Sunday, April 9, 2017

Bilbo and Harry: The Chosen Ones

Although the books came out almost sixty years apart, two of the most famous authors, J.R.R. Tolkien and J.K. Rowling, present several similarities within their main characters, Bilbo Baggins and Harry Potter. The message that is being conveyed through The Hobbit and the Harry Potter series is that bravery is often a quality that is possessed by the most unsuspecting of individuals; it is often present within a person without the person knowing it. Throughout these books, the main characters go through a series of tests and adventures that develop their characters and help them grow into heroic figures. Within The Hobbit, Bilbo starts off as a lazy and unadventurous Hobbit who goes on to defeat trolls, goblins, and the great Smaug. Within the Harry Potter series, Harry starts off as a child who is unaware of his magical powers and his abilities, but over the course of his seven years at Hogwarts, he develops into a courageous man who faces many enemies and fights to protect the people.

During the beginning of their quests, both characters present nervousness and lack confidence in their ability to complete their tasks. In the first book, Harry worries that he will not be chosen by the sorting hat to be in any house because he is not worthy enough.  Later, he continues to believe that he will not be able to live up to the expectations of others. Harry questions his role as “The Chosen One” and his ability to defeat Voldemort. Bilbo also presents signs of nervousness when the dwarves and Gandalf recruit him for the adventure because he has never taken part in anything adventurous or dangerous. However, he is chosen to partake in the dwarves’ quest even though he does not want to be. He is unaware how the others expect him to contribute, but he is worried that he will not be able to fulfill his task and their expectations.

Harry and Bilbo both also become owners of magical devices of invisibility: Bilbo possesses the ring while Harry possesses the cloak of invisibility. The possession of these items provide Harry and Bilbo with more confidence, allowing them to perform tasks that they would not normally take part in. Both of the characters use these invisibility devices for either survival or helping others. In Harry Potter, Harry uses his cloak to sneak Norbert, the dragon, into the tower after hours in order to save the dragon’s life. In The Hobbit, Bilbo uses the ring in order to save his friends from danger when they are attacked by the spiders and when they are captured by the elves. The use of these magical devices allows both Harry and Bilbo to embrace their roles and develop into more heroic characters.



Both of the books also have wizards that serve as mentors for the heroes. In The Hobbit, Gandalf accompanies Bilbo and the dwarves through the first part of their journey. Along the way, he guides Bilbo and helps him understand his role in the quest. In Harry Potter, Dumbledore serves as the mentor for Harry and he helps Harry understand the death of his parents, improve his magical skills, and confront his enemies. Both Gandalf and Dumbledore further the plots of the books by answering the questions presented by Bilbo and Harry throughout their journey. The wizards prepare the heroes on being successful in meeting the challenges that lie ahead in their quests.  



In conclusion, Harry and Bilbo are heroes that developed over time. They grew into their heroic nature as they gained confidence in their abilities and an understanding of their purpose.

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