Obsession In The Hobbit

Author’s Craft Obsession can lead us to do some ludicrous things. With obsession in us, we can find ourselves in situations far out of our comfort zone. It drives us to focus on one specific item and intermittently, causes our personalities and goals to change. The Hobbit, by J. R. R. Tolkien, is just one case of characters with obsession. The dwarves, elves, goblins, wargs and goblins all show obsession, with the exception of Bilbo Baggins. In The Hobbit, Tolkien uses the treasure, the ring, and the Arkenstone to symbolize the obsession of all peoples, in stark contrast to Bilbo’s lack thereof. Within the plot of The Hobbit, reclaiming the treasure hoard of Smaug is the foremost goal. Throughout the book, we see the trove’s significance to both the characters and the plot. The hoard can be viewed as a symbol of both obsession and greed for all characters in the story. The full intention of the dwarves’ mission is to retrieve what is rightfully theirs. Obsession can first be seen in the dwarves. In song, the dwarves state the hardships they must encounter to reach their goal. “Far over misty mountains cold/ To dungeons deep and caverns

The riches on the Lonely Mountain brought out obsession in dwarves, elves, humans, wargs, and goblins. The ring of power was Gollum's only possession and created a murderous and obsession disposition. "…like silver in the firelight…" is the Arkenstone (231). It is an item that appears to bring much joy and happiness to Thorin, yet only displays his obsession for the stone. The national treasure, ring, and Arkenstone brought to light the Five Armies' true colors. As Thorin Oakenshield once said, "If more of us valued food and song and cheer above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier place" (290). In The Hobbit, Tolkien uses the treasure, the ring, and the Arkenstone to symbolize the obsession of all peoples, in stark contrast to Bilbo’s lack