep he was able to reach far greater heights than he ever could have dreamed of. One probably does not expect to help slay a dragon because Bilbo did, but the concept of taking that first step can be inspiring.

In conclusion, The Hobbit is a classic novel, not only because it has been read by so many people over the course of nearly a century, but also because it has made a significant impact on individual readers, as well as the literary world. Tolkien paved the way for his The Lord of the Rings saga with this classic masterpiece, and set a standard for the fantasy and adventure genres.

I apologiaze if I did not do this assignment properly.