Keywords
The Hobbit, J. R. R. Tolkien, literature, fantasy, film, psychology, psychoanalysis, development, Erik Erikson
Abstract
In The Hobbit, J. R. R. Tolkien constructs middle-aged Bilbo Baggins as a sheltered and emotionally immature ‘child’ during the opening chapters before tracing his development into an autonomous, self-aware adult as the tale progresses. This article examines Tolkien’s novel qua bildungsroman through both a literary lens—considering setting, dialogue, and symbolism, among other techniques—and via a psychological framework, emphasizing an Eriksonian conception of development. Additionally, Peter Jackson’s three-part film adaptation of The Hobbit is discussed throughout with ways that Jackson succeeds and fails at portraying Bilbo’s childlike attributes noted. I argue that Tolkien presents a sophisticated account of Bilbo’s childish persona growing into a mature adult worldview, and that Jackson appropriately reflects much, though not all, of this development in his films.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Collins, Rory W.
(2020)
"Wombs, Wizards, and Wisdom: Bilbo's Journey from Childhood in The Hobbit,"
Crossing Borders: A Multidisciplinary Journal of Undergraduate Scholarship:
Vol. 4:
Iss.
1.
https://doi.org/10.4148/2373-0978.1073
Included in
Children's and Young Adult Literature Commons, Developmental Psychology Commons, Literature in English, British Isles Commons, Other Film and Media Studies Commons, Other Psychology Commons
