* They have human-like characteristics: The spiders are given names (like Shelob and her kin) and are capable of complex emotions like fear, anger, and even sadness. They have distinct personalities, with Shelob being particularly cruel and cunning, while the other spiders are more easily manipulated.
* They are described as having a culture and social hierarchy: We see that the spiders live in a large, organized society with a queen (Shelob). They have a complex system of capturing and storing their prey, and they communicate with each other through a system of chirps and taps.
* They are given human-like motivations: The spiders are driven by hunger and a desire to protect their territory. Shelob, in particular, is driven by a lust for power and a need to control her surroundings.
However, it's important to remember that the spiders in *The Hobbit* are still primarily presented as monstrous creatures. Their human-like qualities are exaggerated to create a sense of fear and unease, but they ultimately remain terrifying beings.
Here are some specific examples of their personification:
* Shelob's dialogue: While Shelob mostly speaks in hissing and clicking sounds, she does use words and engages in conversation with Bilbo.
* Shelob's emotions: Shelob is described as feeling anger, frustration, and ultimately, a kind of sorrow when she fails to capture Bilbo.
* The spider's social interactions: The spiders are seen working together to hunt and store their prey. They also communicate through chirps and taps, indicating a level of social organization.
Ultimately, the personification of the spiders in *The Hobbit* serves to create a sense of unease and danger. It reminds us that even the seemingly monstrous can possess a level of intelligence and complexity, adding a layer of horror to their presence in the story.