Apologia

Owen Marshall
Mrs. McConkey
ENG3UE
5 December 2011

Why the Hobbit is a Classic Novel

          A classic novel is a literary work that must be, in it's very essence, timeless. Its theme should be universally accepted, something that readers from any generation can relate with, or in the very least respect and accept. It should be written in such a style that is distinct and unique to the author. By these standards, J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit is most definitely a classic.

          The Hobbit has already proven it can withstand the test of time. For the past 70 years it has stood as a foundation for most modern fantasy; an accomplishment that can be boasted by Tolkien alone. In fact it is near impossible today to find a fantasy novel today that hasn't been inspired by The Hobbit or Tolkien's other works. "The most original and varied creation ever seen in the genre, and certainly the most self-consistent; yet it is tied up with and bridged to reality like no other fantasy . . . Tolkien has made his world a prodigious, and, so far as I can judge, unshakable construct of the imagination." (Douglass Parker) With The Hobbit, Tolkien was able to spark a fire which has erupted into what we now see to be an entire genre. 

          One of the reasons that The Hobbit is still so widely accepted as a classic, is simply because it takes place in a fantasy setting. This allows readers of any generation to enter into a new world with elements both alien as well as familiar. With The Hobbit, this concept is utilized to the fullest extent. The Realm of Middle Earth has been created to mirror the essential elements of human society, but places them a midst an impossibly magnificent world. This essentially allows the setting of the book to never be truly outdated as it will be constantly viewed as unique and wonderful no matter what generation the reader comes from. This feeling of wonder and awe is perfectly captured in a statement by Gandalf at the end of the novel "Mr, Baggins, and I am very fond of you; but you are only quite a little fellow in a wide world after all!" (Tolkien 285) 

         Another important aspect of a classic novel is the accessibility of it's themes; an aspect that The Hobbit definitely meets the criteria for. In the story there is a large focus on greed. This theme has been found in humanity for as long as history can record, and in more than just literature. Even today greed can be found in our society, from modern novels to the very nature of our capitalist government. It is so common because these qualities are woven into the very fabric of human nature. This means it is as relevant now as it was seventy years ago and it will more than likely still be around for at least another seventy years.

          Lastly, to finalize this assessment of The Hobbit, Tolkien's writing abilities must be taken into consideration. His ability to create a mental image through text is truly astounding. Coupled with a comfortable and friendly tone, he conveys this story in such a way that the reader can almost feel as if they are there in the midst of it. A similar style is also achieved in the way the characters have been created. For the most part they seem to follow the general archetypes of the hero and the mentor and such, but they also each have very unique elements to them as well. Part of that comes with the fact that many of them are not human, which helps add a bit of quirkiness into their mannerisms and attitudes. Yet as different from us as they are, Tolkien still given them all a distinctly human element that anyone can connect with.

          After reading this, I'm sure you will agree that The Hobbit has definitely earned its title of a classic novel. It's themes still remain applicable to our lives and its characters and setting can still capture the interest of readers both of all generations. It has survived and thrived for the past seventy years and it is showing no signs of going anywhere.