The Hobbit: an Adventure Between The Lines 

The main characters reflected people who were usually unimposing and are often overlooked. In the book “The Hobbit”, Bilbo was a very simple hobbit who managed to have a successful journey despite his common qualities. He, especially, became a symbol or a role model perhaps of the common people, even children, of being able to do something bigger than yourself that even a petty individual can live up to his full potential.

As a children's classic, The Hobbit used a fantasy world setting with vivid characterization and unusual points of views to attract readers. Tolkien clearly had two different audiences but he wanted to speak to them nevertheless, in ways also different but effective. His first target readers were the young ones. He used a friendly and sociable view in narrating the story to help the kids understand it better and easier. For a traditional classic novel, it was uncommon but it was a remarkable choice. The setting also keeps the children interested. The other audience he wanted to speak to was the older men. Bilbo's background and characteristics relate to them. In the novel, Tolkien also used different means of telling the story. He breaks in different intervals to speak directly to the reader while also just narrating it. The obtrusive narrator is used as a way of making it easier for children to read. It is the 'instrument of emotional sensitivity, moral perception and playfulness'.

The novel also displays Tolkien's take on various circumstances. This is presented on a few scenes in the story that most adults will notice that kids will not. For instance, the vile goblins were depicted as creatures who loved machines and weapons, equating to people who cheer on wars and bloodshed. He also spoke of greed and the complications or consequences of trying to get back something that is lost. Thorin was submerged in the ecstasy of his fine treasure that he forgot the lost lives of so many to regain it back. His gold and jewels drove a lot of people to die, a huge price to pay for a lost treasure. Moreover, Bilbo was in his fifties. Most would think that he has reached his peak and he is way over down the hill, having more incapabilities than abilities. When Bilbo broke that stigma, it spoke to a lot of adults who thought they were past their time. At the end of the novel, Tolkien gave distinct messages to both audiences; young and old. He said that anyone can be in a position of respect and leadership, even though how unimportant they may seem. 

Overall, the children liked the novel as it gives inspiration to them that even a small person, such as Bilbo Baggins, can do bigger things. Tolkien affirmed that everyone is capable of exceeding his or her expectations. It is just a matter of taking that leap for an adventure.