Title: The Role of Greed in Driving the Plot Forward in "The Hobbit"
Introduction:
J.R.R. Tolkien's novel, "The Hobbit," is a captivating tale filled with adventure and fantasy. At the heart of the story lies the theme of greed, which plays a significant role in driving the plot forward. Through the actions and motivations of various characters, Tolkien explores the consequences of greed and its impact on the narrative. This essay will analyze how greed influences the plot by examining two key instances from the book, supported by relevant quotes and page numbers, while also highlighting the effective use of language features.
Body:
1. The Acquisition of the Arkenstone:
One notable example of how greed propels the plot forward is the acquisition
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and he was named the Dragon-slayer for the rest of his days. But I have said enough about dragons. I do not like them. They are greedy, there is no doubt about it; but they are not foolish enough to live alone and offend honest folk" (Tolkien, 1994, p. 299).
In this quote, Bard, who slays the dragon Smaug, displays a different attitude towards wealth. While he receives a substantial reward, he uses the gold to benefit his people rather than hoarding it. Tolkien uses the contrast between Bard and Thorin to emphasize the negative consequences of greed.
Language Features:
- Metaphor: The dragons are described as greedy, symbolizing the destructive nature of excessive desire for
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Battle was blown on the heights. A trumpet was sounded, too, and even distant echoes of it were heard in the hills... Out of the blackness in the cave came a deep, slow, immensely strong, sliding, creaking, a huge chest of iron" (Tolkien, 1994, p. 333).
This extract depicts the chaotic nature of the battle that unfolds due to the greed-driven conflicts between different factions. Tolkien uses vivid language to create a sense of urgency and danger, conveying the destructive consequences of uncontrolled desire.
Language Features:
- Imagery: The use of vivid sensory details, such as the terrible outcry, arrows, and the description of the chest of iron, intensifies the impact of the battle and the destructive nature of greed.
- Onomatopoeia: The word "creaking" evokes the eerie and unsettling atmosphere surrounding the arrival of the iron chest, heightening the tension.
Conclusion:
In "The Hobbit," greed is a driving force that shapes the plot, leading to conflict, tension, and ultimately, the climax of the story. Through the characters' actions and motivations, J.R.R. Tolkien explores the negative consequences of greed. The acquisition of the Arkenstone and the Battle of the Five Armies exemplify how unchecked desire for wealth can lead to