The Manifestation of Greed in J.r.r. Tolkien's "The Hobbit"

Introduction

J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" is a richly woven tapestry of adventure, courage, and moral lessons. One of the central themes that run through the narrative is greed and its various manifestations. The characters in the novel, from the dwarves to the dragon Smaug, all exhibit forms of greed that drive the plot and shape their fates. This essay aims to examine the different instances of greed in "The Hobbit," illustrating how this vice impacts the characters and the overall storyline.

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Thorin Oakenshield's Greed

Thorin Oakenshield, the leader of the Company of Dwarves, embodies a complex form of greed that ultimately leads to his downfall. Thorin's obsession with reclaiming the Lonely Mountain and the immense treasure hoarded there becomes his primary motivation. While his initial quest is driven by a desire to restore his people's lost kingdom, his intentions become increasingly corrupted as he gets closer to the treasure. This is most evident when he refuses to share the wealth with the people of Lake-town, despite their dire need and the support they provided in his journey. Thorin's greed transforms into a dragon-sickness, a term Tolkien uses to describe a destructive obsession with wealth. This greed causes strife among his allies and nearly leads to a catastrophic war, ultimately resulting in Thorin's tragic death.

Smaug's Insatiable Appetite

Smaug, the dragon who occupies the Lonely Mountain, represents the ultimate embodiment of greed. His hoarding of the vast treasure trove within the mountain is driven by an insatiable desire to possess and guard wealth. Smaug's greed is not just a character trait but a defining aspect of his existence. His actions are motivated solely by the need to accumulate and protect his hoard, to the extent that he obliterates entire towns and civilizations without remorse. Smaug's greed isolates him, making him a solitary and paranoid creature, constantly fearful of losing his treasure. This intense greed ultimately leads to his downfall, as his obsession blinds him to the vulnerabilities that Bilbo Baggins exploits, resulting in his death at the hands of Bard the Bowman.

Bilbo Baggins and the Arkenstone

Bilbo Baggins, the titular hobbit, also encounters greed, though his reaction to it is more nuanced. The Arkenstone, a gem of immense beauty and value, symbolizes the peak of the Lonely Mountain's treasure. Bilbo's discovery of the Arkenstone presents him with a moral dilemma. Unlike Thorin and Smaug, Bilbo does not succumb to greed. Instead, he recognizes the Arkenstone's potential as a bargaining chip to broker peace. Bilbo's decision to secretly take the Arkenstone and later offer it to Bard and the Elvenking demonstrates his resistance to greed and his commitment to the greater good. This act of selflessness sets him apart from the other characters and showcases his growth as a character who values harmony over wealth.

The Master of Lake-town

The Master of Lake-town is another character whose actions are driven by greed. Unlike the noble Thorin or the monstrous Smaug, the Master's greed is more mundane but equally destructive. He prioritizes his own wealth and power over the well-being of his people, exploiting their labor and resources for personal gain. His greed is evident when he diverts the treasure given to Lake-town for his enrichment, fleeing with it instead of using it to rebuild the town. The Master's greed leads to his eventual demise, as he dies alone and destitute, abandoned by those he once ruled.

Conclusion

Tolkien's "The Hobbit" serves as a powerful exploration of the theme of greed and its consequences. Through characters like Thorin Oakenshield, Smaug, Bilbo Baggins, and the Master of Lake-town, the narrative illustrates how greed can corrupt, isolate, and ultimately destroy individuals. However, it also offers a glimmer of hope in characters like Bilbo, who demonstrate that resistance to greed and selflessness can lead to positive outcomes. By examining these examples, readers gain a deeper understanding of the moral complexities within Tolkien's world and the timeless lessons about the dangers of unchecked avarice.