Hello readers! This week I have the pleasure of reading The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. In terms of movies, we're still on movie one (An Unexpected Journey). This is where Tolkien introduces us to Middle Earth, The Shire, and of course, Hobbits. Now, I've never been good at creating a good hook for a story but Tolkien gives us one that is so simplistic there seems to be no other way to introduce this story: "In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit". That's it. No bells or whistles just straight to the point. As Bilbo and the thirteen dwarves (Dwalin, Balin, Kili, Fili, Dori, Nori, Ori, Oin, Gloin, Bifur, Bofur, Bombur, and Thorin) trace their way through Middle Earth, Tolkien sticks to this simplistic style that keeps the reader engaged without being too overwhelming. For example, this scene where Gandalf climbs into a tree: "Gandalf, who was a good deal taller than the others, had found a tree into which they could not climb, a large pine standing at the very edge of the glade. He was quite hidden in its boughs, but you could see his eyes gleaming in the moon as he peeped out", short, sweet, and to the point.
As they travel through the Misty Mountains (which, whenever mentioned, always makes me think of
this) they come across a number of fantastic creatures. First trolls, then stone giants, goblins, and especially Gollum. The scene with Gollum is probably one of the most important scenes in the films and movies. Bilbo and Gollum have a game of riddles to decide whether or not Bilbo gets eaten, which contains an insane amount of imagination. It's also a scene that brings be a lot of joy because in the movie it's 100% faithful to the book. (Click
here to watch)
Overall, I admire Tolkien's ability to write as simplistically as he does while writing as a storyteller. Though I suppose if he was any more detailed the book would be 500 pages instead of 350. I'm looking forward to meeting Smaug and following Bilbo through the crazy world of Middle Earth!
P.S. If anyone is interested in this series FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THINGS GOOD READ THE BOOK FIRST. It will save you much confusion and anger, especially when it comes to the White Orc in the movie. But seriously, do it.
You're a Zeppelin fan? Wow. I like the idea of the simple lead, but isn't there so much to unpack in that simple sentence. What's a Hobbit comes to mind. What kind of crazy hole in the ground? So, also think about how simple might be layered.
ReplyDeleteIsabel- good blog post. I like that you tied the movie to the book and assessed both. You talk about how you like the opening sentence and how he maintains a certain brevity throughout, but you could delve further into what the simplicity provides to the tone of the passages. What does it do to show the nature of his writing style? Is Tolkien such a lexical pragmatist in all of his writing?
ReplyDeleteNonetheless, the example you provided did well to show his continuation of simplicity in writing style.
You also added some links to spice up the post, which definitely show your train of thought well.
My only critique would be to expand on the ideas you talk briefly about. For example, when you discuss the of the Gollum-Bilbo scene, you describe it rather than pointing out the significance that you mention it holds
All in all though, good post--I enjoyed reading it.