The Importance of Hobbits: An Assessment of the Function and Flexibility in J. R. R.

The objective with this thesis is to discuss and establish the narrative flexibility of J. R. R. Tolkien’s hobbits. I claim that Tolkien built an inherent flexibility in his hobbit creation in order to allow him to use them in a variety of ways, thus granting them greater potential in function unlike many of his other characters. The hobbits Tolkien created are unique in his own mythology, as they were created first in name, then in function. By examining the creative process and the functions they were assigned throughout said process one might be able to better understand the way in which the hobbits work within the narrative at large. By using different interpretations of the hobbits combined with Tolkien’s books and manuscripts one might better illustrate the layer of potential found in the very simple creation of Tolkien. These figures were made to blend into a narrative and compliment it, while also being able to temper it whenever the author needed. Thus a unique yet ordinary set of figures were paramount for the protagonist-roles to allow Tolkien to present the altered fantasy within The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings