Have you ever noticed the continuous recurring theme in your favourite movies and books? That is called the hero’s journey. Bilbo Baggins, a supposedly unadventurous hobbit is requested to go on a difficult journey with a group of dwarves by none other than Gandalf, the well-known wizard himself. Ishmael Beah, a young, happy boy goes out with his friends without saying goodbye, not knowing it may be his last time to see them. While with his friends, his town gets attacked by the rebels and his whole world turns upside down. Both authors portray the hero’s journey, but there are some similarities and more differences in their techniques.
The first step in any hero’s journey is the call to adventure, and Bilbo’s and Ishmael’s were significantly different. Bilbo Baggins’ call to adventure was a calm greeting between himself and Gandalf, the great wizard. Bilbo was sitting on his porch in the Shire, having a peaceful time when Gandalf started to walk by. He then started a conversation starting with a simple “good morning” and ending with Gandalf scheduling a time for tea with Bilbo. Consequently, Bilbo’s on an adventure with a wizard that twelve dwarves. Ishmael Beah’s call to adventure was a violent, sad encounter with all his friends to witness. Ishmael was going to Mattru Jong, just a walks distance, to visit his friends to work on their talent show performance. While with his group of friends, Mattru Jong citizens get word on the rebels attack at Mogbwemo, Ishmael’s