1. Characterization:
* Round Characters: Bilbo Baggins undergoes significant character development, transforming from a timid hobbit to a brave and resourceful adventurer. Gandalf, Thorin Oakenshield, and Gollum also exhibit depth and complexity.
* Flat Characters: Some characters like the trolls and goblins serve as obstacles and antagonists, lacking extensive development.
2. Imagery and Symbolism:
* Descriptive Language: Tolkien uses vivid descriptions to create a rich and immersive world, like the "moonlight on the river" or the "dark depths of the forest."
* Symbolism: The One Ring, the map, and the riddle game all hold symbolic meanings. The ring represents temptation and power, the map represents hope and guidance, and the riddles represent wit and wisdom.
3. Plot Structure:
* Classic Hero's Journey: Bilbo's journey follows the classic hero's journey archetype, including the call to adventure, trials, and a return with a transformative experience.
* Rising Action and Climax: The story builds towards a climax with the battle of five armies, where all the conflicts culminate.
* Deus Ex Machina: Gandalf's timely arrival at key moments, like during the battle, could be considered deus ex machina.
4. Theme:
* Courage and Resilience: Bilbo's journey highlights the importance of facing fears and overcoming challenges.
* Home and Belonging: The story explores the themes of home, belonging, and the search for one's place in the world.
* Greed and Selfishness: The conflict between the dwarves and Smaug explores the dangers of greed and the importance of selflessness.
5. Narrative Techniques:
* First-Person Narration: The story is told from Bilbo's perspective, offering a personal and intimate viewpoint.
* Foreshadowing: Tolkien subtly hints at future events, like the appearance of Gollum or the ominous descriptions of Smaug's lair.
* Flashback: The story occasionally uses flashbacks to reveal past events and provide context.
6. Other Devices:
* Alliteration: Tolkien often uses alliteration for emphasis and memorability, such as "Bilbo Baggins" or "Thorin's treasure."
* Personification: He gives human-like qualities to inanimate objects, like the "talking sword" or the "singing river."
* Metaphor: He uses metaphors to create vivid imagery, like "the forest was a dark sea" or "the dragon was a mountain of fire."
These are just some examples of the literary devices used in The Hobbit. Tolkien masterfully weaves them together to create a captivating and enduring story.