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Week6: The Hobbit 6 pt

10/16/2020


I read The Hobbit for this week's reading. I have seen the movie version before, but never finished it. This is a great opportunity to finish the story. It’s funny that, when I finished the reading, the first thing that came to mind was, “What would I do if 13 strangers burst into my house to eat and drink, and the next day left a note saying I must go on an adventure with them?” Obviously I have a good life, a comfortable cave, and I have two breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners every day. Under this circumstance, an adventure is not something I have to do in my life. But the more carefree I was, the more likely I will be like Bilbo Baggins, catching up with the dwarves and going on the journey that might make me want to go back home in the first place.


I almost feel like the story is a fairy tale of children. The story has elements of the dwarves, elves, orcs, troll and dragons, and when I look at the adventure in the words, I can visualize what they might look like, the attitude when they talk, the voice and the gestures. This makes me feel gradually younger.


The mature part of me was thinking and worrying about Bilbo and his situation. At the same time, I looked at his experience as a metaphor for real life. He has been dragged on by his teammates,  and has to become responsible. On the other hand, he gets the confidence,  strength, and courage. Of course, at the end, things will pass. Money and rewards won't matter that much, but the valuable lessons will be learned, like a ring that helps at the moment but binds you in the future.


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