Literary Review of Heroism as The Main Theme in World-known Books

In both Lewis Carroll and J.R.R.Tolkien’s novels, their respective protagonists display fretful attitudes towards the trials that they must face, and when they undergo personal journeys in the face of evil, they result in being unlikely heroes. Alice has various elements that would display to the reader that she does not correspond to the general idea of a ‘hero’ as, contextually, women are most likely to be seen as the weaker sex. Women are seen as the weaker sex through social-historical elements, as men are seen to take the ‘provider’ role, and women express more reproductive and caring qualities. In addition to this, Alice undergoes development into adulthood, as she is currently a child in a fantasy world. Similarly, Bilbo does not uphold the expected heroic qualities that reoccur in novels: he is happy in the comfort of his own home and does not wish to leave. Generally, heroic conduct can be defined as the characteristics of a hero or heroine - admirably brave or determined, therefore displaying how significant and unlikely the two protagonists are to the plot of the novels.

Both Alice and Bilbo fall into an unexpected jeopardy without intending to, which shows either their reluctance towards adventure, or their oblivious nature to the trials which await them on their journeys. At the beginning of ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘Alice in Wonderland’, both protagonists realise the dangers which lie ahead of them but they are not able to comprehend the trials they face as everything is new to them. Alice’s desire for her pursuit of knowledge sees her eagerly follow the Rabbit, presenting her yearning need for understanding and clarity to the questions which surround her. When she plunges into the rabbit hole, it is a representation of her falling into a deep sleep or trance. Psychoanalytically, in relation to Alice’s personal development, it could suggest an inner conflict amongst three fundamental structures of the human mind: the id, ego, and superego. The representation of her cascading into a trance displays an internal battle between herself and her adulting mind, this experience is what she holds no control over. This could be something readers sympathise, therefore leading them to feel affection for the character, which is why she starts becoming a hero through their eyes. Alice states: ‘how brave they’ll all think of me at home.’ Carroll may have expressed her undying wishes to impress people as a way of self reflection. The adjective ‘brave’ suggests that she wants to demonstrate a courageous and valiant side to herself, to express that she, as a female protagonist, can be as heroic as any male could. Alice continually tries to use her chain of logic, from her knowledge of the real world, to understand this unfamiliar environment. However, she will go mad with contradiction unless she learns to accept the idea of nonsense.

Alice's personal growth and identity are pivotal to the plot, it develops her heroism, as she is maturing and learning to cope with the changes around her. Her identity is being discovered through the novel as even in the first few words of the second chapter Carroll writes, ‘Curiouser and curiouser! Cried Alice,’ repetition reveals how she is questioning herself and having to accept the transition she is experiencing. The verb at the beginning of the novel states how Alice ‘cried’ which foreshadows to later in the passage when she is in the sea of her tears. This symbolism displays to the reader how she fears the element of adulting, as she is ‘drowning’. An interpretation of the novel links to the self-development of Alice, from her bravery, to even her development into adulthood as her character is growing through her adventure, literally, and psychologically. She grows through eating and drinking, which could be symbolic of personal growth and development as Caroll uses the lessons from the real world in the fantasy that is Wonderland. Alice is an interesting case for feminist critics, as although written by a male during the Victorian Era, the novel’s strong female heroine is a spectacle for feminist criticism in the way that Alice, being an unlikely hero, is a rebel breaking out of the traditional female gender roles, which encompasses how Carroll breaks stereotypes. Alice faces continuing stereotypes and mistreatment. A feminist critique may see Alice’s curiosity, assertiveness, and activity as distinctively not ‘Victorian’ traits, which make her an ideal role model for our society and an important example of a subversive woman. This criticism displays a reality where women expect the extraordinary, work out their own problems, author their own tales, and speak their minds. In my interpretation, I see the sea of tears to be a form of punishment for the protagonist as she has given in to her emotions as if she is drowning in her sorrows. Alice has the confidence and willingness in the face of evil yet is not adulted and must learn through her trials.

Bilbo’s significance as a heroic character in the juvenile fantasy, is shown through how does not feel h has the sufficient qualities needed for the trials ahead of him, but proves to be sufficient for the job of a burglar. Bilbo Baggins displays his heroic side throughout the novel, as he dramatically challenges his primitive personality foretold at the beginning. “If I say he is a Burglar, a Burglar he is or will be when the time comes. There is a lot more in him than you guess, and a deal more than he has any idea of himself. You may (possibly) all live to thank me yet.” Is one of the most significant and foreshadowing quotes throughout the novel of The Hobbit. This is due to the fact it proclaimed that Bilbo has undiscovered qualities, that he must prove he has through the adventure. The effect this has on the reader is that it makes them aware that Bilco is of value to the alliance, as Gandalf is wise and sees potential in him. The speech is important both because it foreshadows Bilbo’s transformation into a hero and it illustrates Gandalf’s habit of insisting that his own authority is taken as definitive proof. From this point forward, the direction of the novel essentially involves Bilbo’s discovery of the “lot more in him” that even he does not yet know. In The Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins is portrayed as not having the qualities to face the trials ahead of him as he is just a ‘a hobbit’ who lives in a ‘hole’. Bilbo becomes an unlikely hero, generally, a hero can be any person that saves lives, but a hero can be anyone that does something they have fear of, but out of bravery do it. Bravery is usually the biggest trait of a hero and Bilbo has a hard time accepting this. A brave individual has usually overcome huge obstacles to rescue others or survive. In the first chapter of The Hobbit, it declares how ‘Baggins had an adventure, and found himself doing and saying things altogether unexpected’. This creates a tone of development throughout the book. Further on in the text, Bilbo Baggins declares how, “Getting rid of dragons is not at all in my line, but I will do my best to think about it. Personally, I have no hopes at all, and wish I was safe back at home.” This is a sign of regret and disbelief in one's abilities, which once again shows his unlikely heroism in this novel, this may lead the reader to feel sympathy for the individual as he struggles to get past this hurdle. The character of Bilbo has seen insight into the danger that is ahead of him and no longer wishes to continue. The individual odyssey, both Alice and Bilbo face, establishes and invents their dauntlessness. Equivalently, to the journey that both protagonists face, is similar to the 10-year struggle to return home after the Trojan War, in Homer's epic of Odysseus'. The Odysseus battles mythical creatures and faces the wrath of the gods. His wife Penelope and his son Telemachus, protect Ithaca's throne long enough for Odysseus to return and avert off suitors vying for Penelope's hand.

Alice tries to apply her knowledge to this advanced and inexplicable place, which leads her to confusion when she understands the strange place, more than the other characters. For example in chapter three, when Alice comes across the ‘Mouse’s tail’ she is unable to initiate any expectations and understand the patterns of behaviours in this Wonderland. In addition to this, when Alice literally outgrows the house, it is symbolic as it is showing her body’s unquestionable desire to excel the boundaries of her limited existence. Alice does not accept this role within wonderland, yet acts upon it, she deviates the course that is laid out for her when she displays her unlikely heroic qualities or bravery and intuition. Carroll may have used the outgrowing of the house, to be symbolism of her personal growth into adulthood, in the face of evil, and peculiar experiences. Similarly to The Hobbit and the naming of the sword, it is symbolism of not just physical growth but the discovery of the individual's personal traits, for Bilbo his new found bravery, and for Alice her amplification into the adult world. Through further exploring of the Wonderland, Alice uncovers the garden. In this instance, Alice comes to the conclusion that the garden will not enlighten her view much further. The garden has certain practises and rules in it that are bothersome and distinct as the other areas of land she has gone to. The garden incorporates a maze in it, this symbolises Alice complex search for personal discovery. I believe Carroll did this to display how complex life itself is, as overall the garden is not a very pleasant and easily accessible place. As the maze has trials for Alice to overcome, and the garden is just another artificially constructed illusion for her, it further becomes another source of anxiety for her as well as a place of fear, as the queen wishes for her death various times. The garden proves to be as frustrating as everywhere else Alice has discovered and provides Alice with further lessons in life, for example, the painting of the roses is a form of symbolism Carroll has used to yet again, teach Alice. This shows deceit in Wonderland. The flower itself is a common expression of new beginnings, hope and promise, but is contrasted by thorns as they can be a symbolism of loss, defence and thoughtlessness. The colouring of the rose from white to red, suggests that her purity and innocence is forming into an expression of more adult emotions, like passion, sexual desires etc. These symbolisms may have been made by Carroll to suggest that Alice is growing into the adult world, there may be hardships and trials that she has to face, but the beauty of the rose, life, still remains, no matter what the colour. Roses are armed with thorns, which similarly to the Hobbit will sting if touched. The use of a weapon and a flower that’s representative of femininity is a symbol of convention within respective sexes, both items can essentially ‘sting’ and harm them.

The unlikely heroism in chapter eight of the Hobbit is the time in which Bilbo defeats the spiders and saves his fellow adventurers, leads the reader to understand why the novel is significant to literature, as it is an act of unlikely heroism. It explains how ‘He felt a different person and much fiercer and bolder’ Bilbo overshadows Thorin in this instance as a leader and establishes himself to have more heroic qualities. In addition to this, from this point forward, Bilbo is now seen to show the reader to act in the best way for his fellowship and not just for his best interest, as well as showing his initiative and resourcefulness. In this section of the chapter, Bilbo names his short sword, this is extremely significant and symbolic. In ancient epic literature, the naming of a sword shows marks of an individual's reputation and expertise. ‘“I will give you a name,” he said to it, “and I shall call you Sting”’ The naming of the sword can have various interpretations. Bilbo's naming of his sword as the noun ‘Sting’ essentially lays out the idea that he is claiming his mantle of heroism in this situation, as he has saved his companions and slain the spiders. The name sting would mean to wound or pierce (penetrate or hurt) something. This completely contrasts Bilbo's portrayal in the first chapters of the book as he is seen to just be a hobbit that lives in a hole, makes guests food and has no fierce qualities about them. The noun sting also links to the spiders’ sting, so it is ironic that Bilbo chooses to name his weapon after something that was used against him. This could possibly psychologically affect Bilbo, as he is facing a new identity, he is coming to terms with the fact he has to go face his deepest fears and insecurities, which is making him have internal doubts about his capabilities. However, for the protagonist it is not bravery all the way through from this part of his venture, doubts still resonate with the character as he faces more trials in his path. In chapter nine Bilbo is struggling to obtain a plan to get his company to escape the Elves. The doubts arise in his mind through the use of a simile, as he starts to proclaim how he is ‘like a burglar that cannot get away’ and that he wishes he ‘was back in my hobbit-hole by my own warm fireside with the lamp shining!’ Saying that he is bad at the job he was assigned suggests an external struggle of escape from something that is of a harder capacity than he is used to, he has to use his wit and intuition to devise a way out, yet reflects on the comforts of home. The noun burglar describes an individual who is executing theft. Bilbo is defining himself as such a thing as he is amounting to something he doesn't wish to be, yet seeks the heroic qualities he develops. He has internal doubt about the quest he is embarking, and the use of the noun ‘burglar’ shows that as a result or an influence Bilbo is becoming a cause of the effect. Furthermore, the use of the phrase ‘like a burglar that cannot get away’ emphasises the constraint Bilbo endures, as a burglar that cannot escape is simply not a competent burglar. The idea that Bilbo believes he cannot break free from confinement or control suggests to the reader he is battling his internal voice.

In conclusion, the display of bravery and heroism throughout the two texts varies when the protagonists are faced with the trails of raw unforeseen adventures. By displaying the vulnerability of their protagonists early on, both Carroll and Tolkien enable the audience to form an attachment to their respective characters. The trials and unforeseen circumstances which the characters face in their respective journeys, enable the audience's attachment to grow and have lasting effect. The authors both evoke emotion in the readers through how they are exposed to susceptibility, which has led both novels to have prestigious significance in literature. Alice In Wonderland has inspired various texts like Automated Alice and Splintered. Both are influential even now, as they are brilliant pieces of literature, that are still being studied to this day.